Despite their length, short stories are among the most difficult literary forms to master. Novelists are sometimes shocked at the level of scrutiny involved in crafting a piece of short fiction, where even the smallest mistake can derail the entire story. Short story editors understand this better than anyone, and they can help you nail every aspect of the form, from structure and pacing to characterization and dialogue. If you’re looking for a short story editor to help prepare your story for publication, you’re in the right place! We’ve gathered 10 professional editors you should consider below.
1. Jill Dearman
Dearman is an eclectic editor with decades of experience and a head for business. She has written seven books including Jazzed, a recipient of the coveted Kirkus Star. As an editor, she focuses on bringing out the “wow” factor in every book she touches. She strives to embody the ideal reader, someone who really “gets” your work. Dearman finds the spark of uniqueness in every short story and helps it grow into a bonfire with meticulous line edits, developmental story coaching, and all of the support you’ll need in between. If your short story includes elements of LGBTQ+ fiction or mystery & crime, Dearman’s special expertise will bring it from good to great.
What to expect: Dearman’s previous clients say that she’s equal parts encouraging and guiding, perfect for first-time or newer authors. She’ll go above and beyond in offering insightful feedback ahead of schedule.
2. Mitchell Gauvin
Gauvin is a passionate and accomplished editor with extensive expertise in fiction and non-fiction alike. He offers services in editing, proofreading, developmental editing, and editorial assessment — all with a comprehensive approach. He combines a holistic understanding of each project’s broader narrative with meticulous attention to the intricacies of syntax and diction. Gauvin sees editing as an opportunity to help each author strengthen and cultivate their unique voice. He brings to each project a writer’s eye, honed through his experience as a widely published writer of short stories.
What to expect: If you hire Gauvin to edit your short stories, he’ll help you offer comprehensive and thorough edits on every element of your work. With years of experience in publishing, he knows what your short story needs to be submission-ready.
3. Sophie Hampton
Hampton has won several awards for her short stories, which have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and widely published in literary magazines. She brings to each project a deep and current understanding of the world of short stories, so she can offer edits and advice on where to submit your work for publication. She offers meticulous copyediting — checking grammar, punctuation, and spelling — and developmental editing, which includes in-depth feedback on every aspect of your storytelling: setting, characterization, structure, tone, and more.
What to expect: If you hire Hampton, expect to receive spot-on edits addressing every aspect of your short story, delivered with a thoughtful balance of support and critique. Previous clients appreciated her keen literary instincts, meticulous eye for detail, and deep understanding of the short story format.
4. Evan Hansen-Bundy
Hansen-Bundy is a character- and structure-focused developmental editor with years of experience working on award-winning literary fiction and nonfiction. Before beginning his freelance career, he worked as an assistant editor at Little, Brown and Company and an associate editor at Algonquin Books. He has worked with authors like David Sedaris, Jo Ann Beard, and Leslie Jamison to get their work into bestselling shape. Hansen-Bundy specializes in voice-driven literary fiction, especially works that explore contemporary issues and social dynamics from new vantages. As an editor, he likes to dig deep into the network of structure, character, and theme that drives your story — the framework through which readers will assess your ideas.
What to expect: If you work with Hansen-Bundy, expect a thorough review of every element of your manuscript, from big-picture questions to the most granular details. Previous clients report that he’s an attentive listener who worked hard to understand their vision.
5. Helen Jukes
As an internationally acclaimed author, Jukes knows the writing process inside and out. She can empathize and advise writers at any stage of their journey. As an editor, she has over ten years of experience helping authors craft striking narratives. Wherever you are in your short story, Jukes can offer comprehensive feedback to help you gain perspective on issues with plot and structure. Previous experience working with students as a writing tutor and university lecturer have imbued her with incredible patience and empathy, and she is eager to work on fiction and creative nonfiction alike.
What to expect: If you hire Jukes as your editor, look forward to sensitive, generous feedback that’ll improve the short story you’re working on and make you a better writer in the long run.
