Jon Michael Darga

Jon Michael Darga – Editor

I'm an agent at Aevitas and a former editor at Penguin Random House who's looking forward to helping you through any stage of your book.

Overview

I'm an agent at Aevitas Creative Management and a former editor at Penguin Random House with experience editing across genres, from bestselling and award-winning non-fiction (Sarah Horowitz's THE RED WIDOW, Ann Marks' VIVIAN MAIER DEVELOPED, Lynette Rice's HOW TO SAVE A LIFE, Sheri Fink's FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL) to fiction (Angel Di Zhang's THE LIGHT OF ETERNAL SPRING, Krysten Ritter's BONFIRE) to platform-driven memoir (Patty Lin's END CREDITS, Geena Rocero's HORSE BARBIE, Anthony Chin-Quee's I CAN'T SAVE YOU, Sarah McBride's TOMORROW WILL BE DIFFERENT) and poetry (Nico Tortorella's all of it is you.). You can find more details on the books I've edited below, and I'm happy to discuss or answer any questions about my involvement with them.


I'm here to help you develop your manuscript in any way that would be helpful, across any stage of development. I've provided longer editorial letters detailing a complete restructure and revision of a book. I've provided shorter editorial letters to accompany in-text comment bubbles about where character development or world-building could be fleshed out. I've done final passes of manuscripts making line-edits in track changes to make sure that the language is polished and sings. And everything in-between, including tweaking query letters and agent submissions. If you're unsure what stage your manuscript is in, I'd love to read it and have a conversation about what might best serve you and your manuscript.


Please note that my services as a freelance editor are separate from my day job -- that is, any project that I review or edit as a freelancer I cannot consider for representation in order to avoid any implied "pay for play." What I can do is give you an expert and insider perspective on how to optimize your manuscript or query materials to draw the attention of other agents!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment History LGBTQ Non-Fiction
Fiction
Fantasy Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Penguin Random House Recognition Award (2016 & 2018)
Certifications
  • Columbia Publishing Course (2014)

Work experience

Aevitas Creative Management

Jun, 2019 — Present

Penguin Random House

Feb, 2015 — May, 2019 (about 4 years)

•Acquire books for Crown, a division of Random House
•Edit manuscripts, providing feedback both macro (editorial letters) and micro (line-editing documents)
•Reach out to potential authors and collaborate to develop book ideas for publication
•Provide feedback on every stage of publication, from cover design to marketing and publicity plans
•Evaluate proposals and draft rejection letters, acquisitions materials and P&Ls
•Liaise between authors, agents and in-house departments

The Park Literary Group (now Park & Fine Literary and Media)

Sep, 2014 — Feb, 2015 (5 months)

•Evaluated submissions and manuscripts, providing rejection letters or editorial feedback as needed
• Wrote and edited pitches and copy
• Designed and compiled rights guides for book fairs

Portfolio

An NPR Best Book of the YearA New York Post Best Book of the YearA Times Thought Book of the YearAn Irish Independent Best Book of the YearThe captivating, untold story of Hermann Rorschach and his famous inkblot test In 1917, working alone in a remote Swiss a... read more
Pulitzer Prize winner Sheri Fink’s landmark investigation of patient deaths at a New Orleans hospital ravaged by Hurricane Katrina – and her suspenseful portrayal of the quest for truth and justice.In the tradition of the best investigative journalism, physici... read more
Bonfire: A Novel

Krysten Ritter

“A phenomenal, haunting debut.” —GILLIAN FLYNN, bestselling author of Gone Girl"I burned through Krysten Ritter's hugely accomplished debut. Bonfire is dark, disturbing, and compulsively readable."—RUTH WARE, bestselling author of In a Dark, Dark Wood and The ... read more
A debut poetry collection from actor Nico Tortorella exploring “all of it,” from the smallest cells in our bodies to the outer limits of our universe. Nico Tortorella's debut poetry collection presents a singular voice honed through years as an actor, podcaste... read more
"A brave, powerful memoir." —PEOPLEA captivating memoir that will change the way we look at identity and equality in this country Before she became the first transgender person to speak at a national political convention in 2016 at the age of twenty-six, Sarah... read more
From the New York Times bestselling author knighted by the President of Italy for her writing, a jubilant exploration of how Italy transformed the Western world's most vibrant passions -- from literature to art, music to movies. No country has matched Italy’s ... read more

Jon Michael has 85 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Volcania ..

Volcania ..

Nov, 2024

Jon KICKS ASS. Superb editor. Concise, constructive and always respectful. Hire him.
Marc E.

Marc E.

Sep, 2023

Thoroughly enjoyed the collaboration with Jon. Aside from the general professionalism of the engagement, I felt his insight was succinct and right 'on the mark'; it has provided much needed and valuable impetus for me to improve and conclude my novel. Very happy to recommend his services.....
H. S. M.

H. S. M.

Jul, 2023

Jon was a big help with my query letter. He has an excellent understanding of the publishing industry.
tiffany R.

tiffany R.

Jun, 2023

Jon works very quickly, gives excellent feedback, and very useful tips for those who's undergoing the query submission process. His edits made my query letter and synopsis an easier and more engaging read and leave me feeling much more confident about my prospects! Thank you, Jon :)
Alexandra L.

Alexandra L.

May, 2023

Great assistance and thoughtful comments on a query letter.

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