MJ Johnston

MJ Johnston – Editor

Fiction editor at top trade publisher with 8 years of experience editing debuts and bestsellers across genres - collaborative and kind!

Overview

Over eight years ago I joined publishing as the adult fiction and nonfiction Editorial Assistant at Sourcebooks, working behind the scenes on projects across our expansive lists. I loved it so much, I've stayed aboard, building my own list of wonderful authors working in suspense, historical fiction, women's fiction, commercial book club fiction, and more. I'm now the Editor for fiction at Sourcebooks and have had the joy of helping develop high-selling titles for our imprints. Books are my thing and I love them so!


There's nothing better than working with authors, and I've had some incredible experiences with some notable names! Working on The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by New York Times bestselling author Kim Michele Richardson (USA Today bestseller, Indie Next Pick, Okra Pick, and more!) and partnering on high-level developmental edits with her has been one of the many highs of my career. Dark Things I Adore by Katie Lattari, Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson, Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly, Girls With Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman are some other notable titles that I've had my hand in, earning multiple starred trade reviews, amazing media placements, great reader reviews, and more!


My approach to edits is very collaborative. I use my industry knowledge and years of experience to ensure my edits are clear, helpful, and in line with the category. I keep the reader in mind every step of the way, ensuring plot holes get closed, characters get fine-tuned, and pacing is kept taut. Overall my goal is to work alongside you and your story to help develop the most immersive read possible.


Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romantic Comedy Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Sourcebooks

Sep, 2021 — Present

Acquire titles across categories with a focus on fiction and execute high-level developmental edits with a meticulous eye for craft, plot, and character, earning multiple starred reviews and engineering positive reader response with a high average Goodreads rating.

Sourcebooks

Aug, 2019 — Present

Sourcebooks

Mar, 2018 — Aug, 2019 (over 1 year)

Sourcebooks

Feb, 2016 — Mar, 2018 (about 2 years)

MJ has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Sarah M.

Sarah M.

Nov, 2024

MJ was able to give me a detailed developmental edit of my manuscript. I am extremely grateful for her invaluable help. She is insightful and understands what is needed in a novel to make the story coherent, entertaining and flow properly for the reader. I highly recommend her services because her insight will lead you to break open your manuscript and get it to the next level.
larry C.

larry C.

Jul, 2022

MJ is an excellent editor who digs deep down into the bones of the story. She makes sure it all holds up.

Professionals similar to MJ

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Jennie Cohen

Jennie C.

Proofreader and copy editor specializing in fiction and literary nonfiction. Fifteen years' experience with premier New York publishers.

Wilmington, VT, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Patricia Cone

Patricia C.

I'm an experienced editor, proofreader and wordsmith ready to help YOU put the finishing touches on your manuscript.

100% reply rate

View profile
Carol Gaskin

Carol G.

I specialize in mystery and historical fiction; children's/YA; nonfiction book proposals. I offer extensive critiques and revision guidance.

Sarasota, FL

100% reply rate

View profile