Erin Leavell
Fantasy Developmental Editor
About Me
I’m Erin Leavell, a developmental editor who works across the fantasy spectrum: middle grade, young adult, adult fantasy, and romantacy. My work brings together a lifelong love of stories, a background in education, and a deep understanding of how readers of all ages connect with character, emotion, and wonder. My creative life spans both story and art, and I bring that same sense of imagination and emotional clarity to the editorial work I do. I help authors shape imaginative, resonant books with clarity, intention, and heart.
Why I Edit Fantasy
Fantasy has always been the genre where I feel most at home. It’s a space where courage, identity, belonging, transformation, and quiet truths can be explored with honesty and imagination. Helping writers bring those emotional threads to life is at the center of my editorial work.
My Background & Training
I hold undergraduate degrees in English and sociology, as well as a master’s degree in education. I’ve spent many years teaching in several different countries, which has given me a global perspective on how people learn, imagine, and express themselves.
I’m bilingual in English and Spanish, and I’ve worked with ESL learners for most of my adult life. This experience strengthens my ability to support non‑native English speakers in refining voice, clarity, and nuance on the page.
Alongside my teaching and parenting experience, I’ve completed formal training in editing and proofreading, earning certificates in both areas to strengthen my technical skills. I’ve also written my own MG fantasy manuscripts, and I grew up in musical theatre, which taught me the rhythm, pacing, and theatricality that make stories come alive.
How My Life Shapes My Editing
Much of my personal life centers around supporting and understanding children. I homeschool my two middle‑grade‑aged boys, and my experience raising a neurodivergent child has led me to study developmental and child psychology in depth.
This background naturally shapes my editorial approach: empathetic, clear, and attuned to the emotional truths that matter to readers, whether they’re twelve or thirty‑two.
Outside of Editing
When I’m not reading, writing, or working with authors, you’ll usually find me outdoors rock climbing, running, exploring nature with my family, or spending time with animals. I also spend a lot of time creating imaginative‑realism art; fantasy‑inspired pieces that let me explore emotion and wonder visually as well as on the page. Those quiet moments often remind me why I love this work: stories help us see the world with wonder.
Why I Love Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is my favorite part of the creative process because I love being alongside writers as their ideas take shape. There’s something deeply meaningful about helping someone refine their vision and encouraging them to share their art with the world.
How We Can Work Together
If you’re writing a fantasy story (MG, YA, adult, or romantacy) and want thoughtful, supportive guidance, I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Explore my Editing Services
Browse my Writer Resources
Reach out anytime: Contact Me