Melissa Ann Singer

Melissa Ann Singer – Editor

Former Senior Editor at Tor and Editor at Berkley, specializing in genre fiction (sf/f, horror, mystery, thriller, historical, etc.)

Overview

In my 40+ years in publishing, I've edited hundreds of books, nearly all genre fiction (sf, fantasy, horror, mystery, thriller, paranormal romance, historical, western, and more).


There are few things more satisfying than seeing a writer's imagination catch fire as we work together. I love digging in with a writer and exploring their world, their characters, and the story they want to tell.


If I make you an offer, it's because I like the work and feel that I will enjoy working on it and with you.


During editing, I do offer praise but to be honest, I'm rarely effusive. I don't want clients to feel that I'm saying nice things because they're giving me money! I want clients to feel that they're getting value for their money, and what I'm being paid for is my ability to analyze a client's work and help make it better.


(Note: I edit works for adult readers only but will do Query Letter Review for both adult and YA projects.)(also note that for all traditionally published works in my portfolio, I provided line-editing as well as developmental editing)


I have edited:

a Los Angeles Times bestseller

2 New York Times bestsellers

a USA Today bestseller

2 Bram Stoker Award winners

6 Bram Stoker Award finalists

1 World Fantasy Award winner

3 World Fantasy Award finalists

an Alex Award winner


Because of the way Reedsy is set up, I can only specify a few genres/subgenres, but if you're working in genre fiction at novella length or longer, feel free to approach me regardless of subgenre.


(cover image: "59th Street Bridge" by Jeffrey is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.)

Services
Fiction
Fantasy Historical Fiction Horror Mystery & Crime Science Fiction
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Tor Books

Jan, 1985 — Mar, 2022 (about 37 years)

When I started at Tor, there were not even a dozen employees. Over the decades, the company grew to become the largest English language publisher of speculative fiction in the world. I've lost track of how many books I edited for them and for Berkley, my previous employer, but am guessing something around 1,000 titles, both fiction and nonfiction.

Berkley Publishing Group

Oct, 1979 — Dec, 1984 (about 5 years)

Portfolio

At Dark, I Become Loathsome

Eric LaRocca

Blackstone Publishing, Inc.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Living Dead

Romero, George A

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Category 7

Evans, Bill

Developmental Editing
The Architect of Sleep

Boyett, Steven R.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Silent Children

Campbell, Ramsey

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Ella Clah

Thurlo, Aimée

Developmental Editing
Necroscope

Lumley, Brian

Developmental Editing
The Burden of Truth

Griffin, Neal

Developmental Editing

Melissa Ann has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Emily P.

Emily P.

Mar, 2024

Melissa is an excellent editor with a wealth of experience. She had clearly read my sample and understood my goals before accepting my project. She kept me up to date on her progress and delivered a thorough and honest edit letter in good time. She is particularly good at assessing plot logic and internal consistency.
Fiona C.

Fiona C.

Feb, 2024

I hired Melissa for a developmental edit. Throughout the process, I found her to be prompt, generous and thorough. I enjoyed our collaboration. Her prodding of certain scenes, plots, characters made me think on a deeper level about my story and writing, which improved after her feedback. Thank you Melissa!
Christopher P.

Christopher P.

Jan, 2024

I've worked with Melissa twice now and have only positive things to say. I appreciate her experience and insightful comments; on both occasions I have had a much clearer idea of what I need to improve after receiving her feedback.
Meghan G.

Meghan G.

Dec, 2023

Thrilled with the editorial assessment I received. Professional, thorough, and provided me with exactly what I hoped for and more. Realistic feedback (and by that I mean constructive and not all criticism and not all praise) included details for each of the points brought up, and I have a much better sense of what is working and what isn't. I was also provided with some ideas to consider for st...
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Daniel M.

Daniel M.

Dec, 2023

I can't recommend Melissa highly enough. She is extremely thorough, knowledgeable, and smart. She will truly put in an effort to understand your story, dismantle it, and point out any issues. If you're serious about your writing, ask Melissa if you can hire her. If she finds flaws with your manuscript, make sure you listen to her carefully. I would definitely hire her again.

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