Danai Denga – Editor

For nearly a decade, I've spent my days reading proposals, spotting the books with real potential, and helping authors shape their ideas into compelling, reader-focused books.

As a Commissioning Editor at Penguin Random House, I actively acquire and develop commercial non-fiction across self-development, psychology, wellbeing and lifestyle publishing. I've worked with bestselling experts, debut authors and thought leaders, helping them strengthen their concepts, clarify their message and connect with readers.

Whether you're preparing a proposal, refining a manuscript or developing a book from the ground up, I'll bring an editorial and market-focused perspective to help you understand what's working, what needs strengthening and where the greatest opportunities lie.

I particularly enjoy working on books that aim to inform, inspire or change the way people think, feel or live.

>>> WHY I LOVE PUBLISHING

The best part about publishing, for me, is the people. I became an editor because I'm endlessly fascinated by ideas and the different ways people make sense of the world. The part of publishing I love most isn't simply polishing words on a page; it's helping authors uncover the strongest version of what they're trying to say. Throughout my career, I've worked with writers at every stage of the publishing process, from evaluating early concepts and proposals to shaping manuscripts and preparing books for publication.

As a commissioning editor, I've spent years asking questions such as:

- What makes this book stand out?

- Who is it for?

- Why will readers choose it?

- Is the structure supporting the idea?

- How can the concept become even stronger?

Those are the same questions I bring to every freelance project.

My approach is thoughtful, collaborative and commercially aware. I'll always be honest in my feedback while remaining supportive and constructive. My goal isn't to tell you what book to write; it's to help you write the strongest version of the book you want to create.

While my experience in traditional publishing allows me to offer insight into how publishers and agents evaluate projects, no freelance editor can guarantee publication or representation. What I can do is help you strengthen your manuscript, sharpen your positioning and better understand how readers and the wider market may receive your book.

>>> SPECIALISMS

- Self-help and personal development

- Psychology and mental well-being

- Health and lifestyle

- Relationships and communication

- Popular science and smart-thinking non-fiction

- Expert-led non-fiction

- Narrative non-fiction and memoir with a strong thematic focus

Every book starts with an idea worth exploring. If you'd like an experienced editorial partner to help shape yours, feel free to get in touch.