Taz Urnov

Taz Urnov – Editor

Editor at Soho Press, working on literary crime and horror fiction. Let's tell the story you've always wanted to tell!

Overview

A sensitive, thoughtful, and friendly editor who enjoys intriguing fiction of all genres, I love learning about new perspectives in the books I edit, and I'm comfortable supporting writers through each and every stage of the writing and editing process. My professional expertise is in adult mystery/crime/thriller and horror fiction, although I have made forays into literary, historical, and LGBT fiction as well.

I've been at independent publisher Soho Press since 2021, where I've had the honor of working with stars like Cara Black, Mick Herron, Eli Cranor, and Kate Brody. Undaunted by length, I'm equally happy working on a novella and a meaty hundred-thousand-word-plus doorstop. I have a particular fondness for literary narrative styles and "voicey" narrators, but I'm equally skilled in working with fast-paced plot-twisty thrillers. I love bringing out the novel an author really wants to write but didn't know how to, or perhaps was afraid to.

Working at Soho has shown me every aspect of the publishing industry: querying, working with agents, being on sub, getting published, and, of course, exactly what happens after the contract is signed. I'd love to tell you all about it and what your book needs to get it to wherever you'd like it to be.

Whether on the literary-arts side or the publishing-business side, if you have a vision, I can help you make it a reality!

Blushing, I'll let my authors describe me:

"My editor, Taz, thank you for your excitement and enthusiasm for this project. Every one of your emails has brought a smile to my face, and thank you so much for championing Akal with such passion!"

—Nilima Rao, author of A Disappearance in Fiji

"To my amazing editor, Taz Urnov—your vision and enthusiasm gave me the push I needed to take youthjuice to the next level. I am eternally grateful that we met and had the chance to work together."

—E.K. Sathue, author of youthjuice

"Thanks to my editor, Taz Urnov. The day we met on Zoom to discuss publishing this book together, I recognized her as the type of person I always want to meet. In short, someone too vivid and unique to be reduced to a 'type of person.' Taz has the energetic charge of a good story and the open warmth of a good human. Her smarts, enthusiasm, and care brought this book out of the cold and provided the extra fire it needed."

—Dennis Mahoney, author of Our Winter Monster

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Horror LGBTQ Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Soho Press

Sep, 2021 — Present
At Soho Press, I work on award-winning crime fiction and spine-chilling horror fiction. -- Edited authors of all stripes: debuts (Kate Brody, Nilima Rao), national bestsellers (Cara Black, Eli Cranor), and genre juggernauts (SJ Rozan, Naomi Hirahara). -- Brainstormed books from the ground up, simply proofread, or anything and everything in between. Provided extensive author care and emotional support throughout the editorial process. -- Books I acquired and edited have received glowing reviews in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post; starred reviews in all the major trade publications; blurbs from high-profile authors (Rachel Harrison, Xiran Jay Zhao, Alexander McCall Smith, David Peace); and notable literary awards (CWA Dagger Award, Shamus Award, Anthony Award, Library Journal Award, etc).

Portfolio

youthjuice

Sathue, E.K.

Hell's Hundred

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Rabbit Hole

Brody, Kate

Soho Crime

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Killingly

Beutner, Katharine

Soho Crime

Editorial Assessment
Summerhouse

Karaahmet, Yigit

Soho Crime

Copy Editing
Last Seen in Havana (A Havana Mystery)

Dovalpage, Teresa

Soho Crime

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Our Winter Monster

Mahoney, Dennis

Hell's Hundred

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Ozark Dogs

Cranor, Eli

Soho Crime

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment

Taz has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Chris B.

Chris B.

Oct, 2025

My collaboration with Taz was extraordinarily useful. Her editorial recommendations were deeply insightful and - fortunately - exactly what I needed to bring my work to a much higher level. She's also funny and kind, with a unique ability to connect with writers. I felt that every step of the way.

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