Dan Varrette

Dan Varrette – Editor

I have 20+ years of developmental editing and copy editing experience working with science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and literary fiction.

Overview

I provide a full line of editing services to help authors and publishers develop effective and polished writing. I have worked in book publishing for more than twenty years. My experience includes editing fiction in various genres (including science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and literary) for both traditional publishers and self-publishers alike. A big part of my work involves educating new and developing writers on the editorial process, including helping them improve on the tools of their writing craft.

I am experienced in developing books from manuscript to finished product. This includes the various levels of editing (developmental editing, substantive/structural editing, stylistic editing, copy/line editing, and proofreading). I am familiar with longer fiction projects such as novels and short story collections, but I also work on smaller projects such as individual stories and chapters.

I am also trained in business and marketing communications and experienced in producing marketing and publicity content for the book publishing industry. This includes query letters, book proposals, synopses, and back cover copy.

I have an eye for detail while maintaining an understanding of the overall scope of each project. My wide variety of interests allows me to take on every assignment with enthusiasm and dedication, and I am always focused on helping each of my clients grow as an author.

Services
Fiction
Dystopian Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Short Story Time Travel Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Lynda.com: Digital Publishing Fundamentals, License D1860B

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2007 — Present
My editing services are helpful to both aspiring and seasoned writers, regardless of whether they want to self-publish or approach traditional publishers. I edit creative writing, including novels, short stories, and other works, paying close attention to the technical and artistic elements of each piece while ensuring that the individual voice of the writer is fully developed.

Insomniac Press

Feb, 2005 — Dec, 2019 (almost 15 years)
I served as project editor, copy editor, and proofreader for literary fiction, mysteries, poetry, and nonfiction. My duties also included managing the editorial process of book projects and supervising their promotion and publicity. Along with writing and editing marketing materials such as press releases and catalogues, I also represented the press at industry events, created and optimized author websites, implemented social media plans, created email newsletters, and maintained media contacts.

Insomniac Press

Oct, 2004 — Jan, 2005 (3 months)
Responsibilities included marketing and promoting books, copy editing, and proofreading.

Portfolio

Irma

Maple, Sona

Tellwell Talent

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Seekers

Fung, David

Proofreading
Proofreading
Unbound: The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone

Cunningham, Trinity

TC Publishing

Copy Editing
InFusion: Book 1: Divergence

Searles, Jay

Independently published

Proofreading
Prince Charming on the Brain

Vice, J

At The Boundary Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Injustice: A Crater Novel

Nelsen, Brad

Brad Nelsen

Editorial Assessment
Path: A Story of Love, A Guide to Life

Chadwick, J. E.

Turf Tavern Press

Copy Editing Proofreading
Siljeea Magic

Pratt, Judith

Black Rose Writing

Query Letter Review
Joss Lynn

Wollbaum, R P

R.P. Wollbaum

Developmental Editing
Tempus

Botea, Thomas

Copy Editing
All of Rod Michalko’s stories take place in blindness, and things are different here. Michalko tells of how blind people move through the world encountering sighted people with tragic, daring,... read more
Copy Editing Proofreading
A Closer Tomorrow

Caffrey, Matt

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Chrome Kisses

Popowich, Jamie

Copy Editing Proofreading
İDA - Roots in Cloaks

Kurunc, Handan Oral

Copy Editing Proofreading
A Van Full of Girls

Michael Murray

Have you ever been in a van full of girls? All the girls are alive and they're happy. You’re all heading off to do something whimsical and flirty and you’re maybe a little bit drunk. You’re go... read more
Copy Editing Proofreading
Hypocritic Days

David Fiore

The sci-fi shelves are bursting with obnoxious alternate realities, but what if our own world was revealed to be among the worst of them? If you shared shiftless film critic Douglass Infantino... read more
Copy Editing Proofreading
Winnie's Tongue

Nic Labriola

On the day her dad is buried, the woman who calls herself Winnie celebrates by setting out on the strangest road trip of her life. Her travelling companion is an enormous man-child whom she ca... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading

Dan has 63 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Arseny M.

Arseny M.

Jul, 2025

I've worked with multiple editors on Reedsy, and Dan is among the few who truly engages with your work. He is detail-oriented in the best way possible. For example, in one of my fantasy-ish short stories, Dan pointed out potential discrepancies in the types of wood that might be used for making ...
Read more
Allen L.

Allen L.

Jul, 2025

Dan did a phenomenal job with my novel's edit. Not only did he clean up the prose, but he made suggestions (where appropriate) throughout the manuscript to make the end-product even better. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Dan again. Thanks!
Anthony M.

Anthony M.

May, 2025

Dan provided an extremely detailed developmental edit. His comprehensive notes gave me an overarching sense of direction and contained thoughtful suggestions to improve the manuscript. Very professional. Easy to work with. And open to questions.
Kim J.

Kim J.

Apr, 2025

Dan is very experienced and is great a guiding on what I needed when I wasn't sure what I need or wanted. If you struggle with too many decisions or options Dan is you man. His feedback was detailed and provided my suggestion and examples to help he understand what was suggested. As a new, new a...
Read more
H.S. H.

H.S. H.

Mar, 2025

Dan was professional and supportive throughout the process and explained his rational for changes in a clear and concise manner. I would definitely hire Dan again on future projects.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Dan and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Dan

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Amanda Sumner

Amanda S.

Former NY publishing house editor with 30 years of experience. I help authors create books that are even better than they dreamed.

Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

95% reply rate

View profile
Ashley S.

Ashley S.

I am a dedicated editor who enjoys helping fantasy, mystery, science fiction, and historical fiction writers polish their books to a shine.

Warsaw, VA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Robin Fuller

Robin F.

Born wordsmith and veteran Penguin copy editor and proofreader. Specialties: fantasy, dystopian, spiritual fiction, magical realism, & YA.

Savannah, GA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile