Book Editing for Speculative Fiction Authors
Hi, I'm Andy J. Hodges, and welcome to Second World Editorial.
We specialize in fantasy, speculative, and genre-bending fiction, with particular expertise in queer narratives, worldbuilding, cultural depth, and character-driven storytelling.
Looking for a kind, direct, and supportive developmental editor with expertise in setting, culture, and story? Or a line editor or copyeditor? If so, check out our services.
I support speculative fiction authors by offering:
-
Fiction developmental editing and fiction line/copyediting for completed and revised novels
-
Fiction editing workshops across Europe
-
Lots of fiction craft blog resources, a fiction publishing newsletter, and a podcast with hot takes on publishing, recorded with authors from marginalized backgrounds in mind.
What I'm especially keen to work on:
-
Literary fiction: I’m drawn to unusual and evocative settings; speculative and magical realism; socially and politically engaged narratives; and stories that foreground queer characters or thematic threads.
-
Genre fiction: I especially enjoy YA and adult fantasy, including epic fantasy, urban fantasy, dark fantasy, romantasy, fairytale and myth retellings, and genre-blends. I’m particularly interested in stories with queer protagonists or perspectives, intercultural or ecological themes, and high external stakes.
If your project sits adjacent to these categories or blends them in unexpected ways, I’m still very happy to hear from you.
My fantasy fiction editing and writing is grounded in the following principles:
-
Human creativity—no generative AI in my own writing and editing workflows
-
Publishing can be liberating and exciting, but it is often elitist and capitalist, too, and this situation sucks for many authors—let's change it!
-
Anyone can learn to write well—writing is not a “natural gift”
-
Stories, like people, are social and live in ecosystems
-
Words and tropes can cause harm, and so we should choose them carefully
Book Your Spot
30 min
Free
1 hr
80
Vincent Burke, Queer Fantasy Romance Author
"The edits were necessary and incredibly valuable. I learned a lot about my own perspective and how it bleeds into characters, and how to extricate myself from that or lean into it. The editorial report was one of the greatest feedback tools I have ever received, as it covered so many aspects that, as as the author, I tended to gloss over."
Nathan Wagner, Speculative Western Author
"Working with Andy made my debut novel better, and the results in distribution and reviews prove it. Now we've produced two books together in the same series. I would absolutely recommend working with The Narrative Craft if you're in need of sound feedback, a great partner in the process, and a push in the best direction."
About Andy
I specialise in fantasy, speculative, and genre-bending fiction, with particular expertise in queer narratives, worldbuilding, cultural depth, and character-driven storytelling.
I’ve edited over sixty fiction books for Big Five publisher imprints including HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Pan Macmillan, as well as for small presses and authors either self-publishing their novels or seeking literary representation. My portfolio includes several New York Times bestselling authors and Hugo Award finalists.
Find out more about my own writing and literary translation here.
Selected editorial training:
University of Chicago—Basic Manuscript Editing (A Grade)
Club Ed—Certificate in Fiction Developmental Editing
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading—Copyediting Suite
Editorial Freelancers Association—Advanced Line Editing of Commercial Fiction
Selected qualifications:
PhD in Cultural Anthropology (University of Manchester)
MA in Anthropological Research (University of Manchester)
MA in History and Philosophy of Science (University of Cambridge)
Robert Winter, Fantasy & Romance Author
"Andy was a pleasure to work with, responsive, quick, and thorough in his feedback. His critique and suggestions have definitely helped me improve my novel and to deepen the story I wanted to tell."
Ada Gadomski, Fantasy Author
"Andrew's editing was of the highest standard. I learned a lot about the process from him and felt confident my manuscript was in good hands. It was a rewarding experience I hope to repeat soon."
Blog
