Book Editors

Horror Editors: 8 Editors Who’ll Give Your Readers Goosebumps

In the chilling world of horror literature, the role of an editor is as crucial as the author’s. They are the ones who ensure that the suspense builds just right, the scares hit at the perfect moments, and the atmosphere remains hauntingly palpable from the first page to the last. These pros work behind the scenes, shaping the stories that make our hearts race and our spines tingle.

In this post, we’ll be listing 8 of the top horror editors in the industry, the masterminds who help craft the nightmares that keep us up at night. So, brace yourself and let’s delve into the shadows to meet these architects of fear.

1. Joseph Ross Angelella

Joseph Ross Angelella is a Baltimore-based editor, published author, award-winning screenwriter, and university writing professor. His literary debut, ‘Zombie: A Novel’, was praised by Barnes and Noble and Matthew Quick, author of ‘The Silver Linings Playbook’. With over 10 years of professional writing and editing experience, he has worked with various literary journals and publishing houses, including Random House and Simon & Schuster. Joseph is also an experienced coach for new writers and authors, offering in-depth and honest critiques. His areas of expertise include middle grade, young adult, and literary fiction, as well as genre fiction such as horror, mystery, thriller, and crime fiction. Given his commitment to developing writers’ skills and honing their craft, you know you can trust Joseph with your horror manuscript.

2. Angela Brown

Angela Brown is a seasoned editor with a remarkable track record, having edited over 700 books. She specializes in a wide array of genres including sci-fi, fantasy, supernatural, horror, mystery, thriller, YA, and dystopian fiction. Angela’s career highlights include editing high-profile and award-winning titles such as the New York Times bestseller ‘Perfect Lie’ by Teresa Mummert and ‘Good Sam‘ by Dete Meserve, which became a number-one Amazon bestseller and a Netflix film. She is known for her ability to enhance books while preserving the author’s unique voice and style. Angela’s passion for genre fiction and her commitment to working closely with authors to develop their ideas and enhance their writing make her an exceptional choice for those seeking a dedicated and experienced editor.

3. Holly Atkinson

Holly Atkinson, an experienced horror editor, brings a unique blend of firmness and nurturing to her work. Formerly with Samhain Publishing, she has worked with numerous authors, including New York Times and USA Today bestsellers. Her editing style is described as “firm but fair,” and she believes in fostering author growth while maintaining a fun environment. Atkinson is a strong advocate for preserving an author’s voice throughout the editing process, ensuring that the final product still reflects the author’s unique style. She views the relationship between editor and author as a collaborative and educational one, with a shared goal of making the book a success.

4. Parisa Zolfaghari

Parisa Zolfaghari is a seasoned editor with over a decade of experience, having worked with one of the big five publishing houses. She edits all genres of fiction, including horror, making her a versatile choice for authors across a broad spectrum. Her approach to editing is comprehensive and supportive, offering guidance to authors throughout the entire process, from brainstorming to choosing titles and planning promotions. Parisa’s portfolio includes work with both bestsellers and debut authors, and she has also done digital design for a variety of books. Her clients, including New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors, praise her for her intelligence, thoroughness, and fantastic work ethic.

5. Oren Eades

Oren Eades is a Los Angeles-based editor with a wide range of experience, having worked on everything from #1 NYT-bestselling memoirs to WSJ-bestselling political texts, and from science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels to children’s picture books. He has worked in various roles in publishing, including as a copyeditor, proofreader, fact-checker, editorial assistant, and full editor for books across several imprints of Skyhorse Publishing. Oren’s approach to editing is comprehensive and supportive, offering guidance to authors throughout the entire process, from the writing process itself through edits, submissions, and publication. His goal with every edit is not just to help create a great manuscript, but to help authors learn, grow, and improve as writers, both now and in the future.

6. Sara Kelly

Introducing Sara Kelly, a flexible, fierce, and efficient editor with a wealth of experience in genres including horror, science fiction, and literary fiction. Sara’s passion for editing is fueled by her love for genre fiction and her dedication to ensuring your content is impeccable. She is known for her analytical and creative editing approach, and her ability to think outside the box to offer customized solutions for each project. Horror is her primary specialty, and she has a soft spot for poetry and comedy. Sara is committed to helping your manuscript reach its full potential while staying true to your unique voice and vision.

7. Kezia Kynaston-Mitchell

Meet Kezia Kynaston-Mitchell, a seasoned editor specializing in genres such as horror, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and romance. Kezia’s approach is supportive and empowering, making her an excellent choice for both new and experienced authors. She’s adept at preserving an author’s unique voice while polishing their work to the highest level. Her academic research background equips her with strong organizational and detail-oriented skills, making her a great fit for intricate world-building and historical fiction. Kezia’s work has been recognized in the International Horrorfest literary competition, and she has built long-term relationships with authors, including Amazon Top 10 bestseller Emma V. Leech. With her extensive experience in narrative structure and storytelling, Kezia is committed to making your story soar.

8. James Osborne

Meet James Osborne, a highly experienced horror editor and the publisher-in-chief of Broken River Books. With over 300 projects under his belt, including over 50 novels released on his small press, James has a proven track record in the industry. His work spans across various genres, including crime, mystery, and horror fiction. James is dedicated to bringing out the best version of your book and is passionate about helping aspiring writers become professional authors. His work has been recognized with the Wonderland Award for Best Novel in 2010, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier editor in the field.

These exceptional horror book editors are the help shape our favorite spine-chilling narratives, ensuring every page is steeped in suspense and terror. Whether you’re a budding horror writer or an established author, partnering with these skilled editors can elevate your storytelling, bringing your darkest visions to life in the most thrilling way possible.