Scott Pearson

Scott Pearson – Editor

Editor and writer with decades of experience, now specializing in copyediting science fiction and fantasy as well as mystery and horror.

Overview

I look forward to using my decades of experience as both an editor and a writer to guide you to your best manuscript while maintaining your voice throughout your work.


First published in 1987 with the literary-fiction short story “The Mailbox,” in the decades since I've published humor, mystery, horror, poetry, urban fantasy, and science fiction (including Star Trek), appearing in more than two dozen anthologies. I was an in-house editor at a publishing company where I specialized in military and aerospace history, but as a full-time freelancer I focus on fiction in my favorite genres to read: science fiction, fantasy, and similar subgenres, including some mystery and horror. I have edited, copyedited, or proofread over three hundred books in my career so far.


As the primary copyeditor of Star Trek novels for Simon & Schuster since 2014, I’ve worked with such New York Times bestselling authors as David Mack and Kirsten Beyer. Kirsten has said that “[Scott] brings a deep knowledge of the universe, a keen eye for best possible word choices, and mastery of grammar and usage to my stories. I am always relieved when I see his name on one of my works because I know that I’m about to enter into a dialogue with a trusted partner as I review his notes. I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone in need of an editor.”

Services
Fiction
Anthologies Fantasy Military Science Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera Steampunk Time Travel
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Quarto USA

Sep, 2003 — Apr, 2013 (over 9 years)

Hired as in-house copyeditor, promoted to associate editor on new military history imprint, then eventually to acquisitions editor. Worked on such books such as Michael Keith Olson’s Tales from a Tin Can: The USS Dale from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay, which received a starred review in Publishers Weekly, and The Space Shuttle: Celebrating Thirty Years of NASA’s First Space Plane by noted science journalist Piers Bizony. Edited or copyedited around one hundred titles, primarily of military and aeronautics history.

Self-employed

Jan, 2001 — Present

Various levels of editing, proofreading, research, and writing for hire in a wide variety of subjects, both fiction and nonfiction: aeronautics, true crime, regional history, science, documentary screenplays, science fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy, and horror. I work with indie authors and traditional publishers such as Simon and Schuster, where I’ve been copyediting their Star Trek fiction since 2014, and Baen Books. Including my work for Quarto, I have edited, copyedited, or proofread over three hundred books (and counting), around two hundred of them fiction, both novels and short story collections or anthologies.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
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Made with Reedsy
Standish 3: The Daughter (The Earth Saga Universe)

McFarlane, Donald B

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Ancient Chronicles of Empyrea

Preston, B.H.

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Weird World War: China (3)

Hazlett, Sean Patrick

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
A publishing event: Bestselling author Ken Liu selects his award-winning science fiction and fantasy tales for a groundbreaking collection—including a brand-new piece exclusive to this volume.... read more
Copy Editing

Scott has 27 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Louis R.

Louis R.

Jun, 2024

Scott was thorough and thoughtful with his feedback, right from the start of my manuscript he showed in-depth knowledge and a larger picture look that I couldn't find on my own. He was honest and fair, and I appreciate that. Thanks Scott for your services in the indie industry, you're helping pave a straightforward path to better work for emerging authors like myself!
Scott P.
Thanks for all your kind words, so glad you were pleased with my work on your manuscript!
Robert F.

Robert F.

May, 2024

Scott’s attention to detail and his editing style are, for a self proclaimed perfectionist like me, absolutely essential (albeit a little humbling). His work is thorough, his comments are clear, and he simply delivers. I’m glad I chose him as my editor, and will do so again.
Matthew O.

Matthew O.

May, 2024

Scott cut an excellent balance between personal and professional. His responses were always quick and insightful, and I never felt as if I was being treated as 'another customer'. The edits provided were clear and consistent. So much so that I did not feel the need to reach out for additional clarity at any point when examining his suggestions. My only complaint is that, while reading through h...
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Scott P.
Thanks, great working with you, and glad you appreciated my work. Also glad you caught something I missed—it happens, but it's still so annoying when it does. That's why authors should have a proof...
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Dan S.

Dan S.

Aug, 2023

Scott Pearson's expertise goes beyond just proofreading. He has been an indispensable partner throughout my writing process, contributing so much more than expected. With a meticulous eye for detail, he identified errors and inconsistencies that I had overlooked, and his invaluable insights helped to elevate the quality of my manuscript significantly. Not only did he correct grammatical and pun...
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Jacob P.

Jacob P.

May, 2023

Scott's work is professional, very well done, and everything I was looking for. He noted the portions of my writing that needed more attention and even worked within my own voice and style to make key and helpful suggestions. Highly recommend!

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