In poetry, each word is a stroke of feeling, each line a carefully drawn breath. For those intrepid enough to dance with language and give voice to the unspoken, a skilled editor is a rare yet essential companion. They can distill each poem’s essence, strengthen its rhythms, and polish its imagery until it sings with clarity and grace.
Whether you’re sculpting a sonnet, embarking on a free-verse journey, or attempting something entirely new, an editor who understands the nuances of verse can elevate your work to its full potential. Here are seven poetry editors who excel in the art of refinement, bringing their own experienced approach to your unique voice.
1. Maria Andrade
With over two decades of experience in both English and Spanish, Maria Andrade brings a seasoned approach to poetry editing, especially for writers crafting bilingual or Latinx works. Fluent in both languages and professionally educated in each, Andrade offers a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of cultural nuance. She provides a range of services, from developmental poem editing to coaching poets through the writing process. Andrade is particularly skilled at communicating with clients — asking specific questions to ensure your writing style is preserved, and making thoughtful suggestions about how to break up stanzas, insert synonyms, and improve flow in each poem.
2. Mark Danowsky
Mark Danowsky is an active participant in the literary scene who brings his exceptional expertise to poetry editing. An accomplished poet himself, with multiple collections and publications under his belt, Danowsky is also the Editor-in-Chief of “ONE ART: a journal of poetry” and the official Poetry Editor for Cleaver Magazine. Danowsky’s insights are informed by both depth and versatility, with a background in editing poetry collections, chapbooks, creative nonfiction, memoirs, and more. He tailors his suggestions to each poet’s needs, using his hands-on experience to seamlessly refine and elevate poetic works.
3. Aparna Kumar
Aparna Kumar brings six years of multifaceted publishing experience, including editorial roles at Penguin Random House, where she specialized in commissioning and developing poetry and literary works. Her notable achievements include championing The Penguin Book of Indian Poets, a bestselling anthology that showcased the voices of 94 poets, and reviving out-of-print poetry titles with fresh perspectives. Kumar’s editorial philosophy centers on preserving each author’s voice while enhancing narrative and structural elements. Known for her thorough and solutions-oriented methods, she also offers valuable industry guidance on pitching, marketing, and publication strategies — making her an invaluable resource for poets who wish to break into high-level publishing.
Meet poetry editors on Reedsy
Polish your verse with expert help.
4. Donato Mancini
Donato Mancini offers a dynamic approach to poetry editing, focusing on not only fixing the work but also empowering poets to enhance their craft. With expertise across genres — including poetry, linguistics, and art criticism — Mancini adapts seamlessly to each project’s style and requirements. Known for his supportive, responsive manner, he collaborates closely with writers, fostering an environment where creative potential can flourish. Mancini’s editorial style prioritizes clarity and growth, guiding poets at every level to unlock new possibilities within their work. His talents are reflected in glowing testimonials from his clients, who attest to his “skill at disrupting [their] inner solipsist” and “intuitive understanding of intent”.
5. Amanda Peters
Since 2007, Amanda Peters has supported both independent authors and established publishers, including a long-standing role at Now or Never Publishing. Her straightforward technique emphasizes clarity, readability, and adherence to industry standards, ensuring each text is polished and publication-ready. Peters understands the challenges that poets and authors face in maintaining objectivity about their own work, offering insightful, constructive feedback that sharpens manuscripts without discouraging clients. Her services streamline production and elevate quality, making her a trusted partner for aspiring poets seeking excellence.
6. Talin Tahajian
With nearly a decade as a senior poetry editor at The Adroit Journal and current experience as an assistant editor at The Yale Review, Talin Tahajian has guided countless poets in honing their verses and craft. A PhD student at Yale and holder of distinguished degrees from Cambridge and the University of Michigan, Tahajian combines her academic and creative prowess in each project. Tahajian’s own poetry, published widely in journals like Copper Nickel and The Iowa Review, reflects her deep commitment to poetic excellence. For those looking to make their mark in the world of esteemed literary magazines, Tahajian could be the editor for you.
7. Reid Tang
Reid Tang, an experienced editor with a background at Math Paper Press, specializes in experimental, hybrid, and genre-bending works. With a discerning yet open-minded approach, Tang has edited titles like Alvin Pang's What Happened and Victor Ocampo's The Infinite Library, showcasing their talents for working with truly singular voices. Their editing style is adaptable, frank, and constructive without unnecessary harshness. Passionate about unconventional writing, Tang is an ideal collaborator for writers and poets pushing the boundaries of their chosen genres.
About the author
Savannah Cordova is a writer from London. Her work has been featured in Slate, Kirkus, BookTrib, DIY MFA, and more. She loves reading and writing short stories, and spends much of her time analyzing literary trends into the ground. You'll often find her with an iced vanilla latte, a book, and a furrow in her brow.
