Jonathan Oliver

Jonathan Oliver – Editor

Former Editor-in -Chief of Solaris and Abaddon Books. Over twenty years’ experience in publishing. Specialising in SF, fantasy, and horror.

Overview

I'm an editor with over 20 years' experience in publishing, particularly in the genres of science-fiction, fantasy, and horror. I was the commissioning editor for Yoon Ha Lee's critically acclaimed and multiple award nominated Machineries of Empire series, Dave Hutchison's Fractured Europe series, and am the award-winning editor of several horror anthologies, including Magic, House of Fear and End of the Road. To date, I've commissioned and edited hundreds of books.


I started in academic publishing at Taylor & Francis. After this, I joined Rebellion Publishing as Editor-in-Chief, commissioning and editing books for Solaris and Abaddon Books. I have worked on literally hundreds of science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels and anthologies, several of which went on to win awards. After a brief stint as a Senior Editor in non-fiction publishing, I have gone full-time freelance and returned to my first publishing love: fiction.


I work closely with the author, seeking to help them to get the best from their story. I know what makes a story tick and have a good sense of the ever-changing world of publishing markets. I seek to make the process as professional, informed, painless and fun as possible.


"Jon is a delight to work alongside, with a deft hand and a keen eye for detail." — Adrian Tchaikovsky, Arthur C. Clarke Award winning author of Children of Time, Children of Ruin and the Shadows of the Apt series.


"Jon edited my award-nominated trilogy, Machineries of Empire, and is a splendid copy editor as well. I recommend his work without reservation."

— Yoon Ha Lee, Locus Award winning author of the Machineries of Empire trilogy.


"Jon is the best in the business." — Lavie Tidhar, World Fantasy Award winning author of Osama, A Man Lies Dreaming, and The Violent Century.


"I can’t recommend Jon highly enough. Editing can be a brutal process, but he magically makes it not only painless, but enjoyable. He’s professional, never over-bearing, has an eagle eye for inconsistencies and a real sensitivity when it comes to individual voices. He’s that rarest of things: a safe pair of hands who also has a cracking sense of humour! I can honestly say that working with him has made me a better writer." — Sarah Lotz, best-selling author of The Three, Day Four, The White Road and Missing Person.

Services
Fiction
Dystopian Epic Fantasy Gaming & LitRPG Horror Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera Time Travel Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • British Fantasy Award - Best Anthology - Magic
  • British Fantasy Award - Best Anthology - End of the Road

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Present

I provide editorial services - specialising in science fiction, fantasy and horror.

Lion Hudson Ltd

Mar, 2018 — Jan, 2020 (almost 2 years)

Senior Commissioning Editor for adult non-fiction titles for the Christian market.

Rebellion Publishing Ltd

Aug, 2005 — Aug, 2018 (about 13 years)

Editor in Chief, commissioning and editing for three genre fiction imprints - Solaris, Abaddon Books and Ravenstone. Also graphic novels editor for British comic 2000 AD.

Taylor & Francis

Jun, 2001 — Aug, 2005 (about 4 years)

A journals production editor, managing a list of 10 academic economics journals a year. Responsible for copy-editing, proof reading and liaising with typesetters and printers.

