Susan Barnes

Susan Barnes – Editor

Fiction editor of SF/F and romance (trade, indie, and apps). Lover of all things nerdy, steamy, and in between.

Overview

After moving to New York City to attend the NYU Publishing program, I worked at Orbit and Redhook Books (Hachette Book Group) editing science fiction, fantasy, romance, thrillers, and general commercial fiction.

But the call of my Midwest roots ended up being too strong to deny, so I journeyed back and continued my passion for fiction through freelance editing.

I love to help authors, those published and yet to be discovered, hone their craft and take their story to the next level. Whether your needs are developmental, structural, or just an extra eye on the details, I offer a variety of services to tailor your experience to what your novel needs.

I can’t wait to work with you!

Author Testimonials:

“Susan is the best editor I’ve ever worked with. She can literally transform a novel with her feedback, tireless diligence, and insightful suggestions. I can’t recommend her highly enough.” —
New York Times
and
USA Today
Bestselling author Alessandra Torre

“Working with Susan was a wonderful experience from start to finish. She provided thoughtful and insightful feedback that took my story to the next level. Editorial letters, phone calls, brainstorming sessions – she was there with whatever I needed. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results!” -- Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated and Starflight series

“I love working with Susan! It’s a wonderful feeling to know that your words are safe in her hands. I rest easy knowing that she will help me figure out how to make each book the best it can possibly be. Susan asks hard questions that challenge and transform but is always there to help you brainstorm how to execute the changes you want to make. She is both coach and cheerleader and I’m so grateful to have her in my corner! Susan has hands down made the greatest impact on my growth as a writer.” -- Catherine Cowles, author of
Further to Fall
and
Beautifully Broken Pieces



Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Epic Fantasy Historical Romance Paranormal Romance Romantic Suspense Space Opera Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • NYU Publishing Certification

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2015 — Present

Portfolio

A Sweet Nothing

Fenne, Anastasia

Ylmi's Saga

Evan Oliver

Ylmi Bodvarsdottir grew up in the mountains, forced to live with her parents beyond the protection of their village. But when the harsh crags and windy slopes did not kill her, she grew stronger. Together with her friend Thora and her mentor Dranri, she learne... read more
Sawbones

Melissa Lenhardt

Wrongfully accused of murder, Dr. Catherine Bennett is destined to hang... unless she can disappear.With the untamed territory of Colorado as her most likely refuge, she packs her physician's kit and heads West. But even with a new life and name, a female doct... read more
The epic conclusion to the fast-paced new adventure fantasy series, the Duelists trilogy, from one of the most exciting new talents in fantasy. Vocho and Kacha may be known for the first swordplay in the city of Reyes, but they've found themselves backed into ... read more
Legends and Liars is the second book in the Duelist's trilogy -- a fast-paced adventure from one of the most exciting new talents in fantasy.Vocho and Kacha are brother and sister, and between them they've got quite a reputation. They were once know for the fi... read more
Two siblings. Outcasts for life.... together. What could possibly go wrong? Vocho and Kacha are champion duelists: a brother and sister known for the finest swordplay in the city of Reyes. Or at least they used to be-until they were thrown out of the Duelist's... read more
"I can command storms, summon fire and unmake stone," Balfruss growled. "It's dangerous to meddle with things you don't understand." Balfruss is a battlemage, sworn to fight and die for a country that fears and despises his kind. Vargus is a common soldier -- ... read more
Equal parts Dexter and 50 Shades, this is the eagerly awaited follow-up to the award winning erotic thriller, The Girl in 6E, by A.R. Torre.1. Don't leave the apartment.2. Never let anyone in.3. Don't kill anyone.The rules were simple and I broke them.Now I mu... read more
Every vampire has heard rumor of the mythical place where their kind can daywalk. But what no vampire knows is that this City of Eternal Night actually exists.And its name is New Orleans.For centuries, the fae have protected the city from vampire infestation. ... read more
Behind the Throne begins K. B. Wagers's action-packed science fiction adventure, with a heroine as rebellious as Han Solo, as savvy as Leia, and as skilled as Rey.Hail Bristol has made a name for herself as one of the most fearsome gunrunners in the galaxy. Bu... read more
Faith will not save him.Saker appears to be a simple priest, but in truth he's a spy for the head of his faith. Wounded in the line of duty by a Lascar sailor's blade, the weapon seems to follow him home. Unable to discard it, nor the sense of responsibility i... read more
The newest novel in Gail Z. Martin's breathtaking Ascendant Kingdoms saga -- a tale of unpredictable magic, battling warlords, and the lust for vengeance.Amidst the shadows, chaos reigns. Blaine "Mick" McFadden managed to partially restore Donderath's magic, b... read more
Welcome to the Wasteland, a post-apocalyptic world where lawlessness reigns, and around every bend is another pack of bloodthirsty raiders.Kid is trying to survive in a world gone mad. Hungry, thirsty and alone in a desert wasteland, she's picked up on the sid... read more
She’s always been his safe place to land.Jensen has shared a special bond with Tuck for as long as she can remember, their friendship a language that never needed words. But as life threw her one curveball after another, that secret language turned to stony si... read more
Further To Fall

