Los Angeles, a city synonymous with storytelling and innovation, is not only the heart of the film industry but also a focal point for literary brilliance. It’s in this bustling metropolis that you’ll find some of the finest book editors in the nation, each bringing a unique blend of creativity, experience, and industry insight. 

From groundbreaking memoirs to trailblazing fiction, these top Los Angeles editors help transform ambitious manuscripts into polished masterpieces ready for the next bestseller list.

1. Christopher J. Carley

Christopher J. Carley is a meticulous Los Angeles-based editor with expertise in nonfiction, particularly in geography, history, and art. He is a certified copy editor and a member of the ACES Society for Editing. His editing portfolio spans a broad range, including online news and various book formats. Christopher’s experience encompasses roles such as fact-checking, quality control, and e-book production. He is known for his detail-oriented approach, aiming to enhance clarity and engage readers by enriching content and brightening paragraphs. His career highlights include significant collaborations with publishers and media producers, reflecting his capability in managing diverse editorial needs.

2. Nancy Cushing-Jones

Nancy Cushing-Jones boasts over 35 years of editorial experience, characterized by her tenure as President of Universal Studios’ MCA Publishing Division and co-founder of Broadthink. Her editorial acumen covers a vast range of genres in both fiction and non-fiction, with notable expertise in transforming story concepts across different media. This talent was particularly evident in her pioneering role in the tie-in publishing business, significantly contributing to its evolution into a lucrative sector. Nancy’s work is marked by her strategic collaborations with high-profile authors and major studios, enhancing the storytelling bridge between books and other media forms.

3. Ilia Epifanov

Ilia Epifanov is a dynamic Los Angeles-based developmental editor and author with a deep passion for the genres of romance, mystery, and science fiction. With over six years of experience, Ilia has significantly contributed to over 100 fiction projects, enhancing narratives with his strong focus on plot and character development. Notably, Ilia has also ghostwritten 30 novels, demonstrating his versatile storytelling abilities. His recent personal work includes the science fiction mystery novel Crescent Earth, which explores complex themes of love and loss. Ilia’s approach to editing is characterized by a deep engagement with story structure, ensuring each narrative fully realizes its potential.

4. Lee Farber

Lee Farber is an Emmy-winning writer and editor based in Los Angeles with a prolific background in television and film. With over two decades of experience, Lee has contributed to well-known projects such as “The Soup” and feature films for platforms like Netflix and Hulu. His editing skills are not limited to screenplays; he also extends his expertise to manuscripts, graphic novels, and other written forms. Known for his deep understanding of narrative and structure, Lee offers developmental editing and editorial assessment, ensuring content not only engages but resonates deeply with audiences. He is also noted for his collaborative and patient approach, making him a valuable partner in any creative project.

5. Kait Feldmann

Kait Feldmann is a seasoned children’s book editor based in Los Angeles with a strong background in picture books and graphic novels. She has contributed to over 150 titles and boasts a history of collaborations with notable publishers like Scholastic and HarperCollins. Her portfolio includes award-winning books such as Lala’s Words and Jovita Wore Pants. Kait is recognized for her insightful and empathetic editorial approach, focusing on enhancing story arcs and enriching narrative authenticity while prioritizing the reader’s experience.

6. Wendy Heard

Wendy Heard, based in Los Angeles, merges her expertise in education and extensive authorship with a deep passion for mentoring up-and-coming writers. Her editorial focus spans from plot structure and character development to thematic depth and organizational clarity. Wendy’s work is praised for its insightful development of mystery and crime narratives, among other genres. Authors she has collaborated with commend her for detailed, transformative feedback that not only refines manuscripts but also enhances their storytelling skills.

7. Lauren Hummel

Lauren Hummel is an accomplished editor from Los Angeles with a rich background in a variety of non-fiction genres, including biography, memoir, self-help, and women’s fiction. Her previous roles at major publishers like Simon & Schuster and Hachette have allowed her to refine a broad skill set, from developmental editing to proofreading. Lauren’s work includes numerous titles that have achieved critical acclaim and bestseller status. She is particularly skilled at maintaining an author’s voice while enhancing the overall narrative structure of their work.

8. Genevieve Lerner

Genevieve Lerner, based in Los Angeles, brings a unique blend of comedic flair and meticulous attention to her editing, especially in genres like fantasy and romance. A graduate with a BFA in Theatre Performance and a minor in English, she leverages her background to enhance narrative flow and character development. Her portfolio showcases a strong focus on novels, scripts, screenplays, and short stories, where she ensures clarity and engagement. Genevieve is praised for her quick turnaround times and her ability to make the editing process enjoyable.

9. Lorraine Martindale M

Lorraine Martindale M, a versatile Los Angeles-based editor, has a robust background in literature, having previously collaborated with well-known publishers like Random House and Penguin Putnam. She is particularly skilled in genres like literary fiction, mystery, and non-fiction areas such as memoirs and self-help. Lorraine has edited successful book series and offers personalized coaching to writers. Her expertise is complemented by a Publishing Certificate from NYU and an MFA in Writing from The New School.

10. Elena Vega

Elena Vega is a seasoned non-fiction editor from Los Angeles with over 30 years of experience at top publishing houses such as Simon & Schuster and Macmillan. Specializing in memoir, biography, business, and entertainment, Elena’s comprehensive approach covers everything from copy editing to developmental editing. She is also an award-winning self-published author. Known for her passion and meticulous attention to detail, Elena is dedicated to collaborating closely with authors to refine and elevate their work to its highest potential.

And there you have them: the best editor in the City of Angels ready to take your manuscript to new heights!