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 25 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Thomas N.

Thomas N.

Mar, 2025

Mr. Halton has proven once again that his work and professionalism is second to none. His wealth of knowledge on effective yet concise writing, history, and motorcycles for fellow riders, makes him a pleasure to work with. Able to tackle numerous projects at once and consistently deliver great re...
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S B.

S B.

Mar, 2025

I really appreciated his knowledge, experience, and suggestions. His critique of my manuscript was very helpful, very professional and very thoughtful. I appreciated his understanding with my constraints and help with coming to a solution. Thank you
Shannon H.

Shannon H.

Jul, 2024

Great feedback, guidance and solid direction. He gave me clear actionable steps to take so my draft would make more sense. He was excellent communicating with me, especially when I was confused on some aspects of editing. I also respect his openness and direct manner. There was no guessing or won...
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Phil H.
It was a pleasure working with you on this manuscript, Shannon. I look forward to seeing it on the shelves of my local bookstore one of these days!
Phoebe K.

Phoebe K.

Feb, 2024

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!
Tammie W.

Tammie W.

Feb, 2024

Phil communicated very well from the beginning. He was honest, but not brutal. His feedback has been very helpful.
Phil H.
Thanks, Tammie - and good luck getting your story out into the world.

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