Charlie C

Charlie C – Editor

Experienced editor (5+ years) specialising in MG / YA and Crossover fiction from contemporary to fantasy - working with many NYT bestsellers

Overview

In my years as an acquiring editor at a big five trade publisher, I have edited and comissioned books for the children’s and YA / Crossover market. From cosy middle grade to flourishing romantasy with all their vibes and tropes, I'm always keen to get stuck into the heart of any story. I am particularly keen on anything fantasy, romantasy, contemporary with a twist, paranormal, and anything for the dark romance girlies. As a queer person (he/they) I am also keen to look at novels dealing with queerness in whatever form!


Whether you are a previously published author, or in the early stages of your first manuscript / thinking about ushering your writing into the world, I can help you to polish your manuscript!


I’m an enthusiastic and creative editor with over five years’ experience working on Middle Grade and YA/ Crossover fiction, where developmental edits, structural edits and line edits are a key part of my day job. I am a specific and thoughtful editor, and aim to take a long-term approach with my writers to enable them to learn from the editorial experience.


I am constantly reading pitches and queries, and can help you perfect that all important one line hook! I’m also well equipped to advise on any stage of your book’s journey; from the early stages of landing on an idea, to developemental edits looking at pacing, character arcs and plot holes, to finessing your manuscript and making your writing shine. I am also a practiced authenticity editor, looking at the depiction of queerness in your text across all ages to ensure the most authentic and representative narrative.


I have vast experience of acquisitions meetings, which gives me a sense of what publishers look for and how the discuss them - and therefore how to pitch them.


As well as my job as an editor I am also novelist of adult genre fiction and picture books - so I also know what it’s like being on the other side of the editor/writer experience, and would equally be interested in helping with writers working on projects in either of these spaces.


I have run many creative workshops on several aspects of the writer's journey (whatever that may look like) and am here to be your book coach, should you need one :)


I am an ambitious, joyous and honest person, and I like to take that approach with my editorial vision, too. I'm really looking forward to working with you.

Services
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Romantic Comedy Romantic Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • MPhil Film and Screen Studies, University of Cambridge
  • BA English Language and Literature, King's College, London

Work experience

Pan Macmillan

Jan, 2020 — Present

Various publishing houses

Jan, 2019 — Present

Portfolio

Aya and the Star Chaser

Radiya Hafiza

Pan Macmillan

For fans of Sophie Anderson and South Asian myths and legends comes a fairytale based on Bengali folklore that puts brown girls centre-stage, from the author of Rumaysa: A Fairytale. Filled wi... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King

Harry Trevaldwyn

Pan Macmillan

First there was Bridget Jones. Then there was Georgia Nicolson. Now get ready to meet Patch Simmons . . .The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is the hilarious rom-com debut from rising star ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Delta and the Lost City

Anna Fargher

Pan Macmillan

Follow Delta the wolfdog around Pompeii in 79 AD while the shadow of the great volcano Mount Vesuvius looms, from the bestselling, award-winning author of The Umbrella Mouse, Anna Fargher. Ill... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Homebody

Theo Parish

Pan Macmillan

'An uplifting, hopeful, empowering memoir that celebrates self-discovery and self-love' - Alice Oseman, author of the bestselling Heartstopper seriesAn unmissable graphic novel perfect for fan... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Twelfth Knight

Alexene Farol Follmuth

Pan Macmillan

From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Atlas Six comes Twelfth Knight, a grumpy/sunshine YA romantic comedy and coming of age story. Featuring gorgeous inside cover artwork.Viola an... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Fake Dates and Mooncakes

Sher Lee

Pan Macmillan

Heartstopper meets Crazy Rich Asians. Fake Dates and Mooncakes is a heartfelt, joyful rom-com by Sher Lee.Fake-dates, mooncakes and rich people problems. But love wasn't meant to be on the men... read more
Query Letter Review
Celestial Monsters

Aiden Thomas

Pan Macmillan

A heart-stopping duology finale, in which three young semidioses travel through a dark monster-infested world, facing down chaotic Obsidian gods, in a quest to save their friends and return th... read more
Query Letter Review
Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas

Pan Macmillan

Cemetery Boys is an LGBTQIA+ ghost story about magic, acceptance and what it means to be your true self. From the instant New York Times-bestelling author Aiden Thomas.Yadriel has summoned a g... read more
Query Letter Review
Aziza's Secret Fairy Door and the Magic Puppy is the fifth title in this fun and inclusive, young magical adventure series for readers of 6-8 from Lola Morayo. Inspired by fairies and creature... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Aziza's Secret Fairy Door and the Mermaid's Treasure is the fourth title in this fun and inclusive, young magical adventure series for readers of 6-8 from Lola Morayo. Inspired by fairies and ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Lightning Falls

Amy Wilson

Pan Macmillan

'Truly the most magical story ... iridescent and lyrical and heartwarming' - Hilary McKay'A glitteringly magical adventure' - Sophie AndersonLighting Falls is a fantastical story of ghosts and... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The Sunbearer Trials

Aiden Thomas

Pan Macmillan

Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where ten semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes in this breathtaking, Mexican-inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, the author ... read more
Query Letter Review
Vanya and the Wild Hunt

Sangu Mandanna

Pan Macmillan

Eleven-year-old Vanya Vallen can talk to books. But more importantly, the books talk back.When her family is attacked by a monster she believed only existed in legends, Vanya discovers that he... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Legend of the White Snake

Sher Lee

Pan Macmillan

A snake spirit transforms into a boy and must hide his true identity after falling for a headstrong prince in this lush, romantic retelling of the traditional Chinese folktale.When Prince Xian... read more
Query Letter Review

Charlie has 5 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Alastair D.

Alastair D.

Oct, 2024

Pinned
When I complete the rewrite of my novel, based on Charlie's notes and suggestions, I will ask him to edit it. From his reply to my initial inquiry, through the entire process he was thoughtful and direct in all his communications. When I received his editorial letter and notes I sped through them and knew immediately they were going to be a great help. When I went back and took the time to abso...
Read more
LazyLaura M.

LazyLaura M.

Oct, 2024

Pinned
Charlie was honest and thoughtful in his advice, helping with everything from replotting the trajectory of my novel to how exactly to pitch it, when I get to that stage. I found it very useful to bounce ideas off him about how to move forward with certain parts of the story and also how the reader experience can be shaped. His knowledge of the publishing world helped me a lot, as a total newcom...
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Tracy B.

Tracy B.

Nov, 2024

It was a pleasure working with Charlie. He is very responsive to messages. And provided a thorough review on the manuscript itself so it was easy to understand where the weaknesses were. And he also included a separate document on feedback. I look forward to working with him on my next project. Tracy.
Julia O.

Julia O.

Oct, 2024

I needed a somewhat unusual service because I was having trouble getting unstuck with the plot of a novel I was writing only for me, and Charlie really respected that and never tried to push me to make the story fit into a category. He helped me brainstorm ideas and immediately picked up on the social justice aspects I was trying to hide in the story. The hour was well worth the money, and I wo...
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Charlie C.
Thank you so much, Julia! And good luck with everything; it’s always inspiring to hear from people like you who are writing for themselves!
Jessica W.

Jessica W.

Sep, 2024

It was great working with Charlie! He's knowledgable about the industry and very easy to talk to. His advice was clear and he took the time to answer my questions and make sure I understood his feedback. Altogether, it was a wonderful experience, and I'd recommend him to anyone.

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