Susan Barnes - Editor
A former Hachette editor of SF/F, romance, and commercial fiction. Lover of all things nerdy, steamy, and everything in between.
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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
andUSA 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
andBeautifully Broken Pieces
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Contemporary Romance
Epic Fantasy
Historical Romance
Paranormal Romance
Romantic Suspense
Science Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Urban Fantasy
Certifications
- NYU Publishing Certification
Work experience
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
August, 2015
–
Present
(almost 6 years)
Portfolio (19 selected works)
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 what made me famous. Fifteen bestsellers. Millions of fans. Fame and fortune.Now, I have one last story to write. It'll be my best one yet... read more
United: An Alienated Novel
Melissa Landers
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 the vacation is short-lived.The treaty between Earth and L’eihr has awakened an ancient force that threatens to destroy them all. The A... read more
Beautifully Broken Pieces (The Sutter Lake Series Book 1)
Catherine Cowles
"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 mountain town where no one knows her seems like the perfect escape.A man battling the ghosts of his past.Walker loves his life just the way it... 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 start over. Pauline even offers to let her take over the family business, "Pauline's House of Passion," and turn it into a bakery... provi... read more
The Girl in 6E (A Deanna Madden Novel Book 1)
A. R. Torre, Alessandra Torre
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 for three years. But rules were made to be broken.
Beautifully Broken Life (The Sutter Lake Series Book 2)
Catherine Cowles
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 darker side of fame, he's desperate to retreat and find his voice again.Two people from opposite worlds, brought together by a connection ne... 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 mistake tore them apart. Losing her… that gutted him. But now, as one of the top fighters in the world, he’s back and determined to battle ... read more
Beautifully Broken Spirit (The Sutter Lake Series Book 3)
Catherine Cowles
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 silence. He’s always been her protector.Tuck has looked out for Jensen since the day she was born. As his best friend’s little sister, he’... read more
Bite (Wastelanders)
K.S. Merbeth
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 side of the road by Wolf, Dolly, Tank and Pretty Boy - outlaws with big reputations and even bigger guns. But as they journey across the wi... read more
War of Shadows (The Ascendant Kingdoms Saga Book 3)
Gail Z. Martin
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, but not without a cost. He and the magic are now bound together, and the power remains dangerous and erratic -- draining the life from hi... 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 it brings, Saker can only follow its lead.The dagger puts Saker on a journey to distant shores, on a path that will reveal terrible secre... read more
Behind the Throne (The Indranan War Book 1)
K. B. Wagers
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. But she can't escape her past forever: twenty years ago, she was a runaway princess of the Indranan Empire. Now, her mother's people have ... read more
House of the Rising Sun (Crescent City Book 1)
Kristen Painter
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. But when the bloodsuckers return, the fragile peace in New Orleans begins to crumble.Carefree playboy Augustine, and Harlow, a woman sea... read more
Do Not Disturb (A Deanna Madden Novel Book 2)
A. R. Torre, Alessandra Torre
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 must face the consequences.Everyone else must face me.
Battlemage (Age of Darkness Book 1)
Stephen Aryan
"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 -- while mages shoot lightning from the walls of the city, he's down in the front lines getting blood on his blade. Talandra is a princess ... read more
Swords and Scoundrels (The Duelists Trilogy Book 1)
Julia Knight
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 Guild. As a last resort, they turn reluctant highwaymen. But when they pick the wrong carriage to rob, their simple plans to win back f... read more
Legends and Liars (The Duelists Trilogy Book 2)
Julia Knight
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 finest swordplay in the city of Reyes. The only problem is, ever since they were thrown out of the Duelist's Guild for accidentally killin... read more
Warlords and Wastrels (The Duelists Trilogy Book 3)
Julia Knight
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 a corner too often for their liking.Finally reinstated into the Duelist's Guild for services rendered to the prelate, who has found hims... 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 doctor with a bounty on her head can hide for only so long.Sawbones is the first novel in a gripping historical fiction series."Packs a big ... read more
Susan has 5 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Susan was very insightful in going through my developmental edit. As a new author, I had quite a bit to work on, but she offered her criticisms in an encouraging way that helped me make the story infinitely better. It was enough to bring me back to her for another developmental edit on subsequent work, and I would recommend her to anyone seeking honest, practical advice.
Michelle Walters, May 2021
Susan Barnes gave a precise assessment of my work, pointing different areas for improvement while also remarking on what went well. I came away with a developed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of my novel as well as steps I need to take moving forward. On a personal basis, Susan was very enjoyable to work with, and she was willing to review her assessment with me. I would hire her...
Read more
Mike Miller, May 2021
Susan was VERY thorough in breaking down my novel, and I found her input to be incredibly helpful. She identified several areas that needed work, and pointed out several issues that I had not addressed. I look forward to working with her again.
Evan Oliver, March 2021
I wanted professional fresh eyes to read my story so it could be the best possible version. I got exactly what I needed! She told me what she loved about the story and explained well what needed work. She honored my story by encouraging it in the right direction. I feel that my book will be very strong because of her words.
Siri Strommen, September 2020
Susan was just a marvel to work with. From our first communication to the submission of her edits she was always very clear and concise as to what to expect and how she frames her suggestions. Her suggestions and edits were insightful, on the mark, and really helped me view a manuscript I've looked over thousands of times, in a new light.
Omari Richards, July 2020
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