Item: Billi-Dee Jones
Rating: 5.0
Author: larry center

Overview

I’m a commercial fiction editor and former Commissioning Editor at Hachette UK, now working freelance to help authors shape engaging, polished manuscripts.

My favourite part of being an editor has always been working with authors to help bring their books to life. I've had the pleasure of working on a wide variety of commercial fiction projects, and I have a particular passion for contemporary romance, psychological thrillers and romantasy.

I’m keen to work on gripping fiction and would love to help you with your book, whether it’s offering guidance in the early stages of your manuscript, providing developmental edits or copyediting. My approach is collaborative and tailored - I want to make sure the process works best for you and your book. Together, we’ll develop your ideas, strengthen your narrative, and bring your books to readers.

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Book Coaching

Fiction

Chick Lit Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Psychological Thriller Romantic Comedy

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Certifications

Getting to Grips with Grammar and Punctuation, The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
Proofreading and Editing Diploma, Centre of Excellence
Digital Marketing Certification, Google Digital Garage

Work experience

Freelance Editor

Self-employed

Jun, 2025 — Present

Commissioning Editor

Bookouture, Hachette UK

Sep, 2023 — Jan, 2025 (over 1 year)

• I commissioned and published works across a number of commercial fiction genres, working with both debut and established authors. • I worked with authors to develop initial concepts, and I was responsible for editorial assessments, developmental edits and line edits in UK and US English. • I developed book pitches, wrote engaging copy (blurbs) and created cover briefs. • I project-managed each title from pitch to publication, including both novels and short stories. • I read and reviewed submissions. I shared feedback and offered guidance to authors, which at times led to an ongoing relationship as they prepared new or revised manuscripts for submission.

Publishing Executive

Bookouture, Hachette UK

Jul, 2021 — Aug, 2023 (about 2 years)

• I developed strong commercial concepts and supported authors through the editorial process. • I assisted across a number of our fiction lists and began building my own list through the acquisition of new authors and books. • I published a UK Kindle Chart top 100 novel by identifying market trends and working collaboratively with the author to make the strongest book possible. • I read and assessed initial manuscripts and book pitches before providing considered feedback to authors.

Editor & Writer

Bad Form Review

May, 2021 — Oct, 2023 (over 2 years)

• I worked with writers to provide editorial feedback to ensure that all articles were polished and impactful. • I collaborated with our editorial team to curate content about books and diversity in the publishing industry.