I’m Julie Stevenson, a freelance editor and publishing consultant. Writing can be a solitary process, and working with an engaged, experienced editor can make a meaningful difference at key stages of a project.

I offer developmental editing for full-length fiction, nonfiction, and book proposals, along with consulting sessions that provide clear, practical guidance on both craft and the publishing process.

I’m deeply engaged in the process of shaping a manuscript and understanding what makes a piece of writing really work. I’m also a writer myself, and I love digging into the mechanics of a project to help bring it into focus.

I know how difficult it can be to navigate publishing, and how opaque the process can feel from the outside. That’s part of why I offer editorial and consulting services: to give writers access to an experienced, industry-informed perspective at any stage of the work.

Consulting sessions are designed for writers who want focused, strategic guidance on a project in progress. We can talk through direction, positioning, and audience, as well as how a project might fit within the current market. I also work with writers who want a clearer understanding of how to navigate traditional publishing, small presses, or self-publishing.

Writers often seek my input after an MFA program or extended workshop experience, when a manuscript would benefit from an experienced outside read, as well as at moments when a project has stalled, feels close but not quite right, or when they want guidance before self-publishing or submitting to agents.

My editorial work is limited and selective, and I take on only a small number of full developmental edits each year, often booking several months in advance, allowing for deep, sustained engagement with each project.

In addition to full developmental edits, I offer:

30-minute consultations for focused questions and quick guidance. For these sessions, I will read a query letter and 10 pages.

1-hour consultations for more in-depth discussion of a project, direction, or publishing strategy. For these sessions, I will read a query letter and up to 20 pages in advance so that our conversation is grounded in the writing itself.

Professional Background

I bring more than twenty years of experience in the publishing industry as a freelance editor, publishing consultant, and literary agent with Massie, McQuilkin & Altman in New York, where I represent a select list of award-winning and bestselling authors.

I have worked with projects that have received the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Whiting Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award, the PEN/Hemingway Award, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the MWA Edgar Award, the Carnegie Medal for Excellence, and the Caldecott Honor.

Some of the projects I’ve worked on include THE SYMPATHIZER by Viet Thanh Nguyen, GIRL IN PIECES by Kathleen Glasgow, THE BEST WE COULD DO by Thi Bui, GUNFIGHT by Ryan Busse, THE CASSANDRA by Sharma Shields, THE ROAD TO THE SALT SEA by Samuel Kolawole, THINGS WE LOST TO THE WATER by Eric Nguyen, THE MOUNTAINS SING by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, PLEASE UNSUBSCRIBE, THANKS! by Julio Vincent Gambuto, and REDNECKS by Taylor Brown.

Conferences & Workshops

I have spoken at writers conferences and workshops including Tin House, Yale Writers’ Workshop, San Miguel Writers Conference, and Lighthouse Writers Workshop, among others.

I have also taught or presented at university MFA programs including Institute of American Indian Arts, Sarah Lawrence College, and University of Montana.

I am always open to participating in conferences and literary events. Please feel free to reach out regarding speaking opportunities.

A Note on the Separation of Editorial Work and Literary Representation

I am a member of the Association of American Literary Agents and follow its ethical guidelines for paid editorial work. I do not represent authors who hire me as a freelance editor or consultant, and I do not charge for editorial or consulting work for clients I represent as an agent. For literary representation, please query me through Massie, McQuilkin & Altman in New York.