Becky Toyne - Editor
I specialize in crime and literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. I've worked with international bestsellers and major lit award nominees
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
I have 15 years experience as an editor, both in Canada and the UK. I've worked for Random House in both countries (Harvill Secker in the UK and Doubleday in Canada), and have worked freelance for the past decade. I specialize in crime and detective fiction, literary fiction and narrative nonfiction.
In the crime and detective fiction department: I was Jo Nesbo's editor for his first two books to be translated into the English language, and also Icelandic crime writer Arnaldur Indridason. In Canada, I worked with nationally bestselling crime writer Susan Philpott on her way to getting a book deal.
On the more literary side, I've worked with Australian author Gail Jones on her Booker Prize-nominated debut novel, Sixty Lights, and on her Orange Prize-nominated second novel, Dreams of Speaking, and with Canadian poet Dani Couture on her fabulous debut novel, Algoma.
When I'm not working on editorial projects, I'm working in the book business in other ways. I'm a books columnist for the public broadcaster here in Canada as a publishing reporter for The Globe and Mail newspaper. Over the years I've also managed the PR campaigns for some of Canada's most high profile literary festivals and awards. So: I'm an entrenched book publishing professional who knows the industry from all angles and can put that experience and perspective to work on your manuscript.
I look forward to working with you.
In the crime and detective fiction department: I was Jo Nesbo's editor for his first two books to be translated into the English language, and also Icelandic crime writer Arnaldur Indridason. In Canada, I worked with nationally bestselling crime writer Susan Philpott on her way to getting a book deal.
On the more literary side, I've worked with Australian author Gail Jones on her Booker Prize-nominated debut novel, Sixty Lights, and on her Orange Prize-nominated second novel, Dreams of Speaking, and with Canadian poet Dani Couture on her fabulous debut novel, Algoma.
When I'm not working on editorial projects, I'm working in the book business in other ways. I'm a books columnist for the public broadcaster here in Canada as a publishing reporter for The Globe and Mail newspaper. Over the years I've also managed the PR campaigns for some of Canada's most high profile literary festivals and awards. So: I'm an entrenched book publishing professional who knows the industry from all angles and can put that experience and perspective to work on your manuscript.
I look forward to working with you.
Languages
English (CAN)
English (UK)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Work experience
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
February, 2010
–
Present
(over 10 years)
I do manuscript assessment and substantive editing for authors on their way to getting an agent or to self-publishing. In addition to working directly with authors, I've done substantive editing for Simon and Schuster Canada and Warner Music Canada, and proofreading for Penguin Random House. Authors I've worked with have gone on to sign with literary agents and publishing houses, and to find critical and commercial success.
Editor (P/T)
Random House of Canada
September, 2006
–
December, 2006
(3 months)
A part-time maternity leave cover working at Doubleday and Anchor Canada.
Associate Editor
Harvill Secker (Random House UK)
May, 2003
–
February, 2006
(almost 3 years)
Harvill Secker specializes in publishing literature in translation. I was the editor for Jo Nesbo (Norway), Arnaldur Indridason (Iceland), and Carl-Johan Vallgren (Sweden). I also provided editorial support to the publisher on books by authors including Haruki Murakami (Japan), Per Petterson (Norway - IMPAC Literary Award winner), and Henning Mankell (Sweden).
Editorial Assistant
The Harvill Press
May, 2002
–
May, 2003
(about 1 year)
This was where I started to learn how it all worked.
Portfolio (10 selected works)
532 pages. Book appears to have hardly been read and is in As new condition throughout. A Series Of Spectacular Plot Twists Leads To A Thrilling Finale.
The Redbreast: Harry Hole 3
Jo Nesbo
Brand New Item, Fast Dispatch
Jar City (Reykjavik Murder Mysteries 1)
Arnaldur Indridason
A man is found murdered in his Reykjavik flat. There are no obvious clues apart from a cryptic note left on the body and a photograph of a young girl's grave. Detective Erlendur is forced to use all the forensic resources available to find any leads at all.
Silence Of The Grave (Reykjavik Murder Mysteries 2)
Arnaldur Indridason
Silence of the Grave
Sixty Lights
Gail Jones
A chronicle of Lucy Strange, an independent girl growing up in the Victorian world. From her childhood in Australia through to her adolescence in England and Bombay and finally to London, Lucy is fascinated by light and by the new photographic technology.
Dreams Of Speaking
Gail Jones
Title: Dreams of Speaking <>Binding: Paperback <>Author: Gail Jones <>Publisher: VINTAGE
Algoma
Dani Couture
A year after watching Leo go through thin ice, twelve-year-old Ferd is obsessed with the idea that he can persuade hisdead brother to come home through a campaign of letters.Plaintive notes appear around the house--folded squaresof paper in the rain reservoir, kitchen sink, and washingmachine. Ferd's mother, Algoma, is also unravelling;attempting to hide her son's letters, reconnect with herin... read more
Blown Red
Susan Philpott
With a deft touch and piercing insight, Susan Philpott delivers a thriller guaranteed to get your pulse pounding.Like a runaway train, Signy Shepherd has been blowing through danger signals all her life. Recruited to the Line, a shadowy underground railroad dedicated to helping women in peril, Signy has no idea that her first solo case will set her on a collision course with a renowned photogr... read more
Dark Territory
Susan Philpott
The Weather Inside
Emily Saso
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Laura Chasen
Former St. Martin's Press Editor. Developmental and Line Editor. Proofreader. Chocoholic.
Washington, DC, USA
Ben LeRoy
Freelance editor specializing in literary & crime fiction. 15+ years experience running two critically acclaimed publishing companies.
