Nathan Dunne

Nathan Dunne – Editor

Author and professional editor helping memoir, fiction and nonfiction writers develop agent-ready manuscripts.

Overview

I’m a published author and professional editor working across memoir, fiction and narrative non-fiction, with a particular focus on voice and structure.

My own books have been traditionally published by Murdoch Books in Australia and the UK, and I work closely with agents and publishers. So I understand, very practically, what makes a manuscript ready for submission, not just “well written”. I specialise in helping writers move from a strong draft to a cohesive and compelling book that editors and agents can actually say yes to.

Clients tell me I’m a precise and highly collaborative editor. I won’t rewrite your voice or impose a house style. Instead, I work inside the logic of your book—sharpening narrative drive, strengthening character and point of view, tightening structure, and clarifying what the story or argument is really doing on the page.

You can expect:

-clear, actionable editorial notes (not vague or generic feedback)

-close attention to voice, rhythm and sentence-level craft

-big-picture guidance on structure, pacing and positioning for publication

I work best with writers who care deeply about language and are serious about getting their manuscript into its strongest possible shape for agents, and publishers. Let's get to work!

Testimonials:

“Nathan is a conscientious, detail-oriented, and extraordinarily dedicated editor. I have worked with several editors of varying levels of experience and skill over the past five years, both in print and online media across the trade book and literary/academic journal industries, and he is by far one of the fairest, most talented, and easiest to work with. I wholeheartedly endorse the fine work he's done and continues to do. I hope to work with him for the foreseeable future.”

—Pauline S.

“Nathan is a dependable, detail-oriented editor who never misses a beat. His ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with unfaltering focus and efficiency still amazes me. When deadlines are tight and expectations are high, Nathan delivers with great skill. I very much look forward to collaborating with him on projects in the future.”

—Melanie G.

“Nathan is a wonderful editor. I had the opportunity to work with him over a six month period and found him to be friendly, responsive, and insightful with regards to feedback. Excellent all around. A+ experience. HIghly recommended!”

—Anit B.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2012 — Present

Portfolio

When Nothing Feels Real

Nathan Dunne

Allen & Unwin

An enthralling quest to solve the mystery of depersonalisation, one of the least understood but increasingly diagnosed mental illnesses.Journalist Nathan Dunne was living the life of his dream... read more
Developmental Editing
The Honey

Tonino Guerra

World Poetry Books

Renowned for his collaborations with Tarkovsky, Fellini, and Antonioni, poet and screenwriter Tonino Guerra sets his story of two aging brothers in a surreal landscape woven from memories of a... read more
Developmental Editing
Tate Introductions: Lichtenstein

Dunne, Nathan

Tate Publishing

Developmental Editing
Tarkovsky

Dunne, Nathan

Black Dog Publishing

Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Making Stuff for Kids

Woodcock, Victoria

Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Hexen2.0

Treister, Suzanne

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Films of Tod Browning

Bernd Herzogenrath

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Proofreading

Nathan has 14 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Debby G.

Debby G.

Oct, 2026

Nat is sensitive, thorough and responsive. He has incredible insight and I am preparing to move to the next level of editing for my book with him.
Dave V.

Dave V.

Oct, 2026

Nathan delivered an insightful and honest appraisal of my manuscript. It's given me the tools and information required to move forward with the project; the end is in sight. His work presented information that I connected with straight away; that was something I didn't expect. His work is, in a w...
Read more
Barbara E.

Barbara E.

Sep, 2026

Nate was absolutely exceptional. From the very beginning, he was professional and very responsive! It was a true pleasure working with Nate. I highly recommend him!
David K.

David K.

Sep, 2026

Exceptional Developmental Editing and Insight I hired Nathan Dunne to provide a developmental assessment of my memoir, and I could not be more pleased with the result. Nathan went far beyond simply pointing out what needed to be changed. He took the time to understand the heart of the story, id...
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Jeff D.

Jeff D.

Sep, 2026

Nathan had so many great thoughts on improving my memoir. I apprentice the very comprehensive report and suggestions he submitted. I am currently working on re-editing my book and sincerely appreciate Nathan’s thoroughness and commitments. I appreciate working with Nathan.

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