Stacey Donovan
Book Editor, Ghostwriter, Publishing Strategist
I help authors tell unforgettable stories, sharpen every sentence, and publish with confidence. If you’re serious about your work, you’re in the right place.
You Deserve a Book You’re Proud Of
Hi, I’m Stacey Donovan—editor, ghostwriter, and author. I’ve helped hundreds of writers find their voice, strengthen their stories, and finish the books they’ve always dreamed of publishing. Whether you’re working on a novel, a memoir, or something that doesn’t quite fit a category, I’m here to help you make it real—and make it excellent.
In the past 38 years, I’ve edited or ghostwritten hundreds of published books for clients—many of which have gone on to win awards or earn critical acclaim. These include New York Times Bestsellers (Mystery), International Thriller Awards (Thriller), Florida Book Awards (Thriller), an Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Silver Medal (Memoir), Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year (Memoir), Stories of Mighty Women Top Biographies (Memoir), an IBPA Ben Franklin Award for Best First Book (Fiction), and multiple Chanticleer International Book Awards (Thriller).
As a professional editor and ghostwriter, I work across a wide range of genres, including Contemporary Fiction and Nonfiction, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult, Erotic Romance, Erotica, LGBTQ, and Memoir.
I’m also a published author of both fiction and nonfiction. Dive, my first novel, was published in 1995 by Penguin and reissued in 2015 by Open Road Media. The Art of Loneliness, a sexy novella, is available on Kindle. I also co-authored the four-book series based on Zalman King’s Red Shoe Diaries.
Who I Work With
I specialize in working with smart, serious writers—published and unpublished—who care deeply about the craft and want their book to truly connect. Some clients come to me with finished manuscripts; others have a rough draft, an outline, or just an idea they can’t stop thinking about. I meet you where you are.
My Approach
Every project is different, but here’s what you can expect when we work together:
– Thoughtful, honest feedback that respects your voice
– Concrete, actionable guidance to make your book stronger
– Professional collaboration, rooted in experience and care
This is your book. I’m just here to help you make it the best version of itself.
I come from a family that loved books—quietly, fiercely, and without pretense. My uncle, John Donovan, was the author of I’ll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip, a novel often credited as the first mainstream teen book to feature a gay protagonist. He never set out to break barriers; he simply wrote what felt true.
That spirit—of honesty, of emotional depth, of telling the story that needs to be told—stayed with me. I don’t wear it as a badge. But I carry it with me, always.
Let’s Talk
I offer a free, no-pressure consultation so we can see if we’re a good fit. Fill out the form below, send a short sample of your work, and I’ll be in touch.
What Authors Say
My writing career began with Stacey Donovan.
“I’ve taken many writing classes, but I learned more about writing fiction from Stacey than from all the classes put together. Stacey’s immense talent as a published author and ghostwriter allows her to enter your world, in your style and voice. Her editing is in-depth, not only professional but intuitive. In my second novel, she told me the ending felt flat, unworthy. I reworked it, which brought the entire novel to life.
“Over the years, Stacey has become a fierce ally, a sounding board, an inspiration, and a close friend. I couldn’t have hoped for anything more.”
—William Maz, award-winning author of The Bucharest Dossier and The Bucharest Legacy
I was so very lucky to find Stacey.
“Stacey became my writing professor, my therapist, my rabbi, and my friend. She showed me how to reach deep into my soul and write of the things that I had chosen to keep private or hide.“
– Marc Gellman, author of Seven Days of Shiva
I owe my writing career to Stacey Donovan.
“I was astounded at her instincts and her talent to not only point out opportunities for improvement, but to offer concrete guidance as to how to implement necessary changes.
I had no idea that inspiration, editing excellence, and patient teaching could all be wrapped up in one individual.
Now that I’m working on my fifth book, I look back with gratitude to Stacey who so generously shared her expertise and provided such valuable direction.”
–Patricia Gussin, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Laura Nelson Series
Tell me about your book
I offer a free consultation with no obligation.
Fill out the form and send a sample of the work to get started.