Rennie Dyball

Rennie Dyball – Editor

Versatile, passionate editor and award-winning children's book author with 16 years of experience. Love collaborating with other writers!

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, help with query letters, and more. I was a staff writer and digital editor at People for 15 years, so I learned to work on the tightest of deadlines. As managing editor of The Plaid Horse—an equestrian magazine with 9 issues per year—I keep my editing skills sharp on both short form and longer pieces.


Working as a ghostwriter and an editor for more than a decade, 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 writing process, taking what's on the page and elevating 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 YOU ARE NOT A F*CK UP: THE ADULT ADHD SURVIVAL GUIDE by Cate Osborn and Erik Gude (Gallery, Spring 2025). 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. My debut picture book, B IS FOR BELLIES: A CELEBRATION OF EVERY BODY, was published by Clarion (an imprint of HarperCollins) in July 2023. My middle grade novel, GOOD BOY, EDDIE, was also published in 2023, and I have another picture book, PENELOPE AND THE PECULIAR PRAISE, coming out in 2025 (4U2B). I co-author the SHOW STRIDES middle grade equestrian series, which being re-released by Andrews McMeel Universal in 2024.


As a longtime equestrian myself, 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 — Present

I oversee 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 expands into book publishing, I also review manuscripts and proposals for potential publication as well as editing 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 eight non-fiction titles to date with more in the pipeline. 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

Good Boy, Eddie

Dyball, Rennie

The Right Words

Rosenthal, Meg

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Book Coaching
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
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

Rennie has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lea Patrice F.

Lea Patrice F.

May, 2024

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 encouraging nudges to keep pushing on certain aspects of the story really showed that she was invested in my ...
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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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Ashley S.

Ashley S.

Mar, 2024

This was my first book. While I had some editing experience, all I knew was I was overwhelmed with this book and needed direction. I was blessed to meet Rennie. I have worked with editors in my profession in the past that have redone my work with no feedback. My request with Rennie was feedback and tracking. I wanted the book to remain "me." When Rennie was finished with her line and developmen...
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Rennie D.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Ashley, and for trusting me with your deeply personal manuscript. I thought you did a great job of opening your mind to suggestions that you hadn't previously ...
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Kelly G.

Kelly G.

Mar, 2024

Working with Rennie for my children's book was an absolute delight! Her keen eye for detail and expertise truly brought my story to life. Her meticulous attention to correcting spelling and grammar errors ensured that my book was polished to perfection. The collaborative process was smooth and efficient, and Rennie's insightful feedback helped enhance the overall quality of my work. I am so gra...
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Rennie D.
Kelly, it was a pleasure all around to work with you on your children's book. I loved collaborating with you and thought we worked so well together with my suggestions for you to take or leave, and...
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Ben F.

Ben F.

Feb, 2024

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.
Schaefer M.

Schaefer M.

Jan, 2024

Rennie is easy to communicate with. It’s been a pleasure working with her!
Rennie D.
Thank you so much. A pleasure working with you as well!

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