Ben McConnell

Ben McConnell – Editor

An experienced editor who has worked on bestselling fiction and memoir at Penguin and HarperCollins is excited to shape your manuscript.

Overview

I have edited books across many genres, from hard-hitting memoirs like 'The Prison Doctor' (a Sunday Times bestseller) to fully illustrated projects like 'Blue Planet II'. Recently, I edited fiction and poetry for Charly Cox's follow-up collection, 'Validate Me', and gave developmental feedback to writers on their crime, sci-fi and thriller submissions for WriteNow, Penguin Random House's inclusivity initiative.

I hold accredited qualifications in proofreading and copy-editing and can work directly on digital files using InDesign. I'm happy to cast a close eye over the final stages of your manuscript – a proofread and copy-edit – in preparation for submission to a literary agency or digital publication.

I work from home with my two cats, Brontë and Oscar, and a gallon of Yorkshire Tea – other brands are available. Please do get in touch and I look forward to working with you.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Comics Non-Fiction LGBTQ Non-Fiction Nature
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels Coming of Age Magical Realism Time Travel
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Proofreading - The Publishing Training Centre
  • Copy-editing - The Publishing Training Centre
  • InDesign – Media Training Company Ltd.

Work experience

Bloomsbury Publishing

Feb, 2020 — Present

HarperCollins

Apr, 2019 — May, 2019 (about 1 month)

Managed books, including 'The Prison Doctor', a Sunday Times and Amazon bestseller, to publication. Edited short stories and poetry by Charly Cox, 2018’s highest-selling poet, for her second collection, 'Validate Me'.
Assessed fiction and non-fiction submissions, from memoir and true crime to wellbeing and fiction.

Self-employed

Nov, 2018 — Present

Currently, freelancing for trade, independent and academic publishers as a project editor over a range of genres; including science fiction, literary fiction, crime and thriller, memoir and biography, self-help, wellbeing, and more. I proofread, copy-edit and manage the delivery schedules for publishers and authors.

Penguin Random House

Jul, 2016 — Nov, 2018 (over 2 years)

Edited a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles, overseeing 'Doctor Who' tie-in fiction throughout the editorial process, including line edits. Developed a solid understanding of the requirements needed when working on licensed publishing after working with the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV. Reported on fiction and non-fiction submissions across the books market.

Portfolio

The Prison Doctor

Dr Amanda Brown

‘Extraordinary’ Daily Mail As seen on BBC Breakfast Horrifying, heartbreaking and eye-opening, these are the stories, the patients and the cases that have characterised a career spent being a doctor behind bars. Violence. Drugs. Suicide. Welcome to the world o... read more
How To Be Right

James O'Brien

The voice of reason in a world that won’t shut up.The Sunday Times BestsellerEvery day, James O’Brien listens to people blaming hard-working immigrants for stealing their jobs while scrounging benefits, and pointing their fingers at the EU and feminists for de... read more
The Choice

Edith Eger

THE AWARD-WINNING INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERby Edith Eger, as seen on BBC BreakfastEven in hell, hope can flower'I'll be forever changed by her story' - Oprah Winfrey 'One of those rare and eternal stories you don't want to end' - Desmond Tutu'A masterpiece of h... read more
The Sunday Times bestsellerOver her ten years of documentary film making, Stacey Dooley has covered a wide variety of topics, from sex trafficking in Cambodia to Yazidi women fighting back in Syria. At the heart of all her reporting are incredible women in ext... read more
‘Charly is social media’s answer to Carol Ann Duffy’ Sunday Times STYLE [Charly] is turning a new generation on to poetry’ The Telegraph From the bestselling author of She Must Be Mad comes the second book of poetry and prose from Charly Cox. What is love? Bab... read more
The hugely powerful Key to Time has been split into six segments, all of which have been disguised and hidden throughout time and space. Now the even more powerful White Guardian wants the Doctor to find the pieces. With the first segment successfully retrieve... read more
‘Impossibly wonderful’ Daily Telegraph Find peace in a restless world. ‘James’s heartfelt gentleness and masterful wisdom shine through in his teachings. His expertise lies in his ability to light the path for others to find their own way.’ Richard Miller, cli... read more
Brand New!! Re-check ISBN before Purchase

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