Historical fiction is a special genre—it requires not only a vivid imagination, but also a lot of historical research.
For a historical fiction book to be great, it must speak to the time period’s social norms, language, dress codes, and the greater historical context in which the book is set.
That’s why it’s so important to have a great editor in your corner. Editors that specialize in historical fiction can help ensure that your setting and characters make sense, help you avoid anachronisms, and give you experienced perspective on how to make your book the best (and most accurate) it can be.
Historical Fiction Editors
The 20 freelance historical fiction editors on this list can help you bring your readers to a different time.
If you’re not sure how to work with an editor, what questions to ask them, or how to choose the best editor for your project, check out our free guide on how to find an editor.
1. Michael Rowley
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: The Secret of Abdu El Yezdi by Mark Hodder; The Thousand Names by Django Wexler
2. Ryan Quinn
Website: www.ryanquinnbooks.com
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Hop Alley by Scott Phillips; Cementville by Paulette Livers
3. Julie Tibbott
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Waste of Space by Gina Damico; The Special Ones by Em Bailey
4. Michelle Hope
Website: www.editormichelle.com
Edited books: The Short Drop by Matthew FitzSimmons; The Last Town by Blake Crouch
5. Scott Pack
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Facing the Other Way by Martin Aston; The Tiny Wife by Andrew Kaufman
6. Roisin Heycock
Website: www.roisinheycock.com
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: The Island by Olivia Levez; Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
7. Constance Renfrow
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Warriors by William B. McCloskey; Exile on Bridge Street by Eamon Loingsigh
8. Chersti Nieveen
Website: www.cherstinieveen.com
Edited books: Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller; Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
9. Christina Roth
Website: www.christinarotheditorial.com
Edited books: War Front to Store Front by Paul Brinkley; The Divining by Barbara Wood
10. Aja Pollock
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Fall of Giants by Ken Follett; Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
11. Parisa Zolfaghari
Website: www.yourlittlealien.com
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Keeper of the King’s Secrets by Michelle Diener; The Hitwoman’s Downward Dog by JB Lynn
12. Gillian Holmes
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: The Skipper’s Dog’s Called Stalin by David Black; The Sanctuary Seeker by Bernard Knight
13. Anna Hogarty
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Edited books: Return to Fourwinds by Elisabeth Gifford; The Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes
14. Mark Swift
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Churchill’s Army by Stephen Bull; The Spy Who Painted the Queen by Phil Tomaselli
15. Erin Young
Website: www.eyedits.com
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Ticket to India by N. H. Senzai; Spontaneous by Aaron Starmer
16. Mary-Theresa Hussey
Website: www.goodstorieswelltold.com
Edited books: Inside by Maria V. Snyder; The Paris Assignment by Addison Fox
17. Kendall Davis
Website: www.kendall-ashley.com
Edited books: Ignition by Andrew Smith and Brooke Estrada; The True Hero’s Journey by Andrea Hofman
18. Amy Elizabeth Bishop
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore; The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
19. Tricia Callahan
Website: www.about.me/callahantricia, www.coverspy.tumblr.com
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Black Ink by Stephanie Stokes Oliver; The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
20. Thalia Suzuma
Email: [email protected]
Edited books: Golda Slept Here by Suad Amiry; Blue Lorries by Radwa Ashour
Check out these additional resources for historical fiction authors:
Here are more editors in different genres:
Tom Corson-Knowles is the founder of TCK Publishing, and the bestselling author of 27 books including Secrets of the Six-Figure author. He is also the host of the Publishing Profits Podcast show where we interview successful authors and publishing industry experts to share their tips for creating a successful writing career.
I am interested in information about an editing assessment.
Hi John, we offer some tips about getting a sample edit from editors before hiring them in this post. I hope this helps! :)
Many thanks Tom for these wonderful resources you offer here. Please keep this great work up. Hugs to you.
We’re glad you found this list helpful! :)