Martin Roy Hill

Martin Roy Hill – Editor

Professional editor and national award-winning author with a wide range of experience in fiction and nonfiction publishing.

Overview

Hi, my name is Martin and I have more than 40 years in the publishing business, including newspapers, magazines, technical/scientific papers and journals, and more. I provide a wide range of editorial services to writers and publishers. My experience includes editing novels (mystery, thriller, sci-fi), memoirs, business, and self-help books with more than four dozen book-length projects completed. I am well versed in the Chicago Manual of Style, American Psychology Association Stylebook, and Associated Press Stylebook.

I am also a professional writer with experience in newspapers, magazines, web content, publicity releases, short-story writing, and novels. I've authored freelance articles published in numerous national and international publications, eight award-winning novels, an award-winning short story collection, a book on military history, and numerous published short stories. I'm also the author of dozens of scientific technical documents and articles for peer-reviewed journals.

A veteran with more than twenty years of experience in three branches of the reserves, I also specialize in working with authors writing on military topics.

Named one of the top 10 book editors in San Diego by Writing Tips Oasis.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Cozy Mysteries Historical Mysteries Military Science Fiction Short Story Thriller & Suspense
Non-Fiction
History Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Best of Show for Print Over 100,000 San Diego Press Club 1986
  • First Place Award for Communicating Health Information to the Public San Diego Medical Society 1985 & 1988
  • Silver Medal for Best Thriller Readers' Favorite Book Awards 2017
  • Winner, Adult Fiction, California Authors Project, 2018
  • Clue Award for Best Thriller, Chanticleer International Book Awards, 2017
  • Best Thriller/Suspense Best Independent Book Awards 2017
  • Best Anthology/Short Story Collection San Diego Book Awards 2012
  • The White Award for Investigative Journalism (Silver) The William Allen White School of Journalism 1988
  • Best Thriller, Best Independent Book Association, 2020
  • Best Crime Thriller, American Fiction Award, 2021
  • The White Award for Investigative Journalism (Gold) The William Allen White School of Journalism 1990
  • Best Military Thriller BestThrillers.com 2023
Certifications
  • Bachelor's of Arts, Journalism, CSU Dominguez Hills
  • Instructor, San Diego Writers Ink
  • Professional Member, Mystery Writers of America
  • Professional Member, Sisters in Crime
  • Professional Member, International Thriller Writers
  • Member, San Diego Professional Editors Network
  • Member, Publishing Professionals Network
  • Member, ACES: The Society for Editing

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 1990 — Present
Freelance credits include Reader's Digest, LIFE, Newsweek, Omni, American History, Writer's Digest, Coast Guard Magazine, Retired Officer Magazine, The Compass, Aviation History, Mother Jones, the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times Sunday Opinion and Travel Sections, and many more. Lead contributor to the 1995 WWII anthology, “From Pearl Harbor to Nagasaki: America at War,” published by the Retired Officer Association. Contributor to the American Civil War anthology “Gettysburg: Three Days that Saved the United States,” published by I-5 Publishing. Short stories published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, ALT HIST: The Journal of Historical Fiction and Alternative History, Mystery Weekly Magazine, Crimson Streets, Nebula Rift, Devolution Z, Alien Dimensions, Siren Call Publications, Near to the Knuckle, and others. Independent author/publisher of novels under the imprint 32-32 North. Author of two national award-winning series—the Linus Schag, NCIS, thrillers and the Peter Brandt mysteries, as well as several standalone books.

Self-employed

Dec, 2012 — Present
I offer a wide variety of editorial services to authors and publishers, including: * Copy editing. * Proofreading. * Publishing advice/consultation. My editorial experience includes: * Writing and/or editing for newspapers, magazines, and websites. * Freelance articles published in numerous national and international publications. * Editor, San Diego Business Journal, 10 years. * Senior Editor, San Diego Magazine, 7 years. * Science/Technical Writer/Editor/Researcher, Naval Health Research Center, 15 years. * Award-Winning Independent Author/Publisher. * Editing novels (mystery, thriller, sci-fi), memoirs, business, and self-help books (more than three dozen books). I am well versed in the Chicago Manual of Style, American Psychological Association, and Associated Press stylebooks. A 27-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, U.S. Navy Reserve, and the California National Guard, I also offer consulting services for authors needing advice on writing about the military.

Naval Health Research Center

Nov, 2002 — Jun, 2018 (over 15 years)
In-house contractor (employer Leidos). Researched medical capability requirements for combat casualty care, terrorist response, humanitarian assistance and disaster response for U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force. Authored and edited peer-reviewed journal articles, technical documents and reports, and presentations based on research for DoD-wide distribution.

San Diego Business Journal

Sep, 1993 — Nov, 2002 (about 9 years)
Managed editorial department of weekly business newspaper with staff of 15 editors, writers, and researchers. Duties included coordinating production of newspaper and magazine supplements with other departments, personnel and budget management, organizing research and coverage of companies involved in defense, health care, and technology industries, editing and writing news stories and editorials, and administration of local area network. Improved the quality of writing and reporting so the newspaper became a national award-winning publication and a must-read among the local business community.

San Diego Magazine

Oct, 1983 — Sep, 1990 (almost 7 years)
Full-time investigative journalist. Recipient of more than 20 journalism awards, including two national William Allen White Awards for investigative reporting. Thrice cited by Investigative Reporters and Editors’ annual report on best investigative reporting. Rights for reproduction of articles for use as educational materials acquired by USCD, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the Naval War College. Edited and re-wrote news articles written by freelance contributors.

The Log Newspapers

Sep, 1981 — Oct, 1983 (about 2 years)
Reporter for waterfront/maritime news weekly. Opened first Los Angeles bureau, covering waterfront news in LA and Orange counties, including Catalina Island. Wrote and edited news articles for all three editions.

Palm Springs Desert Sun

Jun, 1978 — Sep, 1981 (over 3 years)
Reporter for daily newspaper responsible for covering politics and crime throughout the Coachella Valley.

Portfolio

Railway to Murder

Bradbury, Danny J.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The Tronis Assignment (The Assignment Series Book 1)

Grover, E.L.

E.L. Grover

Scourge on the Frontier

Cherry, Kevin

Kevin Cherry

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Under a Secret Sky

Madsen, David

Konstellation Press

Copy Editing
The Esmeralda Goodbye

Fayman, Corey Lynn

Copy Editing
Refuge on the Mountain

Feye, Cornelia

Copy Editing
Murder on a Space Station: Book One of the Robot Detective Series

King, Marjorie

Proofreading
Dominion 2024 (The 2 AM Militia)

Robberts, Geoff

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Pike's Purpose (Sandy Pike series Book 4)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
FitzDuncan's Hope (The FitzDuncan Series Book 6)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
The Resolve of the Commonwealth (Perseverance Andrews Book 3)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
Queen for a Night: A Paranormal Mystery (Paranormal Mystery Series)

Keeley, Donna

Copy Editing
The Defense of the Commonwealth (Perseverance Andrews Book 1)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
FitzDuncan's Hope (The FitzDuncan Series Book 6)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
FitzDuncan's Gambit (The FitzDuncan Series Book 5)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
Maverick Stand (Maverick Space Adventures Book 4)

King, Marjorie

Proofreading
Curt Stone PI

Laufer, Sanford Ross

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Having a Whaley of a Time: A Paranormal Mystery (Paranormal Mystery Series)

Keeley, Donna

Copy Editing
FitzDuncan's Fortune (The FitzDuncan Series Book 4)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
Ekleipsis: How far would you go to obey your instincts?

Wino, Tamel

Copy Editing
Gallantry in Action (Halberd Book 1)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
Pike's Progress (Sandy Pike series Book 3)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
Surrender Demand: Book 4 of the Halberd Series

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
True Allegiance: Book 3 of the Halberd Series

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
Pike's Potential (Sandy Pike series Book 1)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
In Harm's Way (Halberd Book 2)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
FitzDuncan's Enlightenment (The FitzDuncan Series Book 3)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
FitzDuncan's Alchemy (The FitzDuncan Series Book 2)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
Loveda Brown Comes Home: The Idyllwild Mystery Series, Book Two

Tunnell, Jolie

Copy Editing
Pike's Passage (Sandy Pike series Book 2)

Spearman, John

Copy Editing
Time of Ends: An Apocalyptic Political Polemic

Robberts, Geoff

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The First Harmony

Schonberger, Clayton

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Before I Leave You: A Memoir on Suicide, Addiction, and Healing

Imbeault, Robert

Copy Editing
On the Steps of St. Dymphna

Rocco, Tony

Copy Editing
The Day Before I Died

Jf Whitaker

The Day Before I Died is a memoir of an innocent Irish Catholic boy on his journey from the quiet New England coast and the apple orchards of Pennsylvania to Vietnam and, ultimately, to the br... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Crossing Borders

"This splendid collection of border fiction is haunting and intense. Bravo to San Diego Sisters in Crime." --T. Jefferson Parker, Edgar Award-winning author of The Last Good Guy Good stories s... read more
Copy Editing
Death By Cop: A Call for Unity!

