Fiction Editor & Writer: Andy J. Hodges

Hi, I'm Andy J. Hodges—a kind, supportive editor and writer with a penchant for speculative fiction and novels with queer protagonists.

Looking for a developmental editor or writing coach with expertise in setting, culture, and story? Check out my offerings.

Book an initial consult (30 mins)

I can help you with:

Finishing your novel draft
Revising and polishing your completed draft
Creatively imagining future visions for your novel
Navigating fiction publishing as a member of a marginalized group
Linking your book organically to your life
Improving your relationship with writing
Making your writing an act of collective care

My work is grounded in the following principles:

Human creativity—no gen AI in my own writing and editing workflows
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

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 love novels where the setting (or worldbuilding) plays a strong role in the story. This means I gravitate toward fantasy, science fiction, horror and intercultural literary fiction.

I've edited over fifty fiction books for various Big 5 publisher imprints (HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, PanMacmillan) and for many small presses and authors either self-publishing their novel or looking for an agent. My portfolio includes several New York Times bestselling authors (I know, this accolade is hyped all the time!) and Hugo finalists.

If you want to know more about my own writing and literary translation, click here.

Selected training and qualifications:

Club Ed Certificate in Fiction Developmental Editing
CIEP Copyediting Suite
PhD in Cultural Anthropology (University of Manchester)
MA in History and Philosophy of Science (University of Cambridge)
Advanced Line Editing of Commercial Fiction (EFA)

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, a light-skinned person with shoulder-length brown hair

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."