Becky Stradwick - Editor
Former Penguin Random House Editorial Director with 20+ yrs experience. MS assessment, developmental editing, query advice (+ first 10k).
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Overview
I've worked in the book industry for 23 years, as publisher, agent and bookseller.
As Editorial Director at Penguin Random House, I published authors such as Susan Cooper, James Dashner, Jason Segel, Holly Black & Cassandra Clare, Nancy Holder, Ellie Irving, Fox Benwell and Damian Dibben.
One of my happiest early memories was being taken to raid the senior school library, because I’d eaten every book in my primary school. It’s that hunger for stories that has guided my work ever since, and it’s always a thrill to be the first set of eyes on a book.
Becky is steeped in literature, and in my opinion is a true original: an editor who is not only insightful, empathetic and thorough, but also truly in touch with the book market. As a writer, you’re lucky if your editor has ONE of these assets, so I feel incredibly lucky to have been edited and guided by her. Any writer trying to find their voice will be brilliantly served by working with her.
As Editorial Director at Penguin Random House, I published authors such as Susan Cooper, James Dashner, Jason Segel, Holly Black & Cassandra Clare, Nancy Holder, Ellie Irving, Fox Benwell and Damian Dibben.
One of my happiest early memories was being taken to raid the senior school library, because I’d eaten every book in my primary school. It’s that hunger for stories that has guided my work ever since, and it’s always a thrill to be the first set of eyes on a book.
My advice comes from a commercial as well as a creative perspective. I think my authors would consider me a firm but fair editor who knows when to push and when to coax, and I am collaborative, confident and kind in my approach to maintaining your voice and vision.
As publisher, agent and editor, I’ve worked with hundreds of writers, from absolute beginners to Sunday Times/NYT bestsellers. I love working with writers who are at the beginning of their careers and enjoy coaching and supporting them through the editorial and submission process.
Becky is steeped in literature, and in my opinion is a true original: an editor who is not only insightful, empathetic and thorough, but also truly in touch with the book market. As a writer, you’re lucky if your editor has ONE of these assets, so I feel incredibly lucky to have been edited and guided by her. Any writer trying to find their voice will be brilliantly served by working with her.
Phil Earle.
Published by Puffin, Orion, Barrington Stoke.
I loved working with Becky! Her razor-sharp insights and skilful and thoughtful feedback helped to strengthen and lift my stories to the next level - and all delivered with such humour and passion too. You - and your manuscript - are in very safe hands.'
Ellie Irving.
Published by Penguin Random House
I have been a professional freelance writer for nearly 40 years (!) and of all the editors I have ever had, Bek is, and continues to be, my favorite. She is respectful of my voice, my vision, and my work. She has never tried to change me or mold me into anything or anyone else. Instead, with a clear eye, a brilliant grasp of story and craft, and a warm heart, she has led me to places in my writing I didn't know were there all along, inside me. Thoughtful, kind, yet direct and specific, her editorial guidance has been one of the highlights of my career. She is truly my dream editor, and I cannot express the deep gratitude I feel toward her. I appreciate her more than I can say, and anyone who works with Bek is fortunate beyond the telling.
Nancy Holder, award-winning NYT Times bestselling author.
I was super privileged in having Bek as my first editor (with Random House).I love the way she views the world, as well as her oversight of the industry and belief in its potential. She's shrewd and insightful, and approaches an author's work with compassion and passion in equal measure. Working with Bek made the entire process from commission to publication joyful, from an initial meeting and nerding out together over concepts and travel tales, to pulling out the best bits of a story and making them shine. I sincerely hope we get to work together again, because there's no one better.
In the words of Peregrin Took, "you need people of intelligence on this sort of Mission...quest...thing," and you want Bek in your fellowship.
Fox Benwell
Published by Penguin Random House
My desert island books are THE BORRIBLE TRILOGY by Michael Larrabeiti, WATERSHIP DOWN by Richard Adams HIS DARK MATERIALS by Philip Pullman, and anything by Jonathan Stroud.
More recently, I've fallen in love with books by Akwaeke Emezi, Abi Elphinstone, and Leah Johnson.
Languages
English (AUS)
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Dystopian
Historical Fiction
Middle Grade
Middle Grade Fantasy
Mystery & Crime
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult
Work experience
Freelance editor and publishing consultant
Self-employed
June, 2014
–
Present
(almost 9 years)
Structural and developmental editing, working directly with clients. Specialist in YA and MG, also
working on adult commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, and screenplays.
Working with clients to develop opening chapters, query letters and agency submissions.
