Emily Dahl, a fiction book editor, smiles while sitting on a bench with her head propped on her fist in front of a blue brick building.

Hi, I’m Emily Dahl.

I help fiction authors bring their stories to the next level so they can grow as writers and inspire their readers.

We’ve all read books that have become a part of us. Books whose stories and words have stuck with us long after we finished that last page.

My goal is to help your book become the best version of itself so you can capture your readers’ imaginations in the same way. I enjoy editing a variety of fiction books, and I hold a special place in my heart (and bookshelf) for fantasy and romance genres.

Work with me

My editing style and approach

Sharing your book with an editor is an act of bravery. I’m grateful for each client that invites me to read and respond to their work as part of their creative process.

Despite any past experiences (including that one teacher who gleefully slashed your prose with red ink) the editing process doesn’t have to be painful. I’ll give you professional and actionable feedback.

My hope is that you’ll gain insight into how your readers may experience your story, build confidence in your writing, and feel inspired to tackle your revision. Let’s get started!

Person wearing gray sweater typing on a laptop computer on a wooden table, with a cup of coffee, a black marker, a tablet, and a decorated greeting card nearby.

Find an editor that collaborates on your vision

  • "I learned things about my manuscript, my writing style, and myself that I wouldn't have otherwise known."

    James Ryan, Science Fiction Author

  • "Emily makes you feel seen, appreciated and respected."

    Sue Meredith Mann, Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction Author

  • “Emily really feels like a partner in the writing process … I can tell she loved my story and wanted to help me make my vision for it come to life.”

    Emma Elizabeth, Fantasy Author

  • "Emily was thorough and constructive ... communicative and punctual."

    Victoria Brown, Author

  • "Thanks to Emily, my co-author and I are going into our next round of revisions with confidence and excitement."

    E.D., Fantasy Author

  • "I feel she really got into my story and understood where I was going with it."

    S. Siobahn Brand, Fantasy Author

Emily Dahl, a fiction book editor, stands in front of a brick wall with art.
My values-based editing process

My core values

Collaboration

You’re the author, the sovereign ruler of your literary kingdom. As an editor, my goal is to help you bring the best version of your story into the world.

Curiosity

My first instinct isn’t to cut something but rather to discover why it’s there—and what it could become. Authors often plant story seeds, both intentionally and subconsciously. My goal is to make sure they bloom by the end of your book.

Empathy

We read to experience the world through the perspectives of others. I bring that spirit of empathy into my editing. What might your readers feel with your work? What revisions might expand your vision as the author?

Inclusivity

I know that you want to welcome and engage your readers. The words we use can draw people in or draw lines. That’s why, when I edit, I’m sensitive to writing that might alienate readers or cause harm, even unintentionally.

Education

Developmental editing doesn't come with one standardized certification, so editors build their expertise through a mix of training and hands-on practice. Mine includes developmental editing and genre-focused coursework from recognized organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association, Editorial Arts Academy, and the ACES Society for Editing. I also have a marketing background that shows up in services like blurb writing. If you're comparing editors, it's always fair to ask what's behind their expertise.

Editing courses and training

  • Developmental Editing Beginner and Intermediate (Editorial Freelancers Association)

  • Developmental Editing for Fiction (Editorial Arts Academy)

  • Editing Fantasy and Sci-Fi (Editorial Freelancers Association)

  • Editing Romance, Editing Sex and Intimacy (Editorial Freelancers Association)

  • ACES: The Society for Editing conferences 2022, 2023, 2025

  • ACES: The Society for Editing virtual conferences 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

  • Editorial Freelancers Association conference 2023

  • Tea and Commas: The Foundations of Line and Copy-Editing Fiction (Liminal Pages)

Certificate of completion badge for Editorial Arts Academy developmental editing fiction course

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts — English

My favorite classes examined women and minority writers, editing, and grammatical systems. I put my word nerd skills to use as the editor in chief for our college newspaper.

Master of Arts — Communication, new media, and marketing

I refined the craft of storytelling to connect with audiences using modern technology. This training strengthened my decade-long career as a corporate writer and marketer.

Professional memberships

ACES the society for editing logo

ACES the society for editing

Member since 2020

Editorial Freelancers Association Member logo

Editorial Freelancers Association

Member since 2022