Rennie Dyball

Rennie Dyball – Editor

Passionate editor, collaborator, and award-winning author; 17 years experience in kids' books + non-fiction with publishers big and small

Overview

From picture books to celebrity memoirs, Big Five imprints to indie presses & self publishing, I've worked as an author and editor in many corners of the publishing world. I enjoy taking on developmental editing projects, line editing, copy editing, query letter writing, and more. Before working as an author and editor full time, I spent 15 years as a staff writer and editor at PEOPLE magazine, followed by 5 years as managing editor of The Plaid Horse magazine.

Working as a ghostwriter and an editor, I've learned that every author is different. Some thrive with a lot of interaction and follow-ups, while others need space to work solo at times before we dive back in together. I'm always happy to tailor my editing process to my client's preferences and needs. Overall, I believe that editing is the most fun part of the entire writing & publishing process. I love working with an author to take what's on the page and elevate it ... making it sing. I bring that spirit of creativity and fun, along with my flexibility, to every project I take on.

My ghostwriting work has included many memoirs in addition to prescriptive nonfiction. I most recently collaborated on the forthcoming ADHD FIELD GUIDE FOR ADULTS by Cate Osborn and Erik Gude (Gallery, March 2026). I've been involved in every part of the publishing process at major publishing houses, and I've worked just as closely with writers who are self-publishing.

My experience as an author is also integral to helping other writers. I've written many award-winning picture books and middle grade novels, as well as contemporary romance. As a competitive equestrian , projects involving horses are a particular favorite!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Equus Award - best equestrian fiction; 2021 and 2022
  • Equus Award - best literary fiction for Good Boy, Eddie, 2023
  • Bookstagram Best of 2023 - best read aloud for B Is for Bellies

Work experience

The Plaid Horse

Oct, 2019 — Feb, 2025 (over 5 years)
I guided editorial content for this equestrian publication, focusing on coaching and guiding writers during the editing process, as well as line editing feature stories. As the brand expanded into book publishing, I also reviewed manuscripts and proposals for potential publication and edited equestrian non-fiction.

Self-employed

Dec, 2016 — Present
After nearly 15 years as a writer and editor at People magazine (with regular ghostwriting gigs on the side), I went out on my own as an author and editor. I now provide a variety of freelance editing services as well as consulting on publishing goals, query letter writing, and more. As a longtime book collaborator, I love working together with other writers, whether that's at the query letter stage, for self-publishing, or polishing up a manuscript before going out to agents. As a children's book author myself, I'm also passionate about helping children's authors with their manuscripts, however they choose to publish. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing your work!

Self-employed

May, 2008 — Apr, 2023 (almost 15 years)
As a ghostwriter, collaborator, and "book doctor," I've written or co-authored nearly a dozen non-fiction titles. These titles are mostly from Big Five publishing houses, as well as independent self-published titles and one Audible Original. This experience allowed me to work on books from their start as an idea, through the proposal stage, all the way to publication and promotion.

People and People.com

May, 2002 — Nov, 2016 (over 14 years)
I took my first job at People right out of college and wrote for nearly every section of the magazine over my years at the brand. Favorites included music, movies, TV, human interest, and sports, along with movie reviews and book reviews. As a senior digital editor, I assigned, wrote, and edited 8-10 stories on a daily basis on a wide variety of subjects.

Portfolio

She grew up in front of the world on the beloved sitcom Full House, but then actress Andrea Barber abruptly left Hollywood. Why did she leave and what did she do for twenty years out of the sp... read more
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Made with Reedsy
Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher

Fisher, Ben P.

Frayed But Okay Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Show Strides Vol. 5: Packer Pressure (Volume 5)

Dyball, Rennie

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Show Strides Vol. 4: Testing Friendships (Volume 4)

Dyball, Rennie

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Show Strides Vol. 3: Moving Up & Moving On (Volume 3)

Dyball, Rennie

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Show Strides Vol. 2: Confidence Comeback (Volume 2)

Dyball, Rennie

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Show Strides Vol. 1: School Horses & Show Ponies (Volume 1)

Dyball, Rennie

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Book Coaching
The Wingman

Rosenthal, Meg

Warren Publishing, Inc

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Fiona and the Peculiar Praise

Dyball, Rennie

4U2B Books & Media

Good Boy, Eddie

Dyball, Rennie

The Right Words

Rosenthal, Meg

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Book Coaching
Copy Editing Book Coaching
From the star of TLC’s My Big Fat Fabulous Life and the YouTube sensation “A Fat Girl Dancing” comes an empowering memoir about letting go of your limitations and living the life you deserve. ... read more
Developmental Editing Book Coaching

Rennie has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lea Patrice F.

Lea Patrice F.

May, 2024

Pinned
Working on my first children’s picture book with Rennie was a seamless experience and exceeded every expectation I had. She thoughtfully reviewed my manuscript, poking and prodding the storyline in all the ways it needed. Her edits and suggestions made sense and elevated my project. Her encouragi...
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Rennie D.
Thank you so much for such a kind and thoughtful review! I so enjoyed working with you and will be first in line to preorder your wonderful book to share with my kids. It’s a truly special story an...
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Ben P. F.

Ben P. F.

Feb, 2024

Pinned
Rennie was an excellent editor for my children’s picture book story and an absolute joy to work with. Her attention to detail, fresh ideas, and enthusiasm were much appreciated. I highly recommend her and would definitely hire her as my editor again!
Rennie D.
Thank you, Ben! Such a pleasure to work with you and I appreciate you trusting me to contribute in a small way to your very special picture book.
Tia B.

Tia B.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
Rennie was great at collaborating! I am a new writer and needed to be walked through the process. She explained different options in detail and her offer was very explicit in what I would get out of our time together. She also provided descriptions of additional collaboration options and what eac...
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Rennie D.
Thank you so much, Tia. You were a model collaborator yourself! Hope to work together again as well.
Nelida G.

Nelida G.

Nov, 2025

Rennie was amazing and very professional. She made the entire process incredibly easy. I was a bit anxious when I first handed over my memoir due to the sensitive nature of the content, but she immediately made me feel comfortable and understood. I highly recommend her and would definitely work w...
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Rennie D.
Thank you so much for the lovely review! It was my pleasure to work with you. Thank you for trusting me and I wish you the very best with your book.
Sam W.

Sam W.

Oct, 2025

Rennie made the entire editing process super simple. I was unsure or overwhelmed, she was quick to reassure me and walk me through it. The entire process was so easy with her guidance and she was fantastic to work with.
Rennie D.
Thank you so much, Sam! It was my pleasure to collaborate with you.

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Most recent contributions

What are the most common formatting mistakes authors make when submitting children's manuscripts, and how can they be avoided?

Including illustrations (Don't! unless you are an author-illustrator) Funky fonts (You can't go wrong with Times New Roman, double spaced, 12 pt size) Extensive art notes (It's important to leave room for the illustrator to tell part of the story; keep these to a minimum) Pagination (Too early...
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How do you maintain an author's voice while editing nonfiction?

I never put my own stamp on an author's work! I generally highlight areas where I'd like an author to expand so that they are providing the new writing themselves.

What strategies do you use to clearly explain your editing services to indie authors new to publishing?

I like to outline the way I typically work to new authors, but I always open up the floor to questions as well. I'm happy to answer anything a prospective client might like to know. Plus, every collaboration is different, and my go-to answer for explaining my editing services is: I work in whatev...
Read more

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