Overview
I’m a fiction editor with more than twenty years experience of commissioning, editing and publishing, at Penguin Random House (Transworld) as a Publishing Director, Hachette UK (Headline) as Associate Publisher and as a freelancer including for top publishers Bookouture and Orion Books. I moved back to my hometown in Northern Ireland a few years ago and now work entirely on a freelance basis as a developmental editor, line editor and copy editor. I also love working on general publishing consultations and reviewing author submission packages (agent letters, biographies and sample chapters).
I am passionate about helping authors with almost any aspect of their writing at any stage of the process! I find working at the developmental stage so rewarding, helping authors see when and how to move their story on to maintain page-turning pace, working on how to create drama and tension through plot hooks and turns, and how to tie it all up into that satisfying finale. I also enjoy close line editing where I can support writers to get their work to a professionally polished state.
I’ve been lucky enough to work in some of the most successful divisions of the world’s biggest publishers, working on fiction strategy and my personal passions – growing new names into established authors and helping authors to find good publishing homes and successful careers. I'm always open to discussing a flexible approach to what an individual writer needs.
I am passionate about helping authors with almost any aspect of their writing at any stage of the process! I find working at the developmental stage so rewarding, helping authors see when and how to move their story on to maintain page-turning pace, working on how to create drama and tension through plot hooks and turns, and how to tie it all up into that satisfying finale. I also enjoy close line editing where I can support writers to get their work to a professionally polished state.
I’ve been lucky enough to work in some of the most successful divisions of the world’s biggest publishers, working on fiction strategy and my personal passions – growing new names into established authors and helping authors to find good publishing homes and successful careers. I'm always open to discussing a flexible approach to what an individual writer needs.
Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Romance
Thriller & Suspense
Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Work experience
Self-employed
Apr, 2015 —
Present
I provide developmental and line-edits for contemporary fiction, psychological thrillers, police procedurals, women's fiction and romance. I work for publishers and private clients, including for an award-winning Channel 4 cult show. I'm practised in reviewing and consulting on submissions letters, and can do a 'ready for submission' read on bio, letter and sample.
Transworld, Penguin Random House
Sep, 2009 —
Apr, 2014
(over 4 years)
I grew a list of wide ranging fiction authors in this role. I published Julie Cohen's Dear Thing and Louise Douglas's The Secrets Between Us, both successful Richard and Judy Book Club picks. I continued to publish Sarra Manning with You Don't Have to Say You Love Me. I published IMPAC-nominated Alison Jameson's Little Beauty, Kathy Lette's The Boy Who Fell to Earth, and Ashley Prentice Norton's The Chocolate Money. I also looked after a list of mostly USA, UK and Irish crime, literary and women's fiction authors.
Headline Publishing Group, Hachette UK
Oct, 2003 —
Sep, 2009
(almost 6 years)
I worked on a wide range of fiction, from Sunday Times bestselling author Adele Parks, award-winning American literary authors Erick Setiawan to New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author Rachel Gibson. I also launched the mainstream adult fiction careers of YA writer Sarra Manning with Unsticky, and screenwriter Jessica Ruston with Unsticky.
Portfolio
Cat has 4 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
David A.
Aug, 2023
Rachel L.
Jun, 2023
Harold K.
May, 2023
Tamara H.
Mar, 2023