Portfolio

Proofreading
Proofreading
Alice's house stands at a gateway between worlds. On the other side of it something has woken, and she stands in its way.
Developmental Editing
An incredible debut novel that will move and terrify you, as reality itself is threatened by a world just beyond our own.And still the Night Clock ticks... Phil Trevena’s boss is an idiot, his... read more
Developmental Editing
Patrick O'Brian meets George R. R. Martin in a gritty new fantasy epic.Acquel Galenus, former thief and now monk, uncovers a terrible secret under the Great Temple at Livorna, one that could s... read more
Developmental Editing
Byren never wanted the throne. It was destined for Lence, his twin brother, older by seven minutes and the rightful heir to Rolencia. But the royal heir resents Byren’s growing popularity, and... read more
Developmental Editing
Ten years ago, the Kinslayer returned from the darkness. His brutal Yorughan armies issued from the pits of the earth, crushing all resistance, leaving burnt earth and corruption behind. Thron... read more
Developmental Editing
NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR – WINNER OF THE 2016 LOCUS AWARD – NOMINATED FOR THE HUGO, NEBULA AND ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARDS. THE STUNNING CONCLUSION TO THE MIND-BENDING SERIES.DEATH AND N... read more
Developmental Editing
NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR – WINNER OF THE 2016 LOCUS AWARD – NOMINATED FOR THE HUGO, NEBULA AND ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARDS.WAR. HERESY. MADNESS. Shuos Jedao is unleashed. The long-dead g... read more
Developmental Editing
NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR - WINNER OF THE 2016 LOCUS AWARD - NOMINATED FOR THE HUGO, NEBULA AND ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARDS.When Captain Kel Cheris of the hexarchate is disgraced for her ... read more
Developmental Editing
Proofreading
Paris Adrift

E. J. Swift

Paris was supposed to save Hallie. Now… well, let’s just say Paris has other ideas.She’s linked to a hole in time and chosen by fate to prevent a terrible war. Tumbling through Paris’ turbulen... read more
Developmental Editing
Europe as we know it is gone. Devastated by a flu pandemic and crippled by economic collapse, the continent has fractured into countless tiny nations, a fragile web of shifting alliances seeth... read more
Developmental Editing
Dangerous Games

Jonathan Oliver

Roll the Bones!In a world ruled by chance, one rash decision could bring down the house, one roll of the dice could bring untold wealth, or the end of everything. The players have gathered aro... read more
Developmental Editing
As the shadows of war gather over Europe something is stirring within the darkness; something far older than humankind. Those with evil intent will seek to harness these terrible powers, while... read more
Developmental Editing
The critically acclaimed editor of Magic, The End of The Line and House of Fear has brought together the contemporary masters and mistresses of the weird from around the globe in an anthology ... read more
Developmental Editing
In deep tunnels something stirs, borne on a warm breath of wind, reeking of diesel and blood. The spaces between stations hold secrets too terrible for the upper world to comprehend and the st... read more
Developmental Editing
They gather in darkness, sharing ancient and arcane knowledge as they manipulate the very matter of reality itself. Spells and conjuration; legerdemain and prestidigitation – these are the mistresses and masters of the esoteric arts.From the otherworldly visio... read more
One house, five hauntings, five chilling stories.Five Stories High is a collection of five novellas each set in the same house – Irongrove Lodge. This five storey Georgian mansion, once a gran... read more
Developmental Editing
House of Fear

Joe R. Lansdale

House of Fear: An Anthology of Haunted House StoriesThe tread on the landing outside the door, when you know you are the only one in the house. The wind whistling through the eves, carrying th... read more
Developmental Editing

Jonathan has 169 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Brad K.

Brad K.

Nov, 2024

This has been my third collaboration with Jon, and I've been extremely impressed with his work, level of detail, and professionalism. He has a great sense of what works and what doesn't in a story and provides excellent critical feedback to improve the overall product, ensuring that readers are always left satisfied. I look forward to working with him again on my next novel.
Richard W.

Richard W.

Nov, 2024

Jon was excellent. Professional, thorough and fulfilled all promises.
Kyle B.

Kyle B.

Oct, 2024

This is my third outing with Jon, and he never disappoints. I've already got the fourth project on the books with him, and looking forward to another collaboration. Very professional, responsive, and does a great job with his proofreading and comments within the manuscript. I'm very thankful I found him.
Peter C.

Peter C.

Oct, 2024

Appreciated working with Jonathan - he provided a sample edit for a chapter that demonstrated his professionalism and insight, even with a limited scope of work. Ended up going with another editor, but would still recommend him highly.
Laura P.

Laura P.

Oct, 2024

I had a great time working with Jon, and I'll definitely use his services again.

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