Craig Adams - Editor

I’m a developmental editor and published author with experience both editing and commissioning non-fiction. I specialise in books that mix elements of narrative, philosophical, historical and literary non-fiction, and authors with a core of specialised knowledge that reach out adventurously to adjacent areas.

I’ve edited the work of university lecturers, educational consultants, QI elves and foreign correspondents, as well as more mainstream narrative and memoir, and I’ve worked in a non-fiction imprint that published a wide range of genres in which I’ve read widely: natural history, philosophy, history, music, meditation and psychology. It’s that breadth of knowledge that I try to bring to author-editor discussions about complex ideas and how they are best explained - as well as a professional way of working combined with an open and relaxed manner.

I like to understand the full depth of an author’s ideas before helping them to marshal those ideas into a shape that shows off what’s most original, whilst also keeping a former publisher’s eye on what’s commercial too. Once the structure of a book begins to take shape I enjoy helping authors to hone their voice, whether it's a clear philosophical style, the adding of rhetorical flourish or a natural and conversational speaking voice. From the beginnings of your idea to the process of shaping your message and polishing your prose, I can provide everything from general guidance to a range of concrete suggestions for you to get the best out of your book - in a straightforward but sensitive way.



Testimonials

'Craig Adams was my editor for my first book of trade non-fiction. I was nervous about editorial involvement (writerly ego) but as soon as I met Craig I knew he would only help push my better instincts. He read my manuscript sensitively and deeply. There was nothing glib about his feedback and he offered me several very achievable options for thinking through the overall structure of the book in the final months of completion. His insightful contributions meant that the book was both tauter and more clearly voiced. Craig’s editorial contribution was a very significant part of my coming of age as a writer.'
-Sally Bayley

‘a special thanks to Craig for providing more than just feedback, research and ideas, but also a comprehensive lesson on how inspiring a hardworking editor can be.’
-Valentina D'Efilippo

‘credit must go to a man who must be one of publishing’s most tenacious editors, Craig Adams, who has in turn been editor, researcher, writer, diplomat and a dozen things besides.’
-James Ball

'Craig is a brilliant editor. I found him very reassuring throughout all of the stages of creating my first book, The Secret Museum: from the initial meetings, into the writing and research period and when the book came out into the world. Craig always made sure everything ran smoothly. During the writing period he always had my back, replying to my emails speedily with answers full of useful ideas and encouragement, which I found invaluable given this was my first experience of writing a book. He ensured everything ran smoothly as the illustrations and design of the book came together and I was so happy with the end result, a beautiful book. I highly recommend Craig as an editor - it wouldn’t have been the same without him.'
-Molly Oldfield

'I had long held huge ambitions to write a book but never ever thought Id be able to. For a start I knew nothing about it and had no idea how to start. With your help, I managed to write a particularly sensitive and personally hard story with confidence. You picked up up at every turn and pointed me in the right direction with empathy, understanding and crucial sensitivity. Writing a particularly personal recollection meant it felt a bit like giving birth to a baby and criticism of any kind can be hard to take. But you did it with a really light touch whilst at the same time, making sure the end product was artfully honed and chiselled into a far better result.'
-Alex Crawford, OBE (Special Correspondent, Sky News)