Michael McConnell – Editor

I am a New York Times–bestselling book editor with more than fourteen years of experience in the New York City publishing industry. I specialize in nonfiction (writing, self-help, and business), memoir, fiction (romance and literary fiction), YA, and a wide range of additional genres.

Perfecting your story through the editorial process is a major milestone for any writer—and one of the most exciting stages of the journey. I find genuine joy in helping writers learn, grow, and transform their manuscripts. Whether you are new to book writing or a published author, my goal is to help you craft a story that is not only stronger on the page, but also more marketable and publishable.

Some of my favorite proofreading projects include Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger; Forget the Alamo by Bryan Burrough, Chris Tomlinson, and Jason Stanford; Play Hungry by Pete Rose; Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady by Susan Quinn; and An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson. I’ve also worked on books by Ryan Holiday, Pete Townshend, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Senator Mitch McConnell, Gretchen Carlson, Carly Fiorina, Elizabeth Gilbert, Seth Godin, Deborah Harkness, and Eric Schlosser. Recent copyediting projects include The Worth of Water by Matt Damon, Poe for Your Problems by Catherine Baab-Muguira, and A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over America by Timothy Egan.

I believe deeply in the process. Many writers want to be published, but fewer are willing to take the necessary steps to make that happen. I help writers understand what the industry expects—and how to meet those expectations without losing their voice.

A bit about my background: After college, I began my career as a proofreader and copy editor and loved it so much that I never stopped. I worked for a type house, then moved on to a medical journal and a textbook publisher before transitioning to freelance editing. I’ve worked with three of the Big Five publishers and have been supporting first-time authors on Reedsy since 2017, while maintaining strong ties to New York City publishing and independent presses.

I take deep pride and satisfaction in my work. Sharing my knowledge and passion with writers who care deeply about their craft is at the heart of everything I do. If you choose to work with me, you’ll feel that commitment at every stage of the process.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out—and I encourage you to read my reviews.