Anna Bowles

Anna Bowles – Editor

I have 10+ years' experience working on children's and YA writing at UK publishers including Hachette and HarperCollins.

Overview

During my decade of experience as an in-house editor, I worked on top children's commercial fiction series such as Rainbow Magic and Beast Quest, becoming a commissioning editor at Hachette before going freelance in early 2015. Since then, as well as taking on individual clients, I have continued to copy-edit for Hachette, Penguin and HarperCollins amongst others, working on high-profile authors such as David Walliams, Babette Cole and Holly Smale. I've also been involved in the fiction publishing side of dozens of brands, from Winnie-the-Pooh to Wallace and Gromit, meaning that I can offer clients the benefit of my extensive experience in developing and working with characters.

I'm a published writer as well as an editor, and my first YA novel, Rapids, has been longlisted for the 2022 Branford Boase award. I've also ghostwritten for the Secret Kingdom and Agent Asha series. So I know what it's like on your side of the desk (or computer) as well as mine!

My fees for work on YA and Middle Grade manuscripts are variable. For any manuscript under 2,000 words I can offer an editorial assessment report covering plot, characterisation, language and market context for a flat fee of £160.

I have connections with Ukraine, and send 20% of my after-tax Reedsy earnings to a friend from Mariupol who looks after displaced teenagers now in Kyiv.

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Some recent testimonials from my Reedsy clients (see the reviews section for more):

Anna's keen eye for story structure and detail combined with her killer work ethic and human touch makes for a great editorial experience. I really feel I'm getting top-notch industry advice on my manuscripts when working with her. I couldn't recommend her more highly!
– Mez Blume, author of the Katie Watson series

Anna's insight into what publishers and readers are looking for, and also what makes a great story, is a powerful combination. Her ability to marry these priorities and make suggestions that may lead to improvements in both these areas would be a valuable asset to any writer, but was especially enlightening for an unpublished writer like myself. I cannot recommend Anna highly enough, she is like antivirus software for your manuscript.
– Tim Cove, author of the Riftgate series

I gained more in one Developmental Edit from Anna, than I have from many a Creative Writing course. Anna is straight to the point and very insightful. I wish I had paid for a service such as this years ago. This is the missing link for many writers who are yet to be published and looking for clear feedback on their work.
– Emma McGuire, pre-published Middle Grade author
Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (UK)
Certifications
  • BA in English Literature from Oxford University
  • MA in Russian Studies from University College London

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2015 — Present

I have been freelancing since April 2015, as well as having freelanced previously from 2008 to 2011. In addition to individual authors, my recent clients include HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Scholastic and various divisions of Hachette.

Octopus (Hachette)

Dec, 2013 — Apr, 2015 (over 1 year)

Carlton Books

Dec, 2011 — Dec, 2013 (almost 2 years)

Orchard (Hachette)

Nov, 2010 — Dec, 2011 (about 1 year)

Egmont

Dec, 2005 — Jun, 2008 (over 2 years)

Portfolio

Twelve deadly Trials. A race for immortality. Her last chance for revenge.Olympus is a beautiful but dangerous place, controlled by twelve gods wielding unlimited power. Now they have devised the a new kind of entertainment; a chance for their favourites to co... read more
This lavish, colour atlas is a complete guide to the weird and wonderful geography of Tolkien's world. Packed with full page maps and illustrations of events in the annals of Middle-earth, it is the perfect companion to the bestselling A Dictionary of Tolkien.... read more
‘Walliams balances high comedy with an emotional message’ Daily Mail ‘Walliams does comedy with profound, genuine heart’ Guardian The new children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – an extraordinarily brilliant and rollicking mystery adventu... read more
Rapids

Anna B.

Frostheart

Littler, J.

Part ghost story, part murder mystery - a creepy and magical tale steeped in Norse myth, perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman.Welcome to the Circus of Myth & Mayhem - where performers re-enact tales of the Norse gods wearing masks which mysteriously change expressi... read more
“Sherlock meets Shakespeare in this time-travel, murder mystery with a twist of magic.” Visiting an old manor house is hardly Katie’s idea of an adventure. But then, Otterly Manor isn’t just any old house… When an enchanted painting whisks Katie back in time t... read more
A town. A forest. A hero. You can't go far without a quick brain and some rule-bending in a place like Locksley. After its vast car plants shut down, the prosperous town has become a wasteland of empty homes, toxic land and families on the brink. And it doesn'... read more
Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton-Trent is back in this hilarious and gloriously illustrated book for ages six and up from the superstar creator of Clarice Bean and Charlie and Lola, Lauren Child. “These stories are about the days when the Bobton-Trents had it cush... read more
Get ready for an exciting fairy adventure with the no. 1 bestselling series for girls aged 5 and up. Angelica the Angel Fairy makes sure we all treat each other kindly at Christmas time. But when Jack Frost steals her magic items, everyone from Brownies to the... read more
My name is Harriet Manners and I'll be a geek forever... The FINAL book in the bestselling, award-winning GEEK GIRL series is here! Harriet Manners knows almost every fact there is. Modelling isn't a sure-fire route to popularity. Neither is making endless lis... read more
Head Kid

David B.

Illustrations Steven LentonFrom David Baddiel, bestselling author of THE PARENT AGENCY and BIRTHDAY BOY comes a wildly entertaining wish-fulfilment adventure that asks the question: what would happen if the strictest head teacher swapped bodies with the naught... read more
The second novel by the phenomenally talented author of Solitaire, Alice Oseman - the most talked-about YA writer right now. What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong? Frances has always been a study machine with one goal, elite university. Nothin... read more
A sequel to A A Milne's original 'Winnie-the-Pooh' stories. It takes you back to the Hundred Acre Wood for more adventures.

Anna has 193 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Vid W.

Vid W.

Jun, 2023

Anna clearly bought a good deal of experience and knowledge of genre and audience and didn't pull any punches. Her report was thorough and detailed, she gave chapter by chapter feedback, provided many links to useful resources and made multiple kind and helpful suggestions for improvement. She would be my first choice for development editor for future manuscripts
Celine S.

Celine S.

Jun, 2023

Quick, straightforward, and detailed. I really appreciated Anna's work. With her insightful notes incorporated into my writing, I am optimistic that I am advancing further towards my goal of one day being published. Thank you, Anna
Cordelia O.

Cordelia O.

May, 2023

Very grateful for this prompt, helpful and no-nonsense input.
Camille F.

Camille F.

May, 2023

I really appreciated working with Anna, she helped me see the strengths and weaknesses of my novel and challenged me to push it to the next level. Really recommend.
Andrea M.

Andrea M.

Mar, 2023

I can wholeheartedly recommend working with Anna! Her feedback has been invaluable. Her report (which arrived swiftly) was comprehensive and constructive and I found the whole experience of working with her easy and enjoyable. Although mindful of potentially delicate creative sensibilities(!), Anna doesn’t pull her punches and frankly tells it as it is. This is something I really appreciated an...
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