Book Editors

9 Top Thriller Editors for Your Heart-Pounding Manuscript

If you’re an author with a pulse-pounding thriller manuscript in your hands, you already know the importance of every twist, every secret, and every drop of suspense. But crafting a truly gripping thriller isn’t just a solitary endeavor; it takes a village—or at least a highly skilled editor—to turn your manuscript into a page-turner that readers can’t put down. 

Finding the right editor who not only understands the technicalities of plot and pace, but also appreciates the nuances of suspense and tension, can make all the difference between a good thriller and a memorable one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top thriller book editors in the industry—professionals who have a track record of taking thrillers from promising drafts to polished masterpieces.

1. Nina Bruhns

Nina Bruhns stands as a powerhouse in thriller editing, bringing a unique blend of expertise to the table. As a New York Times and multiple USA Today Best Selling author, she offers unparalleled insight into the craft of writing. With over 45 award-winning romantic suspense and thriller novels to her name, Nina knows what makes a story captivating. Her 15+ years of editing experience cover developmental, line, and copy editing across various genres, including thrillers, romance, and memoirs. Holding an MA from the University of Chicago, Nina adds academic rigor to her editorial prowess. If you’re an author seeking to elevate your thriller manuscript to professional standards, Nina is the editor you’ve been searching for.

2. Jessica Read

Jessica Read is an editor who brings a wealth of experience to the table, having proofread works by renowned authors like Lee Child and Sophie Kinsella. Based in Oxford, UK, she has focused her career mainly on fiction books for major UK publishing houses such as Transworld Publishers and Penguin. Jessica offers her services directly to authors, providing both standard and extended proofreading options. She has also worked in-house at Transworld Publishers, performing a range of editorial tasks. If you’re seeking an editor with a proven track record and a keen eye for detail, Jessica Read is an excellent choice.

3. Dylan Garity

Dylan Garity is a full-service freelance editor specializing in genre fiction, with a portfolio that boasts over 300 edited books, including many New York Times and USA Today bestsellers. A graduate of Macalester College with a B.A. in English and creative writing, Dylan has honed his skills over ten years, working on both fiction and non-fiction titles. His expertise isn’t limited to thrillers; he’s also proficient in mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, and literary fiction. Beyond freelancing, Dylan served as Vice President of Button Publishing, Inc., where he managed multiple roles, from editing to business development. If you’re looking for an editor with a diverse skill set and a proven track record, Dylan Garity is your go-to professional.

4. Jo Lane

Jo Lane is a London-based editor specializing in crime and thrillers, with a remarkable background that includes serving as the former Publishing Director for all James Bond publishing. Her editorial acumen has been applied to works published by industry giants like HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Hachette, and Pan Macmillan. Jo has also edited some of Britain’s best-loved authors, including Anthony Horowitz and William Boyd. Her approach focuses on gripping story structure, authentic characters, and an entertaining reading experience. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for bringing out the best in a manuscript, Jo Lane is an ideal choice for authors aiming for excellence.

5. Michelle Hope

Michelle Hope is a powerhouse in the world of editing, boasting a diverse and robust editorial background. She has worked on nearly four hundred titles, including works by best-selling and award-winning authors like George R. R. Martin, Terry Brooks, and Blake Crouch. With an MFA in fiction and years of in-house experience at a trade publisher, Michelle brings a unique blend of precision, creativity, and industry insight to every project. She has even appeared on PBS NewsHour discussing the future of the fantasy genre. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a newcomer, Michelle is committed to elevating your manuscript to publishing-house quality.

6. Laurel Sills

Laurel Sills is a London-based, award-winning editor with a focus on thrillers, women’s fiction, and science fiction and fantasy (SFF). She has been recognized as a Bookseller Rising Star and is a professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. With a decade of experience in the publishing industry, Laurel has worked with major UK publishing houses like Bloomsbury and Canelo. She co-founded the award-winning Holdfast Magazine and has edited works by renowned authors. Her editorial approach is comprehensive, covering everything from story structure to character development. If you’re looking for an editor who combines industry expertise with a passion for storytelling, Laurel Sills is a top choice.

7. Ellen Goodson

Ellen Goodson Coughtrey is a New York-based editor with a decade of experience in turning manuscripts into New York Times best-selling books. A literary agent by profession, Ellen brings a nurturing approach to her editorial process, combining creativity and logic to help authors realize their vision. Her expertise extends to fiction of all sorts, including thrillers and memoirs. Ellen is particularly skilled at crafting compelling query letters, a crucial asset for authors looking to pitch their work to publishers. With meticulous attention to detail and a warm, collaborative approach, Ellen is the editor to help your thriller manuscript shine.

8. Elizabeth Thorlton

Elizabeth Thorlton is a Maumelle, Arkansas-based professional proofreader with a focus on fiction, including thrillers. With nine years of experience, she brings a meticulous eye to every project, ensuring that no grammatical or layout errors derail the reader’s experience. Elizabeth adheres to the guidelines of the Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster, aiming to polish manuscripts without disrupting the author’s core style. She has a diverse portfolio that includes everything from memoirs to cookbooks, but her true passion lies in fiction. Elizabeth’s attention to detail extends to OCR recognition cleanup, making her a versatile choice for authors seeking that final, critical polish.

9. Ray Braun

Ray Braun is a Michigan-based proofreader who specializes in fine-tuning fiction books for indie authors. With a keen eye for detail, Ray has worked with some of the most talented indie authors in the thriller, adventure, and historical fiction genres. His clients praise his indispensable feedback, noting that he catches errors even professional editors have missed. Ray’s meticulous approach ensures that your manuscript will be polished and publication-ready. Whether you’re an established author or just starting out, Ray’s expertise will be a valuable asset in making your thriller novel the best it can be.

Choosing the right editor for your thriller manuscript is a critical step in your journey to becoming a published author. We hope this curated list of top-notch thriller book editors serves as a useful resource, helping you find the perfect professional who can elevate your story from a simple draft to a thrilling masterpiece.