Elinor Davies – Editor

I began my publishing career at leading London literary agency, Madeleine Milburn, where I developed from Assistant to Associate Agent specialising in building a list of adult fiction authors and shaping their manuscripts ahead of submitting to publishers. I am familiar with all stages of the writing and publishing process having regularly worked with manuscripts from conception through to publication. Beyond my agenting experience, I have also been actively mentoring early-career authors for several years and offering editorial and submission query feedback, both written and through one-to-one consultations, to unpublished authors. I work closely with organisations such as Asian Women Writers, Jericho Writers and Literature Wales to offer these services. I also recently chaired the panel for the selection process for the Representing Wales Mentorship. My editorial services and mentoring support can be offered in English or in Welsh as required.

There's nothing I enjoy more than getting stuck into a manuscript and collaborating with authors to create the best story possible, shaping it for the market in the process. I know that a second pair of eyes can make all the difference after staring at a manuscript for too long and I love to bolster authors' confidence and help them overcome editorial hurdles they hit along the way. Extensive experience working at an agency also means that I know what agents are thinking when they read submissions and what it takes to make your agent query stand out. Sharing my knowledge, getting creative and encouraging authors in an honest and supportive way is key to my work as an editor. Here are some endorsements from authors I have worked with:

'Elinor is friendly and approachable and cares passionately about her authors and their work. Her editorial feedback on my novel was thorough, insightful and sensitive, strengthening my characters' motivations and streamlining my book's plot and structure. I highly recommend her editorial talents.' (Victoria Goldman)

'Elinor is a highly intuitive editor and had a wonderful vision for my novel, suggesting structural edits that improved the flow of the narrative. She understood the story arc and my characters so well, and her keen eye for detail helped to polish the manuscript to a level that earned me prompt publishing offers. What impressed me most of all was Elinor's clear communication style and her warm, approachable nature that made her a joy to work with on my writing. I could not have asked for a more perceptive editor for my debut novel.' (Janet Tay)

I can help with:

- Structural and Developmental Edits

- Manuscript Assessments

- Agent Submission Packages