Editorial Director
Penguin Random House
February, 2010
–
June, 2014
(over 4 years)
As Editorial Director at Penguin Random House, I published authors such as Susan Cooper, James Dashner, Jason Segel, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Damian Dibben, Ellie Irving, Fox Benwell, Nancy Holder, Debbie Viguie, Lauren Kate, John Stephens, Heather Demetrios, Rosemary Clement Moore and Elizabeth Laban.
Literary Agent
Darley Anderson Literary Agency
October, 2008
–
April, 2010
(over 1 year)
As literary agent at Darley Anderson’s, I represented authors including Phil Earle, Michelle Harrison, Carmen Reid, Jenna Burtenshaw, Rob Stevens, Adrienne Kress, and Lisa Clark.
Editing and developing books in preparation for submission to publishers.
Negotiating contracts with publishers and working with the agency team to sell international rights.
Book reviewer and writer
The Bookseller and Publishing News
April, 2002
–
December, 2009
(over 7 years)
I wrote monthly reviews and articles for the Bookseller and Publishing News and contributed articles to the Children’s Writers and Artists Yearbook 2009 and 2010
Head of Children's Books
Borders UK
September, 2001
–
September, 2008
(about 7 years)
I worked as a bookseller, managing Books etc branches, before becoming Head of Children’s books for Borders UK, where I led the Head Office buying team. During this time the category benefited from double digit sales growth and won the Children’s Bookseller of the Year two years running.
I managed a team of buyers and merchandisers, overseeing multi-million pound budgets and sales targets, developing commercial strategy, and managing performance of the children’s category across 80 stores. I created the Children’s Books Specialist programme, training and developing experts in stores across the country.
I was part of the World Book Day committee, helping to choose WBD authors and illustrators and working closely with publishers to ensure the success of these initiatives.
I designed, wrote for and edited the Borders Children’s newsletter and new titles magazine.
Portfolio (28 selected works)
Ghost Hawk
Susan Cooper
In the winter of his eleventh year, Little Hawk goes deep into the forest, where he must endure a three-month test of solitude and survival which will turn him into a man.But outside the woods, the world is changing. English settlers are landing on the shores of the New World, and tensions between native tribes and the invaders are rising.Little Hawk’s fate becomes irreversibly entwined with t... read more
The Last Leaves Falling
Fox Benwell
And these are they. My final moments. They say a warrior must always be mindful of death, but I never imagined that it would find me like this . . . Japanese teenager Sora is diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Lonely and isolated, Sora turns to the ancient wisdom of the samurai for guidance and comfort. But he also finds hope in the present; through the internet he finds friends that s... read more
The History Keepers: The Storm Begins
Damian Dibben
Imagine if you lost your parents - not just in place, but in time. Jake Djones' mum and dad have gone missing and they could be anywhere in the world - at any time in history. Because the Djones family have an astonishing secret, which for years they've managed to keep - even from each other. They belong to the HISTORY KEEPERS: a secret society which travels through the centuries to prevent ev... read more
The Kamikaze Hunters
Will Iredale
The Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller.In May 1945, with victory in Europe established, the war was all but over. But on the other side of the world, the Allies were still engaged in a bitter struggle to control the Pacific. And it was then that the Japanese unleashed a terrible new form of warfare: the suicide pilots, or Kamikaze.Drawing on meticulous research and unique personal access to the r... read more
Billie Templar's War
Ellie Irving
Billie Templar desperately wants her dad to come home. He's a soldier and has been away for seven weeks, fighting for 'Queen and country' - but how can the two of them possibly defend their four-year record of winning the three-legged race at the school carnival if he's thousands of miles away?Then, when one of the other soldiers in Dad's regiment is seriously hurt, the stakes get even higher.... read more
Magisterium: The Iron Trial
Cassandra Clare, Holly Black
From the imaginations of bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a heart-stopping plunge into the magical unknown.Think you know magic? Think again.The Magisterium awaits . . .Most people would do anything to get into the Magisterium and pass the Iron Trial.Not Callum Hunt. Call has been told his whole life that he should never trust a magician. And so he tries his best to do... read more
Mortality Doctrine: The Eye of Minds
James Dashner
From James Dashner, the author of the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series, comes an edge-of-your seat adventure. The Eye of Minds is the first book in The Mortality Doctrine, a series set in a world of hyperadvanced technology, cyberterrorists, and gaming beyond your wildest dreams . . . and your worst nightmares.To catch a hacker, you need a hacker.For Michael and the other gamers, ... read more
The Emerald Atlas:The Books of Beginning 1
John Stephens
The first thrilling book in the most exciting children's fantasy series since Harry Potter.They were taken from their beds one frozen night, when the world was covered in snow. The silhouette of a tall, thin man has haunted Kate ever since. Ten years on, Kate, Michael and Emma have grown up in a string of miserable orphanages, and all memories of their parents have faded to a blur. Arriving at... read more
Nightmares!
