About
I am an editor with over twenty-years experience in the publishing industry. For thirteen of those years I was the Editor-in-Chief at Rebellion Publishing - the founding editor of Abaddon Books, as well as the principal commissioning editor for Solaris. I was also the graphic novels editor for 2000 AD. I specialise in fantasy, science fiction, and horror, though I have edited across other genres including crime and historical fiction. For two years I was also a commissioning non-fiction editor. I offer a full range of editorial services from development editing/structural editing through to manuscript assessment, copy editing, and proofreading. I also offer bespoke mentoring. Do get in touch to get a quote and to check my availability.
“Jon Oliver is the best in the business.”
“I can’t recommend Jon highly enough. Editing can be a brutal process, but he magically makes it not only painless, but enjoyable. He’s professional, never over-bearing, has an eagle eye for inconsistencies and a real sensitivity when it comes to individual voices. He’s that rarest of things: a safe pair of hands who also has a cracking sense of humour! I can honestly say that working with him has made me a better writer. ”
“Jon is a delight to work alongside, with a deft hand and a keen eye for detail.
”
“Jon edited four of my novels, including one BSFA Award-winner. He was great to work with, highly professional, and offered exceptional feedback. Based on that experience, I have no hesitation in recommending him.”
“I have worked with Jonathan Oliver several times over the years, most memorably on Maggots, the novella he commissioned me to write for his portmanteau horror project Five Stories High (Solaris 2016). I have always found Jonathan to be the most sympathetic of editors: constructive, non-intrusive, efficient and supportive, with a rounded and insightful knowledge of the genres he loves. He has always been a pleasure to work with and I would recommend his services to anyone”
“It may sound a bit dramatic, but I don’t think I’d be where I am now if it hadn’t been for Jon. He’s always been very supportive of me and my work, and even though I probably drove him to the limits of his patience more than once he always displayed an almost supernatural professional calm. He’s a quite outstanding editor.”
“Jon Oliver edited my award-nominated trilogy, Machineries of Empire, and is a splendid copy editor as well. I recommend his work without reservation.”
“Jon Oliver acquired and edited my novel The Quantum Magician, which was nominated for the Aurora and Locus awards. His substantive edits improved the novel and his copy editing is excellent.”
