I’m David Downing, a Seattle-based fiction editor operating since 2010 as Maxwellian Editorial Services, Inc.

Since turning to it full-time in 2012, I’ve edited more than 300 books—lots of mysteries/thrillers and historical fiction, as well as literary fiction, women’s fiction, romantic suspense, and even a couple of science fiction titles and a memoir. I work primarily for publishers, but also for individual clients looking for a developmental/substantive editor who can help take their manuscript to the next level.

If you’d like to learn more about how we might work together, I can be reached at david@maxeditorial [dot] com.

  • “David has a razor-sharp eye and a wonderful 'bedside manner' that makes even the strongest suggestions (like cutting an entire chapter) easy to take. He's been worth every penny.”
    - J. Gregory Smith
    The Flamekeepers, Short Cut

    J. Gregory Smith

  • “Besides his nearly-supernatural attention to detail, David has a wonderful sense of nuance, often knowing what I was trying to say better than I did.”
    - S.G. Redling
    Flowertown, The Widow File, Redemption Key, Baggage, At Risk

    S.J. Redling

  • “David understood the thematic strengths of the story and really helped to guide the book to its final state, while never suggesting anything outside of my distinct voice.”
    - Johnny Shaw
    Big Maria (2013 Anthony Award, Best Paperback Original), Plaster City, Floodgate, Imperial Valley

    Johnny Shaw

  • “Swear to god, best help I ever got from an editor.”
    - G.M. Ford
    Thicker Than Water, Chump Change, Threshold, Salvation Lake, Family Values

    G.M. Ford

  • “Working with David is like having the ideal tennis doubles partner, who thinks the same way, covers your backhand, and cleans up your mistakes.”
    - John Enright
    Fire Knife Dancing, The Dead Don’t Dance, Blood Jungle Ballet

    John Enright

  • "David gets your book—the cool stuff, the weird stuff, the full intent of it—and then works like the devil to make your conception sing.”
    - William Lashner
    The Barkeep (2015 Edgar Award nominee), The Accounting, Bagmen, Guaranteed Heroes, The Four-Night Run

    William Lashner

  • “David has been a revelation. He is insightful, hugely knowledgeable, and, amazingly, makes the whole editing process fun. (Well, almost.)”
    - Aaron Elkins
    Switcheroo and, with Charlotte Elkins: A Dangerous Talent, A Cruise to Die For, The Art Whisperer, The Trouble with Mirrors

    Aaron Elkins

  • “Without David’s sterling work on Follow You Home I am certain it would not have been a bestseller. The fact that he’s such a nice guy—witty and quick to respond—is a bonus.”
    - Mark Edwards
    Follow You Home, Because She Loves Me, The Devil's Work, The Lucky Ones, Here To Stay, The House Guest

    Mark Edwards

  • “What a pleasure it was to have David’s company in polishing the manuscript. I've dealt with a lot of editors, but he's the best.”
    - Alex Rosenberg
    The Girl From Krakow, Autumn in Oxford, The Intrigues of Jennie Lee

    Alex Rosenberg