Becky Toyne

Becky Toyne – Editor

I specialize in crime and literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. I've worked with international bestsellers and major lit award nominees

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.
Services
Fiction
Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK)

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2010 — Present

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.

Random House of Canada

Sep, 2006 — Dec, 2006 (3 months)

A part-time maternity leave cover working at Doubleday and Anchor Canada.

Harvill Secker (Random House UK)

May, 2003 — Feb, 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).

The Harvill Press

May, 2002 — May, 2003 (about 1 year)

This was where I started to learn how it all worked.

Portfolio

Dark Territory

Susan Philpott

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 de... read more
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,... read more
Title: Dreams of Speaking <>Binding: Paperback <>Author: Gail Jones <>Publisher: VINTAGE
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.
Silence of the Grave
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.
Brand New Item, Fast Dispatch
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.

Professionals similar to Becky

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Eugenia Nordskog

Eugenia N.

Editor and proofreader specializing in new age topics, memoir, and fiction. Versatile, sensitive, and progressive.

La Farge, WI, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Jennifer Davies

Jennifer D.

I've worked with internationally bestselling authors, helping them craft the best versions of their books, and I can help you do the same.

Southampton, UK

75% reply rate

View profile
Kelly Lydick

Kelly L.

I am passionate about the written word! I have nearly 20 years in editing in all genres, with special attention to business and travel.

Phoenix, United States

99% reply rate

View profile