Bryan Thomas Schmidt

Bryan Thomas Schmidt – Editor

Hugo-nominated and 12 time #1 bestselling author and editor of 21 anthologies, and over 200 novels—let’s make a great story together!

Overview

I specialize in developmental, line, and copy editing as well as proofing. References available upon request. 3-5 page sample edit available upon request. I do tend to get a lot of requests and book up fast, so just be aware. I love working with authors though. But before I make an offer, I will ask to see at least 30 pages of your manuscript. I am very selective because I want to work with the best.


NOTE: Now booking January 2025. First come, first serve. Thanks.


More About Me:

#1 bestselling/Hugo-nominated editor of 21 anthologies and over 200 novels, including Andy Weir’s The Martian and books by Frank Herbert, Todd McCaffrey, Angie Fox, and many more. His debut novel, The Worker Prince, received Honorable Mention on Barnes & Noble’s Year’s Best Science Fiction. He has written for such popular franchises as Predator, Aliens, Monster Hunter International, Aliens vs. Predators, The X-Files, Joe Ledger, Decipher’s WARS, and many more. Extensive experience in science fiction (especially space opera and military scifi), fantasy (epic fantasy and urban fantasy, sword and sorcery), horror, thrillers, women’s fiction, mystery (especially noir and procedural), western, and nonfiction genres. Author of HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FICTION.

Services
Fiction
Fantasy Horror Mystery & Crime Science Fiction Technothriller Women's Fiction Young Adult Fantasy
Non-Fiction
Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • 2x Hugo nominee
  • National bestseller
  • Barnes and Noble’s Year’s Best

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2008 — Present

I have 10 published novels, 4 more in the pipeline, a dozen screenplays, 22 edited anthologies, 30 published short stories, 1 published nonfiction books, and editing credits on numerous novels including those by Andy Weir, Angie Fox, Todd McCaffrey, Frank Herbert, JÁ Pitts, Tracy Hickman & Dan Willis, Kate Corcino, Quincy J. Allen, Mike Resnick, and many more. I have over 30 books out from publishers like St. Martins Press, Baen Books, Titan Books, IDW, Blackstone Publishing, & more. I have worked with both indie and traditional authors in genres that include science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller, horror, romance, women’s fiction, historical, nonfiction, gaming, and more.

“Bryan is an excellent editor. He worked with me and customized his service to what I needed. He got the job done quickly and thoroughly. I recommend him to any who are interested.” ~ Andy Weir, Author (The Martian, Random House 2014)

25 and Y

Mar, 2020 — Jul, 2021 (over 1 year)

I acquired books for the various publications lines, including a mystery line I was Managing Editor for, and also produced SURVIVING TOMORROW a charity anthology for COVID testing kits.

Wordfire Press

Apr, 2014 — May, 2018 (about 4 years)

I edited books for Wordfire including those for Frank Herbert, JÁ Pitts, Gray Rinehart, Mike Rensick, Tracy Hickman & Dan Willis, Quincy J. Allen, Julie Frost, and many more.

“Bryan Thomas shows insight both as an editor and as a reader. He understands stories on several levels, from the big picture to the small details, and he helps the author sculpt the best possible book.”~ Kevin J. Anderson, publisher, WordFire Press

Portfolio

Predator: Eyes of the Demon

Bryan Thomas Schmidt - editor

Clod Makes A Friend

Pedersen, David J.

The Angel of the Abyss

Schwaeble, Hank

Zeru

Vargas, Phillip

Pack Dynamics

Frost, Julie

A Game of Authors

Herbert, Frank

City of Angels

McCaffrey, Todd

The Martian

Andy Weir

Mission: Tomorrow

Schmidt, Bryan Thomas

Decision Points

Card, Orson Scott

Galactic Games

Schmidt, Bryan Thomas

Beyond the Sun

Schmidt, Bryan Thomas

Little Green Men—Attack!

Schmidt, Brian Thomas

Joe Ledger: Unstoppable

Maberry, Jonathan

Shattered Shields

Brozek, Jennifer

Infinite Stars

Weber, David

Bryan Thomas has 44 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Brian Glazier V.

Brian Glazier V.

Oct, 2024

Let me start by saying that Bryan is great at what he does. My overall experience was very positive and I would recommend him to anyone asking. A couple things that I would like to mention about my developmental collaboration. First and foremost, I would describe it as scary and fun. It was scary for me because I have never released any of my work to ANYONE. There was a huge fear of bei...
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C.I. W.

C.I. W.

Sep, 2024

Working with Bryan Thomas S. on my fantasy novel was an eye-opening experience. His insights into strengthening characterization and emotional depth were invaluable. Early on, he helped me realize that my main character was two-dimensional, and his guidance showed me how to develop a more layered, three-dimensional protagonist to take my story to the next level. Bryan also has an exceptional g...
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Hans E.

Hans E.

Aug, 2024

Bryan provided me with specifics on where my novel fell short and provided detailed direction to help me make corrections.
P. L. R.

P. L. R.

Aug, 2024

Quickly identified issues in my early pages and provided actionable solutions. Worth every penny!
C.T. B.

C.T. B.

Jul, 2024

The whole experience was awesome. He is a professional and has great communication skills. Money well spent. Great feedback and resources on how to help me become a better writer as well as what to do with my manuscript. I will collaborate with him again if the opportunity arises. Thank you, Bryan

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