Phil Halton

Phil Halton – Editor

Military veteran, experienced editor & PhD candidate specializing in histories, memoirs, and military/historical fiction.

Overview

As an editor and book coach, I specialize in helping authors shape manuscripts that truly connect with readers. Whether you need a developmental edit to sharpen structure, or coaching to guide you through the process step by step, I bring clarity and momentum to your project.

As a published novelist and nonfiction author myself, I understand the challenges writers face. I’ll bring that experience into our work together, helping you shape a manuscript that both resonates with readers and meets industry standards.

Narrative structure is at the heart of my approach, but I also focus on the author’s journey. Together we’ll identify what your book needs, and I’ll support you in bringing out your strongest voice while ensuring the manuscript is both polished and powerful.

I’ve guided dozens of books to traditional publication and regularly conduct manuscript reviews for the Writer’s Union of Canada. With experience in literary journals, publishing houses, and acquisitions, I combine creative insight with practical, industry knowledge.

A military veteran and PhD candidate in English Literature and Creative Writing, I bring a global perspective to histories, memoirs, and military/historical fiction. I believe the best results come from a strong editor–writer partnership: with the right fit, we’ll turn your manuscript into a book that shines.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History
Fiction
Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Master of Arts in Creative and Critical Writing
  • Master of Defence Studies
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Military and Strategic Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2015 — Present
Providing editing services to individuals, corporate clients and a traditional publishing house.

Portfolio

Predators, Reapers and Deadlier Creatures

Jones, Matthew James

Double Dagger Books

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
White School, Black Memories

Barnes, CWO John G.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Tactical Jazz (Essential Guides to War and Warfare)

Oliviero, Charles

Double Dagger Books

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Soft Targets

Inks, Benjamin

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Indexing
The Broken Mirror of Memory: Iraq and Other Tales

Soel, Joseph

Independently published

Copy Editing
11/3/11

Merrick, AE

Phil has 27 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Phoebe K.

Phoebe K.

Feb, 2024

Pinned
Phil's editorial skills and keen insights are invaluable in transforming my mess of a manuscript into a polished work. He went above and beyond what I asked for and supported me further through Zoom calls to ensure clarity and understanding. For anyone seeking high quality work from someone with ...
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Phil H.
It has been a pleasure, Phoebe! I'm looking forward to seeing your work on bookstore shelves!
Will M.

Will M.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
Very professional, and easy to collaborate with. Help me improve the writing without affecting my voice or style.
Phil H.
It was a pleasure, Will!
Andrew G.

Andrew G.

Oct, 2023

Pinned
Working with Phil was a joy and a pleasure. He was flexible in doing just the kind of editing I was looking for, at a reasonable rate, and went above and beyond by giving me advice and insight into the publishing process and the publishing world in general even after the editing process was done....
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David M.

David M.

Feb, 2026

A most capable developmental editor, with the communication ability to turn around a manuscript on time with valuable guidance. Highly recommended.
Jan S.

Jan S.

Jan, 2026

Thoroughly recommend Phil. I had complete confidence in his ability to undertake the process of editing my lengthy war time family saga. His attention to detail is utterly meticulous and I received a detailed and comrehensive package to work on if my book is to stand any chance of publication.A ...
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