Susan Chang

Susan Chang – Editor

You can hire me to edit your query package or manuscript with the expertise honed by 30 years at Big Five Publishers.

Overview

Hello. My name is Susan and I am a freelance developmental editor. Over the course of my nearly thirty-year career as an acquisitions editor at Big Five publishers in New York City—including HarperCollins and Tor Books (Macmillan)—I’ve worked with many award-winning and bestselling authors. You may want to hire me if you are:


A traditionally published author who needs help with an early draft or final polish before sending a manuscript off to your agent or in-house editor


An aspiring author who has been invited to revise and resubmit and needs an encouraging yet tough editor to help propel you to the finish line and get that offer of representation or publication


An independent, hybrid, or self-published author who constantly strives to improve your craft and craves constructive feedback


TESTIMONIALS


“I can absolutely vouch for her being one of the best editors in the business. She gets an enthusiastic recommendation from me.”—Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times bestselling author


“She taught me how to write books for children.”—W. Bruce Cameron, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose and the Puppy Tales


“Susan was a terrific partner in creating books I am fiercely proud of.”—Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee


“She’s what every author wants: a collaborator who won’t intrude on your vision for the novel, but who isn’t afraid to deliver straight talk.”—Andrew Fukuda, award-winning author of This Light Between Us, Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature


“I cannot say enough wonderful things about her sharp eye as an editor.”—Jane Yolen, award-winning author of more than 400 books for children and adults


“I was so lucky to have Susan as my editor for my debut novel, 96 Miles. She is fantastic! Anytime a reader tells me this book was a page-turner, I have to give credit to Susan. She is brilliant with pacing and tension! She has a sharp eye for story and character, and early on, suggested some key changes that not only added dimension to the plot, but emotional depth to my characters. Her comments and notes were always spot-on. And she was an absolute pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her!”—J. L. Esplin, award-winning author of 96 Miles


"Susan gave me thorough, thoughtful feedback on my query letter, combing through it word by word to show me how to make it stronger. That new, improved version helped me get a top-notch agent and a two-book deal with a great publisher." —James L. Sutter
Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Coming of Age Fantasy Historical Fiction Middle Grade Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Young Adult
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2022 — Present

As a former acquisitions editor with 30 years of experience at Big Five publishers, I know what editors—and readers—are looking for. I can help make your query package or manuscript shine.

Macmillan Publishers / Tor Books

Jan, 2004 — Jul, 2021 (over 17 years)

Acquired and edited award-winning books for Tom Doherty Associates/Tor Books, a Macmillan Publisher

Susan has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Rob R.

Rob R.

Jul, 2023

Susan helped me to step back and view my project in a new light. Her broad expertise and knowledge of many subjects, mixed with an easygoing manner, gave me the sense that I was in good hands throughout the process. For a new writer such as myself, her ability to instill confidence gave me the impetus to continue my series to the end. She identified key mistakes in my structure and viewpoints, ...
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Susan C.
Thank you, Robert! It was a pleasure working with you and I very much look forward to reading your magnum opus when it hits the shelves.
Tia M.

Tia M.

Nov, 2022

I am so happy I chose to work with Susan as a developmental editor for my YA adventure/mystery novel. She just seemed to get the essence of my book and what I was trying to do with it. Susan was very supportive and gave clear, specific and positive feedback about what she loved about my work and of course what was needed to fix the problems to go forward. I loved how she helped me see a better ...
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Susan C.
Thanks, Tia! It was an absolute pleasure working with you on your unique and ambitious YA adventure. Best of luck on your revision--I'm confident that you will be able to pull it off.
Nathan L.

Nathan L.

Apr, 2022

Working with Susan was awesome! She was very easy to communicate with, accommodating, and always on top of things. From our first interaction onward, I felt that she both understood my intention for my manuscript and wanted to help me get there. Every interaction we had also assured me of her knowledge, skill and experience, as she provided insights into the professional market. Her development...
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Susan C.
Hi, Nathan. Thank you so much for entrusting me with your work! I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and look forward to seeing your book on the shelves. You've inspired me to visit more National ...
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