Book Editors

Comic Book Editors: 8 Pros to Make Your Comic Book Go KAPOW!

In the dynamic and visually captivating world of comic books and graphic novels, the role of an editor is paramount. They are the ones who ensure that the narrative flows seamlessly, the dialogue sparkles, and the artwork and text work in perfect harmony to create a compelling story. These unsung heroes work behind the scenes, shaping the stories that captivate us, make us laugh, cry, and keep us on the edge of our seats. In this post, we’ll be highlighting some of the best comic book editors, the creative powerhouses who help bring these vibrant worlds to life. Let’s embark on this journey and meet the individuals who are instrumental in crafting the stories we love.

1. Jim Spivey

Jim Spivey is a seasoned editor with over two decades of experience in the publishing industry, having worked with major publishing houses. Based in Tigard, OR, USA, he has a particular affinity for genre fiction and comic books. His career began in comic book editing, and he later transitioned into print production and managing editorial roles. Jim’s diverse background, which includes line editing, copyediting, and scriptwriting for both page and screen, gives him a comprehensive understanding of a manuscript’s lifecycle, from inception to publication. His work spans various genres and media types, including traditional print, ebooks, manga, and graphic novels. Jim’s extensive experience and passion for storytelling make him a valuable asset for any comic book or graphic novel project.

2. Gene Hult

Gene Hult is a Houston-based editor with over 30 years of experience in the publishing industry, specializing in novels, children’s books, and poetry. His extensive career includes editing hundreds of books for major publishing houses such as Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Random House, and Scholastic. In addition to his editing prowess, Gene is also an accomplished writer, having authored more than 125 books for children and young adults, as well as two books of poetry. His comprehensive understanding of the publishing process, coupled with his passion for storytelling and attention to detail, make him an excellent choice for authors seeking to refine and finalize their manuscripts.

3. Dan Crissman

Dan Crissman is a professional editor based in Cleveland, OH, USA, with over a decade of experience at major publishing houses such as HarperCollins, Macmillan, and W. W. Norton. His editing expertise spans across various genres including history, popular science, memoir, how-to, and travel books. Notably, Dan has also authored two books, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of the publishing process. His work with self-published authors on a freelance basis has been particularly rewarding, showcasing his commitment to helping authors realize their vision and bring their work to the world. His experience and passion for storytelling make him a valuable asset for any comic book or graphic novel project.

4. Grace Srinivasiah

Grace Srinivasiah is a New York-based editor and proofreader with a focus on narratives centered around race, gender, and sexuality. With nine years of experience in books, magazines, and online publications, she has honed her skills in creating clean, error-free copy that maintains the individual voices of writers. Grace has worked on notable publications such as “Crude Intentions” (2018) and “Eye to Eye: Portraits of Lesbians by JEB” (2021). In addition to her editing expertise, she also has extensive experience with licensing materials for books, including artwork excerpts, interviews, and more. Her commitment to diverse narratives and meticulous attention to detail make her an excellent choice for comic book and graphic novel projects.

5. Kristin Foti Errico

Kristin Foti Errico is a New York-based editor and proofreader with nearly 20 years of experience in print publishing, specifically in children’s, teen, YA, and adult trade. She has worked at Harlequin and Little Bee Books, where she managed editorial work on both fiction and nonfiction across various age groups. Kristin’s portfolio includes a diverse range of books, from romance novels to children’s non-fiction. Her experience in managing editorial, working closely with editorial and freelance pools, and building up sensitivity/authenticity read freelance programs, makes her a valuable asset in the comic book and graphic novel editing space. Her commitment to making great content shine is evident in her work.

6. Kailee Kremer

Kailee Kremer is a Chicago-based editor and proofreader with a conscientious approach to her work. She has honed her skills over the years at the University of Chicago Press and through freelance work with clients including Penguin Random House. Kailee’s experience spans a variety of genres, with a particular focus on comics and graphic novels. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to preserving the author’s unique voice while ensuring clarity and coherence in the text. Her experience and dedication make her an excellent choice for authors seeking to refine their comic book or graphic novel manuscripts.

7. Caitlin Prozonic

Caitlin Prozonic is a professional editor based in Sunderland, MA, USA, specializing in children’s books and K-8 educational materials. With multiple awards and six years of professional writing and editing experience, she has worked for publishers such as Pearson, Boyds Mills Press, Avenue A Books, and Pioneer Valley Books. Caitlin’s portfolio includes a diverse range of books, from picture books to young adult novels. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to preserving the author’s unique voice while ensuring clarity and coherence in the text. Her experience and dedication make her an excellent choice for authors seeking to refine their comic book or graphic novel manuscripts.

8. Holland Baker

Holland Baker is a New York-based editor and proofreader with a focus on children’s, YA books, and graphic novels. With over six years of experience in New York City publishing, she has developed her skills in copyediting and proofreading for a number of mediums, including novels, graphic novels, and novelty items. Holland has worked with Scholastic’s Graphix, Branches, and Acorn imprints, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability in the publishing industry. She also has a keen eye for art consistency, which is a valuable skill in the realm of graphic novels. Her meticulous passion and attention to detail make her an excellent choice for authors seeking to refine their comic book or graphic novel manuscripts.

These exceptional comic book and graphic novel editors are the unseen forces that shape our favorite stories, ensuring every panel and dialogue bubble contributes to a captivating narrative. Whether you’re a budding comic book artist or an established graphic novelist, partnering with these skilled editors can elevate your storytelling, bringing your creative vision to life in the most engaging way possible. We’ve also got you covered with a list of incredible comic book illustrators, if that’s what you need right now.