Lauren Atherton – Editor

I have over seven years' experience working as an editor on the children's imprint at Head of Zeus, part of Bloomsbury UK, actively acquiring for the list and working with existing authors on developmental, structural and line edits. I have worked with many prize-winning authors on picture books, early readers, middle grade, 12+ and YA.

In my career it has been a great privilege to work closely with authors, championing and challenging them to make their books the best they can be. I am a sensitive and thoughtful editor, offering incisive and fulsome feedback to help writers through every stage of the process. My philosophy is to remain true to the authors' vision, while always keeping sight of the reader and their investment in the story.

Whether you are in the very early stages of writing and need an editorial assessment or structural edit to help make your story the best it can be, looking at plot, pace, place and character, or a line-edit to polish your manuscript and make every word count – I can help you.

I love everything from contemporary middle grade to YA fantasy. I'm always looking for stories with a unique voice that do something a bit different. Characters you can't stop thinking about. Stories that take you out of your world - that make you laugh, cry and stay up all night, impatient to reach the end. Writing for children can defy genre, category or age - it can and should be for everyone to enjoy and I would love to help strengthen your story, boost your confidence and offer a truly collaborative editorial relationship.

Some words from authors I have worked with:

'Lauren was my editor for all four Bridget Vanderpuff books, and her professionalism and skill were essential to the series’ success. Our drafting process was so much fun, and her insight and vision were communicated with consistent clarity. She understood the characters and how I worked, and this meant that together we were able to make the books the best they could be. I absolutely loved working with Lauren, and would recommend her without hesitation.' – Martin Stewart

'Lauren was my editor for more than six years, and I cannot recommend her enough. She worked closely with me to polish my middle-grade mystery stories, always providing insightful feedback that helped elevate my writing. Working with her made the editing process not only productive but also really enjoyable. Working with her has truly been a transformative experience, and I am so grateful for her support and expertise.'

–Ewa Jozefkowicz

’I have worked with Lauren on two novels. She is an intuitive and meticulous editor, with an excellent grasp of plot dynamics. Lauren is gifted, not only at sensing when the writer must give more to the work but also where unnecessary text can be pruned away, allowing a story to flower and take shape. I would recommend her care and talent unreservedly.’

-Gita Ralleigh