Catherine Cowles

An up-and-coming MMA fighter trying to take on the world. An innocent teacher trying to make the world a better place. He never expected her to become his best friend. But she fought her way into his life, one tongue-lashing at a time. Until one night, one mis... read more
She’s on the run…Tessa has finally found a safe haven in Sutter Lake, hiding in plain sight—just as long as no one asks too many questions.He can’t escape…Liam knows better than anyone how one wrong word, a single whisper can ruin a life. After seeing the dark... read more
Enter a world equal parts Dexter and 50 Shades in this first, award winning erotic thriller from A.R. Torre!My life is simple, as long as I follow the rules. 1. Don't leave the apartment. 2. Never let anyone in. 3. Don't kill anyone. I've obeyed these rules fo... read more
Bliss

Hilary Fields

Nothing says "oops" like your naked ass skidding in the salmon mousse...A year ago, pastry chef Serafina Wilde's seemingly perfect life fell to pieces. So now, when her eccentric Aunt Pauline calls from Santa Fe needing her help, Sera jumps at the chance to st... read more
"Heartwarming, romantic and with an added bit of suspense, this story had me glued to every page!" - Devney Perry, USA Today BestsellerA woman who's lost everything. Taylor is looking for peace and quiet away from the memories of all she's lost. A small mounta... read more
After thwarting a deadly coup and saving the alliance between their worlds, Cara and Aelyx have finally earned a break. Their tiny island colony is everything they dreamed it would be―days spent gathering shells on the beach and nights in each other’s arms.But... read more
The Ghostwriter

Alessandra Torre

"The best book I have read this year, hands down." Goodreads Top ReviewerFour years ago, I lied. I stood in front of the police, my friends and family, and made up a story, my best one yet. And all of them believed me. I wasn't surprised. Telling stories is wh... read more

Susan has 33 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Josephine B.

Josephine B.

Mar, 2024

Susan was so helpful in the editing journey. Her comments and questions really allowed me to see what direction I wanted my story to take and how I could strengthen it. I would recommend Susan to anyone looking for a developmental editor. She is thorough and always there for any questions or concerns you may have. I would love to work with her again in the future.
Brad P.

Brad P.

Mar, 2024

Susan is great! Her notes were spot on and friendly. She addressed many of the problems that lingered in the back of my mind or that I knew were there, but couldn't pinpoint. Not only that, she offered several solid solutions to fixing them. I would definitely work with her again.
Yishay A.

Yishay A.

Dec, 2023

Susan is great! Her comments and edit suggestions were spot on. Highly reccomended.
Kristen H.

Kristen H.

Nov, 2023

This was the second time that I worked with Susan, for book two in my fantasy romance series, and it was just as wonderful as the first time. Susan's feedback and insights are invaluable. Her comments were thoughtful, clear, and, most importantly, pushed me with the tough questions that I needed to answer to take my book to the next level. At this point in our collaboration, it's hard for me to...
Read more
Yishay A.

Yishay A.

Nov, 2023

Susan is an excellent editor! I hope to continue working with her in the future.

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