Jason Segel, Kirsten Miller
The first book in a terrifyingly spooktastic adventure series by Jason Segel!WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NIGHTMARES!Sleeping has never been so scary.And now waking up is even worse!Charlie has just moved into the sinister purple mansion that overlooks Cyprus Creek with his dad and new wicked stepmother. He has terrible nightmares every night – and now they are slipping into the waking world too. C... read more
Exquisite Captive
Heather Demetrios
A jinni of tremendous ancient power and Empress to Arjinna, Nalia was sold into slavery on the dark caravan, where jinn are forced to grant wishes and obey their masters’ every command. She’d do anything to be free of the golden shackles that bind her to Malek, her handsome, cruel master, and his lavish Hollywood lifestyle. Enter Raif, the enigmatic leader of Arjinna’s revolution and Nalia’s s... read more
Teardrop
Lauren Kate
Seventeen-year-old Eureka’s life is taking on dark undercurrents that don’t make sense . . .Her mother killed in a freak accident.Her best friend, Brooks, behaving like a stranger.And Ander. The boy with eyes like the ocean who is everywhere she goes.Uncovering her mother’s legacy – a stone, a locket and an ancient tale of romance and heartbreak – Eureka begins to question everything she thoug... read more
The Mute Button
Ellie Irving
A hilarious new story from the author of BILLIE TEMPLAR'S WARHow do you make yourself heard in the midst of chaos?Anthony Button loves his big family, but their noise can drive him crazy. And with the arrival of a brand-new older brother, it’s worse than ever!So Ant starts a silent protest to try and get everyone’s attention. But now he’s pressed the mute button, will he ever find his voice again?
Fleeced
Ellie Irving
WARNING!THIS STORY CONTAINS:- A sheep called Alan Shearer. Even though she's a she- The greatest illusion trick known to man!- DASTARDLY crooks- A pesky big brother- A 1000-piece Lord of the Rings Jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces making up Gandalf’s face missing- Shear determination- A brave young hero. Yep, that’s me. Charlie Rudge, aged 10 and 3⁄4...READ ON IF EWE DARE!
For the Record
Ellie Irving
Luke is a gifted but awkward ten-year-old who is obsessed with world records, and is nervous about starting senior school a year early as 'the swot with the dead dad'. When Luke's tiny, unique Jersey village is in danger of being bulldozed to the ground to make way for a waste incinerator plant, the only way to stop it is by putting the village on the map: by breaking 50 world records in a wee... read more
Kaleidoscope Song
Fox Benwell
Fox Benwell delivers a harrowing and beautifully written novel that explores the relationship between two girls obsessed with music, the practice of corrective rape in South Africa, and the risks and power of using your voice.Neo loves music, and all she ever wanted was a life sharing this passion, on the radio. When she meets Tale, the lead singer in a local South African band, their shared l... read more
Wolf Springs Chronicles: Unleashed
Debbie Viguie, Nancy Holder
Perfect for fans of Twilight.Who do you run with?It's always tough being the new kid in town. And even worse when you have to live with your grandfather in the middle of the forest.But when Katelyn starts at Wolf Springs High she realizes that her new life might not be so bad. There's the enigmatic Trick, who is always there to protect her. And Cordelia Fenner and her irresistible cousin seem ... read more
Wolf Springs Chronicles: Hot Blooded
Debbie Viguie, Nancy Holder
Perfect for fans of Twilight.What do you run from?Katelyn had only been in Wolf Springs a short time before she was bitten by a werewolf. And now she carries that creature's curse in her veins.But she's not alone. Wolf Springs is home to a hidden family of werewolves, the Fenners – who swear none of them bit her. Apparently there’s a monster on the loose – something wild and uncontrollable.And... read more
Wolf Springs Chronicles: Savage
Debbie Viguie, Nancy Holder
Who do you run to?Out in the forest, tensions are blazing like forest fire. The ancient rivalry between the Fenner and Gaudin packs has reached fever pitch, and only a battle will quell the blood lust.Katelyn is caught in the middle, her pack loyalties tested like never before. The person she needs the most – strong, sexy, loyal Trick – has no idea about her dark secrets. And while werewolf wa... read more
The Tragedy Paper
Elizabeth LaBan
Every year at an exclusive private boarding school in New York state, the graduating students uphold an old tradition - they must swear an oath of secrecy and leave behind a "treasure" for each incoming senior.When Duncan Meade inherits the room and secrets of Tim Macbeth, he uncovers evidence of a clandestine romance, and unravels the truth behind one of the biggest mysteries in the school's ... read more
The Fire Chronicle: The Books of Beginning 2
John Stephens
It's been six months since Kate, Michael and Emma confronted the Dire Magnus, but the trail to their long-lost family remains cold. Then Michael and Emma find the man who was the last person to see them. He knows about a secret map of a distant, mysterious land - maybe this is the clue that will lead them to their parents...Meanwhile, Kate's connection to the Book of Time grows ever stronger, ... read more