Wayne Reid

Forty-one seconds. That’s how long Officer Scott Smith and Franklyn Reid knew each other before Reid ended up dead with a bullet in his back, shot in broad daylight by Smith. Turn on the news ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Blue Sky Lightning: How To Survive And Thrive When Life Blindsides You

Jeff Kuhn

All of us deal with trauma, lightning bolts that disrupt our lives in small or devastating ways. But no matter what you’re facing, you can recover—through strength, fortitude, and belief.Jeff ... read more
Proofreading
Keen on Retirement: Engineering the Second Half of Your Life

Bill Keen

As you approach retirement, questions begin to stack up that you may not have the answers for:Do I have enough, or will I run out of money later in life? What will happen to my spouse if I die... read more
Copy Editing
On Guard and On Point: Mastering the Duel between Life and Work

Jamie Douraghy

At some point life begins to change—and not always for the better. Despite being successful, you can begin to grow tired of playing split roles that pull you away from your authentic self. The... read more
Copy Editing
Day In, Day Out: The Secret Power in Showing Up and Doing the Work

Nicholas Dancer

Are you working hard, but continue to feel stuck? Does every day come with more responsibilities that make life feel like a task to be completed rather than enjoyed? In Day In, Day Out, Nick D... read more
Copy Editing
Our American Dream: Cultivating a Life of Success, Joy, and Purpose

Andrew Samuel

Are you looking for motivation to live a life of purpose? If so, you’re not alone. Now more than ever, it’s difficult to find the balance between purpose in your work, financial success, and h... read more
Copy Editing
Soon She Will Be Dead: A Comprehensive Guide to Losing Your Parent Without Losing Your Mind

Brita Long

You cannot afford to lose your mind when your parent is dying. Whether you have a highly demanding career, have your own children to care for, have a great relationship with your parent, or no... read more
Copy Editing
Why Choose Home Birth: Yes, It’s an Option, and Yes, It’s Right for Women Today

Monika Stone

What comes to mind when you hear the words home birth? If you’re like most people, you have some thoughts, emotions, or questions around this practice, but you don’t truly understand what make... read more
Copy Editing
Step on the Mat: Life Lessons of the Ninja

Ninja Nguyen

The martial arts can be exciting and fun for young people, but they are more than just kicking and punching. The valuable lessons found in the routines and rituals of karate, jiu jitsu, and ot... read more
Copy Editing
Mechanical Bull: How You Can Achieve Startup Success

Cheryl Contee

Silicon Valley can be a wild ride for an entrepreneur, especially if you’re a woman, a minority (or both!). But not being a white dude dropout from Stanford shouldn’t stand between you and sta... read more
Copy Editing
Busting the Real Estate Investing Lies: Build Wealth the Smart Way: Through the Most Time-Tested, Least Volatile Path to Financial Freedom

Kim D.H. Butler

If you think that real estate investment is risky, costly, time-consuming, and complicated, think again. Investing in real estate is actually the smartest, most powerful tactic to create a rel... read more
Copy Editing
Lost in Startuplandia: Wayfinding for the Weary Entrepreneur

E. Keller Fitzsimmons

Entrepreneurship seems like a thrilling, lucrative adventure--until things go horribly wrong. As crisis after crisis hits, even the most seasoned founder can get disoriented. Whether you're in... read more
Copy Editing
The Abundance Codes: Fifty-Two Codes to Unlock Abundance in Every Area of Your Life

Regan Hillyer

Copy Editing
Get Real: The Power of Genuine Leadership, a Transparent Culture, and an Authentic You

Anna Crowe

“Fake it till you make it.” The old adage may be a hallmark of our personal and professional lives, but the truth is inauthenticity leads to dissatisfaction—and disaster. To be happy, successf... read more
Copy Editing
Fit After 50: A Guide to Helping Men Get Back in Shape

Christopher, Alan

Copy Editing
The Myth of Security: Hackers’ Inventions Will Win The Race for Information

Starling, Niels

Copy Editing

Martin Roy has 18 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Joseph M.

Joseph M.

Feb, 2023

Pinned
Martin was the consummate professional. His insights and comments on my manuscript were right on. He also took the time to have a Zoom conversation to discuss questions and help my understanding of the publishing industry.
Monty W.

Monty W.

Aug, 2021

Pinned
Hi, I can say without hesitation that Martin Roy Hill is a pleasure. He made what could have been an arduous and difficult process remarkably clear and straightforward. Not once did I feel that I was uncertain about what the work we were doing, and his messages always had me interested about how...
Read more
Martin Roy H.
Sounds good, Monty. You buy! :)
George O.

George O.

Dec, 2020

Pinned
Martin was thorough, clear in describing the reasons for corrections, and gentle in recommending critical changes we should make. His corrections were clearly annotated. His written summary of potential problems i.e. copyright or legal, was spot on. His personal career and writing experience was...
Read more
Andrew E.

Andrew E.

Jun, 2025

Martin is a consummate professional and he went above and beyond to strengthen my short story. His feedback was comprehensive, and is insight came from decades of experience. Highly recommend.
Scott M.

Scott M.

Jun, 2025

I can't really do it justice at how much I enjoyed martins help. I initially was just looking for an editor but he provided editing and an entire other file that suggested details I hadn't thought of and really brought out the final polish on my book. I hope to bring all my future works through him

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