I am available as a manuscript editor for fiction, memoir, and creative non-fiction, as well as a creative writing workshop facilitator for schools, universities, community groups, and individuals. I also speak regularly at literary festivals, writing conferences, and academic events.
In addition, I offer a six-month manuscript mentorship programme for writers who want professional editorial feedback, revision support, and publishing guidance. Details here.
For mentorship, editing, or workshop enquiries, please email me at daphne@daphnelee.org
References/Reviews
Varsha Seshan from Pune, India
Daphne is an insightful editor who worked with me on two of my manuscripts (Red Eyes and Dragonflies, Jigsaws and Seashells). Especially at the initial stages, I appreciated her clear, precise comments. More than once, I was struck by the sensitivity with which she tackled cultural nuances in my stories, perfectly balancing authenticity with the need for clarity across cultures. Her suggestions were always well thought out and en point. I would be happy to have the chance of working with her again!
Cherry Peña from Manila, the Philippines
I stopped using pencils and scissors in the dark. That’s what happened after I worked with Daphne.
When I reached out to her, I was uncertain if I’d find the clarity I sought. It turned out to be a refreshing experience. Her perspective shone light on the shadows in my manuscript and on me as a writer.
Expect an honest assessment with clear and useful guideposts that will keep you on the path to sharper writing. The details in her feedback have been eye-opening—questions my readers might be asking, plot implications I’ve never thought of, and other practical inputs that aim to reduce the fat from my manuscript, enhance the reader’s experience, and deepen my story.
I should have gotten in touch with Daphne as soon as I finished writing. The result was worlds apart from thinking through an endless loop of revisions by myself!
Varsha Varghese from Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Daphne was the editor of my first traditionally published book, and I could not have asked for a better experience. My winning entry for the Scholastic Asian Book Award (SABA) 2023 (Dear Author, You Are Wrong) was much shorter than the standard length for a middle-grade novel, and Daphne helped me break down the overwhelming task. She marked out scenes that could use more detail, discussed how the subplot could be fleshed out, always with helpful suggestions and questions, but never dictating how I should treat the story. I knew very little about the South-east Asian KidLit market, and Daphne gave me a quick overview and helped me consider how an international reader can approach my novel, firmly set in an urban Indian context.
Leonard Ortolano from California, USA
As a Californian writing a novel with three Malaysian characters, I reached out to Daphne Lee for a sensitivity reading of selected passages. She let me know ways in which my dialogue, involving the Malaysians, was unrealistic and what I might do to improve it. She also asked important questions about the backgrounds of those characters that caused me to rethink that aspect of my work. Daphne delivered her comments according to the timeline we agreed on. Her feedback was clear, constructive, and delivered in a way that encouraged me to follow up on her suggestions. I enjoyed working with her.
Joyce Ch’ng from Singapore
I had Daphne work with me on my YA fantasy Fire Heart—and she was meticulous and insightful. In the end, the book emerged stronger and more fleshed out. I learned a lot as a writer and I am proud to recommend her.
Hitomi Otani from Tokyo, Japan
Working with Daphne was an exceptional experience. Her insightful suggestions made a tremendous difference to both the textual and visual storytelling of my work. Through her professionalism and dedicated guidance, I discovered how a narrative can be revealed in new ways simply by approaching it from slightly different perspectives. As a first-time author-illustrator, having an editor who was both patient and supportive made the process smooth, encouraging, and even fun. The transformation from the original dummy to the finished book (Be yourself, Baba!) clearly reflects her skill and dedication. Her commitment to bringing out the best possible book is evident in every step of her editing.
Thao Le from Hanoi, Vietnam
Working with Daphne has been a great joy and pleasure. I truly admire her dedication and the care she brings to enhance manuscript, and I am thankful for her supportiveness throughout this whole process. But what I appreciate and love the most about her is how she always makes sure the home culture is portrayed with depth and authenticity, through both words and pictures. She shows me the dedication one should have when telling any story. I feel so fortunate to have her as my editor for my first internationally published book, Dinnertime in a Small Alley, which will be out in mid-2026!
Vidya Nesarikar from Pune, India
Daphne Lee is an editor par excellence. I was truly blessed to have been assigned to her by Scholastic to bring my debut middle grade novel, A Patch of Sun, A Patch of Shade, to fruition. Her eye for detail is excellent—she will comb through every word—the relevance and reference. She knows when to give a gentle nudge and when to tell you upfront that the plot isn’t working. As a first time novelist, she instilled in me a confidence in my words and story. I do hope to work with her again.
Dora Tsang from Hong Kong and Limoges, France
I was fortunate to have Daphne as the editor of my novel Blue². She handled her job professionally, with great precision and attention to detail. She shared her thoughts and suggestions in a thoughtful manner. She was neither dogmatic nor subjective in her approach, but rather curious to hear my ideas and defended my work. I felt supported by this editor. Daphne also communicated clearly and responsively, which made our collaboration very pleasant and fruitful. I am very grateful for her professional help and highly recommend her.
Toma Nguyễn from Ho Chi Mihn City, Vietnam
I worked with Daphne on my first children’s picture book, and she supported me a great deal throughout the process. As a first time writer and illustrator, I really appreciated her steady guidance and clear, helpful edits. She was easy to communicate with, respectful of my ideas, and genuinely pleasant to work with. I’m happy to recommend her for similar projects.
Aditi Krishnakumar from Bangalore and Hyderabad, India
It’s impossible to write a great book unless you have a great editor—someone who doesn’t just understand your work, but understands what makes it special to you as a writer, and how to improve it without killing that spark. Daphne is brilliant at that. I loved working with her on Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus—she saw the characters as clearly as I did, and knew them just as well. She helped me make them, and the mystery, come to life on the page with just a few well-placed edits. Daphne didn’t just make Codex a better book. She made me a better writer.
daphne lee 