6. Ashley Lopez
Lopez is a detail-oriented editor with decades of Big Five publishing experience. She also has years as an agent under her belt, so she knows what it takes for a story to sell. If you’re hoping to publish your short story or collection with a prestigious literary magazine or Big 5 press, Ashley’s business-minded edits can bring it up to industry standard. She approaches editing with the goal of making each project the best possible version of itself without overbearing changes. Lopez wants authors who work with her to come away with a deeper understanding of their own work.
What to expect: If you decide to work with Lopez, she’ll ask lots of questions aimed at helping you get to the core meaning of your work. Your collaboration will leave you knowing exactly how you want your story to make readers feel — and understanding how to get it there.
7. Faye Robinson
In addition to freelancing, Robinson works as the in-house managing editor for Bloomsbury Publishing, a leading publisher in the United Kingdom. She has edited and overseen production for hundreds of titles across a wide array of genres, and she offers copyediting and proofreading services through Reedsy. She loves giving manuscripts the attention they deserve and strives to be kind and thoughtful in every bit of feedback. She specializes in horror and literary fiction stories, but has experience with a wide range of genres and formats.
What to expect: If you work with Robinson, you can be confident that your unique voice will grow clearer in every word of your short story. Previous clients say that she’s easy to work with, prompt in delivering feedback, and eager to answer questions about everything from a stray apostrophe to traditional publishing timelines.
8. Daisuke S.
Calling all genre benders: Daisuke S. is the editor for you. A talented short story author in their own right, Daisuke’s debut collection Vague Predictions & Prophecies was a finalist for the 2025 Firecracker Fiction Award. Their favorite stories don’t follow the rules — Daisuke prefers to work on experimental and speculative fiction that “seek out complex truths” and challenge conventional storytelling norms. If your short stories are a little off beat, then look no further. Daisuke is available to hire for everything from book coaching, to developmental editing, to proofreading, so give them a look. You won’t be disappointed.
What to expect: If you hire Daisuke, expect a deep, insightful analysis of your short story. Clients regularly praise Daisuke for approaching their work from a unique angle, highlighting aspects of their stories that they hadn’t previously considered.
9. Amy Segelbaum
Segelbaum is an adjunct English Instructor who has taught fundamental writing and grammar skills, English composition, and business writing courses. Teaching has taught her a great deal of patience. She also has a background in journalism and publishing. Segalbaum is a voracious reader of literary non-fiction, short stories, and historical fiction, and she brings this love of literature to every project she edits. In addition to a deep understanding of what makes short stories excellent, she’ll approach your story with a keen eye for detail, leaving you with kind and clear feedback.
What to expect: If you opt to work with Segelbaum, you can look forward to thoughtful suggestions, efficient response times, and razor-sharp line edits that leave your short story in the best possible shape. Past clients report that she puts her knowledge and her heart to work in every project.
10. Alice Youell
Youell’s resume boasts a decade of editing experience, much of it at imprints of Penguin Random House. Though she’s always enjoyed seeing authors’ work through from the initial submission stage to publication and beyond, she relishes the editorial process — which she sees as a wonderfully creative, dynamic, and trusting collaboration — the most. She offers editorial assessments and developmental editing of literary and book club fiction, including short fiction, and can also critique query packages when you’re ready to submit your work to agents. If your short story is a work of contemporary or literary fiction, Youell can take it to the next level.
What to expect: If you hire Youell to edit your short story, you’ll get thorough, bespoke feedback with an eye toward publication opportunities.
Each of these accomplished short story editors has the experience and expertise needed to help your short story reach its full potential. We hope you have a great collaboration!
About the author
Nick Bailey writes about anything and everything in the realm of writing and publishing. From articles on honing your craft to launching your book, Nick aims to provide valuable insights and practical tips to the Litreactor community in his posts. Aside from books, Nick enjoys hiking, electronic music, and filling up his personal cookbook with new recipes.
