Elanor Best

Elanor Best – Editor

Editor with 8+ years working on picture books, short stories, and fiction for publishers including Pan Macmillan and Scholastic.

Overview

Whether you are a seasoned, published author, or just starting to think about presenting your writing to the world, I am here to help polish your manuscript for the marketplace.

I have spent the past seven years working in the editorial department of various publishers. From reading and evaluating literary short stories at the Short Fiction Journal, to writing and editing children’s books at Make Believe Ideas (a Scholastic-owned publisher), to now working on children's fiction at Pan Macmillan, I have gained an eye for brilliant prose, a nose for a gripping story, and a mouth that can talk its way into any rhyme or rhythm!

Writing is an intensely personal journey. You will have your own world, your own characters, your own voice. I provide an editing service that ensures none of those unique qualities are lost, but instead enhanced, to show off your writing to its maximum potential.

I am happy to work with authors and author/illustrators, as I have extensive experience of working with both.

Preferred genres include children’s picture books, the short story, middle grade fiction and young adult fiction.

Please note that I am not currently offering Development Edits, due to workload capacity.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Short Story
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • MA Victorian Studies - Distinction
  • BA (Hons) English - First Class

Work experience

Macmillan Children's Books

Apr, 2021 — Present

Editor for children's brands, including LEGO, Moomins, Julia Donaldson and The World of Dinosaur Roar!

Make Believe Ideas (Scholastic)

May, 2018 — Mar, 2021 (almost 3 years)

Worked with best-selling author Rosie Greening on her extensive range of titles, from the Never Touch A... series to Groovicorns.
Authored and published four picture book titles: Taylor Tiptoe, Sophia Sparks, Rhinocorn and Clump the Lump of Coal.
Collaborated with illustrators such as Stuart Lynch, Dawn Machell and Lara Ede.
Edited an exciting list of children's non-fiction titles, from My Awesome Jungle and Super Sharks, to Giant Flaps: Trucks and Mega Facts Sharks and Other Creatures of the Deep.

Make Believe Ideas (Scholastic)

May, 2017 — May, 2018 (about 1 year)

Ran the Sticker Activity Team: pitching, writing, and editing books such as Scratch and Sparkle Unicorns Activity Book, Never Touch a Dinosaur Sticker Activity Book and the Balloon Stickers series.

Routledge

Aug, 2015 — May, 2017 (over 1 year)

Managed a list of over 150 authors.
Evaluated and recommended book proposals to the Senior Editors.

The Short Fiction Journal (online)

Nov, 2014 — Jun, 2015 (7 months)

Read and evaluated submitted stories for publication.

The Hiring Academy

Jun, 2014 — Dec, 2015 (over 1 year)

Ghostwriter, content creator and editor.

Portfolio

Everything in Between: Short Stories of Family, Loss and Love

Miller, Valerie G

Sophia Sparks (Story Book)

Elanor Best

Sophia wears her bow whenever she needs to come up with a new, dazzling invention. But one day, she can't find it! Join Sophia as she learns – through the power of mashed potato and friends – that she didn't need a bow on her head to think of brilliant things,... read more
Fireside Fairy Tales: Short Stories inspired by Scottish Myths, Fairies and Folklore

MacRitchie, Kate

Heifer

Rygh-Pedersen, H.

Nonny's Birthday Bash: Confetti & Catastrophe (Absolutely Nonny Book 1)

Osakwe, Leah

Dinosaur Squeak! The Compsognathus (The World of Dinosaur Roar! Book 10)

Curtis, Peter

Girls with Curls: The True Tales of Girls with Curly Hair

Coyne, Krista

Clump the Lump of Coal

Make Believe Ideas Ltd.

Dinosaur Honk! The Parasaurolophus (The World of Dinosaur Roar! Book 9)

Curtis, Peter

A School of Fish

Sarah Creese

Did you know that a group of fish is called a school? Look inside and join the fun as you discover the names for more animal groups, from a crash of rhinos to a tower of giraffes!Kids will love the fun rhyming text in this touch-and-feel board book, packed wit... read more
Story Book Mermaid Mia and the Royal Visit

Make Believe Ideas Ltd.

A sweet rhyming story about telling the truth, with color-changing sequins on the cover! Mermaid Mia writes the front-page news for the school newspaper, The Mermail. But one day, Mia can’t find any news to report! So, she makes up some news that Queen Marina ... read more
Rhinocorn (Two-way Sequin Picture Books)

Elanor Best

What makes a rhino, a rhino and a unicorn, a unicorn?Join Riley and Rocky on this hilarious adventure as they play with the unicorns and learn how to be true to who you are on the inside.Kids will love touching the two way sequins on the cover.
Taylor Tiptoe

Make Believe Ideas Ltd.

Taylor Tiptoe but only come up to ankle height, but she’s got a BIG dream: to dance the princess role in this year’s Summer Showcase!So, Taylor visits Queen Delphine, and makes a wish to be tall. She loves her new height, until, when practicing for the auditio... read more

Elanor has 48 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kate M.

Kate M.

Oct, 2022

This is my second time working with Elanor because I trust her so completely with my world and characters. She has a knack for getting to the heart of those knotty scenes to bring clarity and resonance to the plot and characters. I feel that she went beyond the call of duty with the in-depth feedback she provided, and was always open to any questions I had. Editing can be a real slog, but Ela...
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Krista C.

Krista C.

Sep, 2022

Elanor Best is the BEST to work with. She's amazing at what she does, spends the time to understand you and what you're trying to achieve, and is efficient. Each time I've worked with her, I've been so happy with my final manuscripts. I can't recommend her enough!
Grant C.

Grant C.

Aug, 2022

Elanor was a pleasure to work with. She was engaged with the narrative and very considerate to my mother’s wishes and overall creative vision for the book. Elanor's professionalism and timekeeping were outstanding. I would not hesitate to recommend her.
Valerie M.

Valerie M.

Mar, 2022

I have used Elanor as an editor an number of times and will continue to call on her for all future edits. She is amazing, and I love working with her. She is professional, meticulous and provides edits that make my stories better—every-single-time! She responds in a timely manner and is always friendly.
Jennifer S.

Jennifer S.

Feb, 2022

My experience with Elanor has been second to none. She's been consistently positive and cheerful, as well as professional and clear in all communication. Her suggestions are reasonable and she explains her notes, giving expert opinions without my ever feeling as though I'm losing the voice of my story. I can easily say that my book is stronger and better for her input, and I've already booked h...
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