Anna Bowles - Editor
I have 10+ years' experience working on children's and YA writing at UK publishers including Hachette and HarperCollins.
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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!
I have an MA in Russian Studies, and close personal connections with Ukraine, so have a particular interest in writing which concerns the current situation or the history of those countries.
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 £140.
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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to improvements in both these areas would be a valuable asset to any writer, but was especially enlightening for an unpublished writer like myself.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
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!
I have an MA in Russian Studies, and close personal connections with Ukraine, so have a particular interest in writing which concerns the current situation or the history of those countries.
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 £140.
***
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
Languages
English (UK)
Fiction
Coming of Age
Contemporary Fiction
Fantasy
Middle Grade
Middle Grade Fantasy
Picture Books
Young Adult Fantasy
Certifications
- BA in English Literature from Oxford University
- MA in Russian Studies from University College London
Work experience
Freelance
N/A
April, 2015
–
Present
(over 7 years)
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.
Commissioning Editor
Octopus (Hachette)
December, 2013
–
April, 2015
(over 1 year)
Senior Editor
Carlton Books
December, 2011
–
December, 2013
(almost 2 years)
Managing Editor, fiction
Orchard (Hachette)
November, 2010
–
December, 2011
(about 1 year)
Editor, fiction and brands
Egmont
December, 2005
–
June, 2008
(over 2 years)
Portfolio (16 selected works)
Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!
David Walliams
‘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 adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross, and the sequel to the much-loved and bestselling Gangsta Granny. Ben is getting used to li... read more
An Atlas of Tolkien
David Day
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. This book is unofficial and is not authorised by the Tolkien Estate or HarperCollins Publishers.
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 compete in twelve Trials to win the ultimate prize - immortality.Lyssa didn’t think the Gods knew who she was, until she was chosen to try... 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.
Radio Silence
Alice Oseman
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. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret - not even the person she is on the inside. But when Frances meets Aled, the s... read more
Head Kid
David Baddiel
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 naughtiest kid in school?Strictest head naughtiest boy = chaos.Bracket Wood is about to be visited by the school inspectors. But there's one b... read more
Forever Geek (Geek Girl)
Holly Smale
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 lists.The people you love don't expect you to transform into someone else.Statistically you are more likely to not meet your Australian ex-... read more
Angelica the Angel Fairy
Daisy Meadows
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 residents of an old folks' home start acting up! Can Kirsty and Rachel restore order in time for Christmas?'These stories are magic; th... read more
Hubert Horatio: How to Raise Your Grown-Ups
Lauren Child
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 cushy, very cushy indeed.” The Bobton-Trent seniors certainly know how to make the most of their extravagant wealth – socialising, doing thi... read more
Robin Hood: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows
Robert Muchamore
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't help that the authorities are in the clutches of profit-obsessed Sheriff of Nottingham, in cahoots with underworld boss Guy Gisborne.W... read more
Katie Watson and the Painter's Plot
Mez Blume
“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 to Shakespeare’s England, she lands in the middle of a perilous adventure beyond her wildest imagination. With the help of Princess Sophi... read more
Alessia in Atlantis: The Forbidden Vial
Laine, Nathalie
The Crooked Mask (sequel to The Twisted Tree)
Rachel Burge
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 expression, the creepy jester isn't quite human, and the big top is full of the dead.Martha arrives at the circus, deep in the forests of Northe... read more
Frostheart
Littler, Jamie
The Dog Who Saved the World
Ross Welford
Rapids
Anna Bowles
Anna has 178 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Foolishly I wrote my book without much thought and once finished I spent months editing a fundamentally flawed manuscript. I should have had Anne do my editorial assessment months ago, I could have made the necessary changes at a much earlier stage as I rewrote. It would have saved me so much time. The report for my 88K word book, was comprehensive and appeared in my Inbox less than 2 week late...
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david dean, October 2022
A focussed review with practical details put me back on the right track for my query letter and synopsis. Her flexibility with her offering allowed me to work within my budget. And I applaud Anna for her communication, punctuality, and overall professionalism!
F. Iyamu, September 2022
I learned a lot through Anna's review. Since then I have rewritten the whole novel, even though it took a while. She showed me where I had gone wrong and suggestions from improving the novel over all.
I am thankful she was honest and helpful.
rusty martin, September 2022
Incredibly quick work on my editorial assessment with invaluable feedback; I appreciated the honesty and depth of her comments, and they'll definitely be a big help as I work on further revisions. Anna also answered my questions promptly and patiently, and her wide knowledge of the editing/publishing industry is both impressive and helpful.
Thank you so much, Anna! Forever grateful.
Charlotte Ip, September 2022
Working with Anna was great. She is very punctual and professional. She provided insight into my manuscript I hadn't considered, flaws that were gaping, but also complimented on what worked well. As a first-time author, her feedback has been invaluable to me, and she returned the work well before the quoted time period. It can be hard receiving constructive criticism, but I felt it was given in...
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Randy Meier, August 2022
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