About Me

Hi, I’m Stacey Donovan—an editor who believes every book deserves thoughtful attention, honest insight, and wholehearted care.

I’ve spent my life immersed in the written word—as a published author, editor, ghostwriter, and collaborative partner to hundreds of writers across genres. From debut novelists to seasoned pros, I’ve helped shape stories that are honest, layered, and true to the voice behind them. Whether we’re working on literary fiction, memoir, romance, or a manuscript that resists categorization, I bring clarity, intuition, and precision to the table.

My own novel, Dive, was described by The Atlantic as:

“Neatly dismantles the argument that fiction for teens can’t also be complex and thought-provoking.”

That experience—writing something personal, vulnerable, and ambitious—taught me exactly how much courage it takes to finish a book, and how much trust it requires to hand it to someone else. I don’t take that lightly. Editing isn’t just about fixing; it’s about helping your work become even more itself.

Writers often tell me they feel seen after working with me. That’s the highest compliment I can receive.

I’ve also ghostwritten and co-written books for clients who needed a steady, sensitive hand to guide their ideas onto the page. Sometimes that means shaping a rough draft into something powerful. Other times, it’s drawing out the story between the lines and helping it rise to the surface.

When we work together, you can expect deep engagement, thoughtful questions, and a shared commitment to making your book the best version of itself. I take on a limited number of projects at a time so I can give each one the attention it deserves. I truly love this work.

(And yes, I grew up surrounded by books—my uncle was John Donovan, author of I’ll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip, the first widely published YA novel with a gay protagonist. But the most important thing I inherited from him wasn’t his reputation—it was his belief that stories, at their best, can change lives.)

If you’re looking for an editor who will respect your voice, challenge your work, and care deeply about your success—I’d love to hear from you.