Niall Kishtainy

Niall Kishtainy – Editor

I focus on non-fiction development editing and editorial assessment. History, economics. business, 'big ideas'. Best-selling author and PhD.

Overview

I know what a huge challenge it is to put a book together and really make it shine. As a seasoned author, I’ve been there! So I love helping writers shape their manuscripts to make the finished products as compelling as possible to their intended readerships.

My speciality is giving authors clear roadmaps for revising their manuscripts so that their completed books meet their aims. I do this through development edits and editorial assessments. (These are done before the final stage of copy editing which focuses on the nitty gritty of sentence structure, punctuation and grammar.)

My input will ensure that your book is based on a sound structure, convincing and well-supported arguments, presentation of the material that’s appropriate to your audience and a tone of voice that will resonate with your readers.

The ultimate aim is to bring out as clearly as possible your own unique vision and approach as a writer (not to impose my preferences on you). My job is understand what you’re trying to achieve with your book, and at the same time to put myself in the shoes of your target readership and see what needs to change to make sure you’re achieving your writing goals.

A major aspect of my work as a writer and editor is making specialist material accessible to the general reader who might not know much about the topic. This is more than just making the writing clear and understandable – it’s about making it enthralling to someone coming to the subject for the first time so that they want to keep turning the pages.

Careful development editing and editorial assessment makes a massive difference to the quality of a book. If you’re working on a non-fiction manuscript, send over your brief and let’s talk about how I can help you.

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management Economics Finance & Accounting History Philosophy Political Science & Current Affairs Sociology
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • PhD in economics

Work experience

Freelance

Sep, 2012 — Present
I've worked as an editor for individual non-fiction authors and as an editorial consultant to leading publishers including Penguin Random House, Columbia University Press and Cambridge University Press.

Freelance

Jun, 2012 — Present
I've written and published books on economics, social science and history aimed at a general readership with HarperCollins, Quercus and Yale University Press. My writing has been published in over 20 languages.

ThinkWrite

May, 2018 — May, 2021 (about 3 years)
I delivered writing workshops to researchers in leading universities around the UK.

London School of Economics & University of Warwick

Sep, 2011 — Jun, 2017 (over 5 years)
I taught economic history to graduate and undergraduate students, and earned a PhD in ecomomics.

Economist Intelligence Unit

Sep, 2000 — Sep, 2001 (about 1 year)
Wrote and edited reports on the politics and economics of Middle Eastern countries.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Influencers and Followers: Why 1% of everyone owns 50% of everything

Coutinho, Steven W.

Coutinho Publishing

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Back to the Future: How to Reignite American Innovation

Ott, Jordan Andrew

Independently published

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Secrets of Great Recruitment: How to Recruit Great Employees

Newman, Mr Geoff

Hirer Limited

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Book Coaching
A lively, inviting account of the history of economics, told through events from ancient to modern times and the ideas of great thinkers in the field What causes poverty? Are economic crises inevitable under capitalism? Is government intervention in an economy... read more
‘GLORIOUS’ Guardian London is a city of dreamers. A city of possibility and experiment. A city of fervent imaginings and courageous aspirations. For centuries, it has been the capital of utopian thought. The Infinite City tells this history for the first time.... read more
"Economics in Minutes" condenses key economics concepts into 200 short and easily digested essays. Featuring not only fundamental ideas, such as the role of money and how the stock market works, but also subjects that are increasingly important to us today - u... read more
From ancient and medieval philosophers such as Confucius and Thomas Aquinas, to revolutionary thought leaders such as Thomas Jefferson and Leon Trotsky, to the voices who have shaped modern politics today — Mao Zedong, Malcolm X, Che Guevara, and more — The Po... read more
All the big ideas, simply explained - an innovative and accessible guide to economics.Bring economics to life with The Economics Book, an essential guide to more that 100 of the big ideas in economic theory and practice covering everything from ancient theorie... read more

Niall has 10 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ginnie Leah M.

Ginnie Leah M.

Jun, 2025

Thanks Niall.
Ginnie Leah M.

Ginnie Leah M.

Apr, 2025

Niall was very easy to work with, very professional, and provided value.
Niall K.
Thank you, Ginnie. Great to have worked with you and I wish you all success with your book!
Jonathan O.

Jonathan O.

Mar, 2025

Niall was brilliant throughout the whole process. My expectations were exceeded and it truly was a pleasure to work with him. I would happily work with Niall again, and would definitely recommend his services for anyone in the market for the best!
Niall K.
Thanks, Jonathan! It was great working with you on such a fascinating book.
J B.

J B.

Feb, 2025

Niall is an exceptionally professional and experienced writer and editor. His thoughtful approach to problem-solving and collaboration makes every project a joy. Working with him is a rewarding experience, as he brings both skill and a positive attitude to the table. Highly recommend!
Niall K.
It's been a pleasure working with you, Juergen. Really looking forward to seeing the finished book!
Steven C.

Steven C.

Feb, 2024

Niall is without a doubt the best editor I have worked with. He is sharp in his analysis, is able to look at the big picture whilst also detect flaws in the details. After his first developmental edit of my book, it changed significantly for the better, ultimately giving me the necessary insight...
Read more
Niall K.
It was a pleasure working with you, Steven. It was exciting to see your book developing in the way that it did. Good luck with the launch!

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