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 February 2026. First come, first serve. Thanks. I book in advance because I get tons if requests. And I want to work with professionals who leave adequate time to make sure their book is the best it can be.

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 13 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)

Top Shelf Editing

Feb, 2023 — Present

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

The Last Wish

Lanham, M.A.

Parola Press

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 64 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

A L.

A L.

Sep, 2026

Mr. Schmidt provided me expert evaluation and feedback on my work. Most importantly to me, he did not pull any punches while being very constructive. I came to Reedsy looking to improve as a writer, and thanks to him I believe I will.
Bryan Thomas S.
Thanks so much. I wish you the best of luck with your writing.
Karthik I.

Karthik I.

Sep, 2026

As always, Bryan was an absolute pleasure to work with. This was my second time having Bryan help me with a project, and this was the toughest of them all -- because Bryan told me something no writer wants to hear, which is that my draft needed a lot of work. That tough feedback is not easy to ...
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Karthik I.

Karthik I.

Sep, 2026

Bryan was fantastic to work with on this project. I had originally scoped this to be a novella, but the scope grew into a full-length novel. Despite his very busy schedule, Bryan was great about accommodating me and then worked diligently to give me detailed editorial feedback. This is my third ...
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Bryan Thomas S.
Thanks much for the fun collaborations and your hard work. It’s been a pleasure.
Karthik I.

Karthik I.

May, 2026

I came to Bryan with Revise, my debut novella, nervous as a first-time author — particularly given his illustrious background. I knew my work needed help. I just didn't know what kind, or where to start. Bryan did. His editorial letter is one of the most instructive documents I've received as ...
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Jeff F.

Jeff F.

May, 2026

Brian did a fantastic job reviewing my novel. Unlike other reviewers, he provided insightful feedback from a publisher’s perspective and helped me understand how readers might respond to certain weaknesses. His advice on how to improve those areas was clear and practical. I highly recommend worki...
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Most recent contributions

How can writers use stereotypes and tropes to their benefit when creating a character?

Well, stereotypes and tropes exist because they are the comfort food of readers, and should be the comfort food of writers too. Not to the extent that you write cliche stories by overusing the same old thing. But by the fact that their presence in certain story types is expected and even desired ...
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What techniques can authors use to create a redemption arc that feels emotionally authentic and believable to readers?

Redemption arcs are layered. There’s the external of redeeming one’s self to others. And the internal of redeeming yourself in your own eyes. Both are emotion packed. I think the characcter’s understanding of why redemption is needed, how to get there, why it matters, and what it means for the fu...
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How can authors effectively build tension leading up to the climax?

Well, the main method is to up the stakes as you go along. The more it matters emotionally to the characters and externally to their circumstances and the world around them, the more important that climax becomes. Every time you increase the stakes, the anticipation of readers goes up surrounding...
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