The Black Reckoning
John Stephens
The final instalment in the Books of Beginning series.Emma, Michael and Kate are locked in a race against time: to find their parents; to defeat the evil Dire Magnus; and to locate the final Book of Beginning. When all three books are united, their power will be unstoppable.Embarking on a perilous journey to the land of the dead, Emma is forced to confront terrifying monsters and ghosts. As th... read more
The Paladin Prophecy
Mark Frost
Will West is careful to live life under the radar. At his parents' insistence, he's made sure to get mediocre grades and to stay in the middle of the pack on his cross-country team. Then Will slips up, accidentally scoring off the charts on a nationwide exam, and he is recruited by an exclusive and mysterious prep school - the best school no one's ever heard of, with technology the likes of wh... read more
The History Keepers: Circus Maximus
Damian Dibben
The second instalment of the internationally acclaimed series which follows the adventures of Jake Djones and the extraordinary secret service that protects the true course of history . . .It's their deadliest mission yet: track down Agata Zeldt, the most evil woman in history, as she plots to topple the empire of ancient Rome and throw the world into turmoil. Jake and his friends are forced t... read more
The History Keepers: Nightship to China
Damian Dibben
When shocking news reaches the History Keepers’ headquarters, Jake Djones is sent head-first into a new adventure. The time-travelling agents voyage from Shakespeare’s England to Imperial China in pursuit of their most villainous foe yet, Xi Xiang, whose aim is to destroy trade links between east and west and throw the world into war. Jake, Nathan and Topaz must join forces with international ... read more
Fallen
Lauren Kate
SOME ANGELS ARE DESTINED TO FALL.Instant. Intense. Weirdly familiar . . .The moment Luce looks at Daniel she knows she has never felt like this before. Except she can't shake the feeling that she has . . . and with him - a boy she doesn't remember ever setting eyes on.Will her attempt to find out why enlighten her - or destroy her?Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic. Fallen is a thrilling... read more
Fallen in Love
Lauren Kate
Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the firs... read more
Hexed
Michelle Krys
Indigo Blackwood has it made – a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn't want to be her?But when a sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie's world, she learns that the fate of every witch on the planet is in her hands. And that's seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she's a witch too. ... read more
Spirit and Dust
Rosemary Clement-Moore
Speaking to the dead is nothing for Daisy Goodnight. The living, on the other hand, can occasionally be a problem. Especially when they knock you out and kidnap you.Willing or not, Daisy finds herself on a high-speed mission to track down a mob boss's precious daughter, but she's running out of time.The dead are coming to take over.
Becky has 15 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
This was the first time I have had someone view my full manuscript and I was beyond nervous. Becky has such an amazing presence, even online, that made me feel completely comfortable. She offered her personal number so that we could talk more frequently and causally outside of Reedsy, I appreciated that immensely. She had very good communication at the beginning of our collaboration; however, a...
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Isabella Leach, March 2023
Becky has been a joy to work with as she is so capable, but also sensitive. She obviously has an in depth knowledge of the book publishing industry and has provided so many helpful ideas and tips to improve my work. She is kind and encouraging when providing feedback. From her very first communication, I was impressed by the level of thought that she puts into every step of the review proce...
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Clair Hutchison, February 2023
Becky and I came together through a shared love of Watership Down. After providing a writing sample, Becky took on the editing of my manuscript. Her report was insightful, kind and wide-ranging. Becky clearly knows the art of a good story and the publishing industry well. She has done everything she can to help me bring my story to the eyes of traditional publishers. Thank you, Becky.
J.F. Blevin, December 2022
Becky's emails and critique were thorough and detailed. She provided honest, constructive criticism that will help me move my project forward.
Susan North, October 2022
Becky has been an incredible ally for me during the development of my book, providing me with invaluable advice and support not just in editing and refining my manuscript, but in guiding me through the next steps into publishing. She's really gone above and beyond, and the way in which she communicates feedback is very considerate and thorough, making it easier to take the next steps in editing...
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Beth Michon, August 2022
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