Linda MacKillop

Linda MacKillop – Editor

I do manuscript assessment for Tyndale House Publishers, reviewing contemporary fiction, historical, and romance for publication.

Overview

As an award-winning novelist of both contemporary fiction for adults and middle-grade fiction, I also bring 14 years of traditional publishing experience to the table. I’ve held several positions at Tyndale House Publishers, including over a decade of editorial assessment with the Fiction Acquisitions team where I assess manuscripts and proposals from agents and write occasional marketing copy.

I earned my MFA in creative writing from Rainier Writers Workshop. My novel-writing experience and eye for strong dramatic stories, fresh characters, and unique plotlines will translate into solid help for clients, in addition to my knowledge of potential book marketability.

As an author, I understand the need for gentle but accurate critiques and the right for the author to tell the story they envision. I would provide solid advice for fleshing out their novel.

Personally, I love character-driven novels like A Man Called Ove and Olive Kitteridge. My two favorite books are Home by Marilyn Robinson and Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. My own novels include The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon, winner of the Christy Award for First Novel, and Hotel Oscar Mike Echo, a middle-grade novel and finalist for the Christianity Today Book Award for Young Adults.

Services
Fiction
Christian Fiction Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Romance Social & Family Issues
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Christy Award for First Novel
  • Christianity Today Book Award Finalist for Young Adult

Work experience

Tyndale House Publishers

Jan, 2010 — Present
I've gained a variety of experiences at Tyndale House, including Author Relations, Kids Acquisitions Editor, and Fiction Acquisitions where I review and assess manuscripts from agents for potential publication. Marketing writing gives me the opportunity to assess a manuscript's marketability and strength of story.

self-employed

Feb, 2007 — Present
I have provided content to a number of books, including Everbloom, Time for Kids Almanac, Celebrate Mom.

Portfolio

All That Is Secret: An Annalee Spain Mystery

Patricia Raybon

Tyndale House Publishers

Long Way Home

Austin, Lynn

Tyndale Fiction

Under the Tulip Tree

Shocklee, Michelle

Tyndale Fiction

Editorial Assessment
Shiloh (Kindred)

Benton, Lori

Tyndale Fiction

Editorial Assessment
A Long Time Comin'

Pearson, Robin W.

Tyndale Fiction

Editorial Assessment
The Lady's Mine

Rivers, Francine

Tyndale Fiction

Editorial Assessment
Wow!: The Good News in Four Words

Mackall, Dandi Daley

Tyndale Kids

Editorial Assessment

Linda has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Hannah B.

Hannah B.

Oct, 2026

Linda was very knowledgeable and made some excellent points. She was honest and pointed out the flaws that needed addressing while still mentioning the strengths of the work. The timeline for the project was met early, which was a blessing. I know this was an assessment and not a full developmen...
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Lisa E.

Lisa E.

Sep, 2026

Linda provided a wonderful editorial assessment with constructive feedback that I can leverage during my next revision cycle. She took the time to share examples of the novel that worked or didn't work -- and provided encouragement and suggestions that I really found valuable. Thank you Linda.
Melanie P.

Melanie P.

Jan, 2026

I am very appreciative of Linda's editorial assessment of my manuscript. I have downloaded her suggestions and plan to get them revised in the next few weeks. I want to take time to process each part and then get to work to make this novel worthy. An editorial assessment is just what I need at t...
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Linda M.
Thank you for you words, Melanie! Have fun revising!
Aaron T.

Aaron T.

Nov, 2025

Linda gave me such great input which I am now trying to put into place I would love to work with her again after completing some revisions
Linda M.
Thank you for these words, Aaron! Hoping your revision goes well.
Saskia G.

Saskia G.

Jul, 2025

Linda has been great, not only did she have time to start the project before the proposed start date, she also read the whole manuscript within a week and returned a full critique within the next week, leaving us time to email and discuss her various suggestions and clarify any questions. She is ...
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Linda M.
Thank you for this kind review, Saskia. I enjoyed working with you and look forward to any future projects.

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