Eliza Plowden, Editor in London, UK

Overview

I am a passionate and dedicated editor with 8 years of experience across the publishing industry. Having worked at both a literary agency and a Big 5 publisher before going freelance, I understand what it takes to transform a book from a starting idea to a published bestseller. I love helping authors at all stages of this process.

I have worked on award-winning literary novels including Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun, commercial bestsellers like Alex Michaelides's The Silent Patient and a wide range of non-fiction titles, from memoir and photography to wellbeing and cookery books.

As a freelancer, I draw on this experience to hone narratives and make stories shine:

- For authors struggling with plot, structure and character, I can provide developmental edits to help you get to the heart of the story you're trying to tell.

- I offer copy-editing and proofreading services to individuals and publishers, using my eye for detail and the skills gained both in-house and at the Publishing Training Centre to ensure clarity, consistency and accuracy.

- I advise on querying agents, writing proposals and preparing for publication, supporting new writers through what can often feel like quite a daunting and opaque process.

Wherever you are in your journey, I would love to help. If you are looking for an enthusiastic, diligent and committed editor, then please get in touch. I am a CEIP member and am always happy to provide free samples of my work.

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Proofreading

Query Letter Review

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs

Fiction

Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Literary Fiction Thriller & Suspense

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Certifications

Advanced Copy-Editing, The Publishing Training Centre
Advanced Proofreading, The Publishing Training Centre
Book Editing, The London School of Publishing
Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading

Work experience

Freelance Editor

Self-employed

Jun, 2025 — Present

I support authors of both fiction and non-fiction in varying capacities, from initial assessment of plot and structure to detailed developmental edits, proposal and submissions advice and mentorship. I copy-edit and proofread fiction and non-fiction books for publishers, assessing and improving clarity, consistency and coherence. Provide fact-checking, assess headings, indexes and extra materials, and ensure accuracy throughout, marking up material with both Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word. I also liaise with authors, managing editors and stakeholders, meeting deadlines and providing clear feedback.

Assistant Editor

4th Estate, HarperCollins

Jan, 2024 — Nov, 2024 (11 months)

I supported the Executive Publisher and Publishing Director in all areas of their roles, learning about commissioning and publishing books at a Big 5 publisher. I assessed submissions, pitched titles in acquisition meetings, provided structural edits, prepared cover briefs, wrote cover and marketing copy, and managed publication schedules, collaborating with teams across the business including sales, marketing, publicity, design, production, rights, digital and audio. I worked on a range of books by talented and renowned authors including Marina Kemp, Julia Armfield, Monica Heisey, Alia Trabucco Zeran, Safiya Sinclair, Asako Yuzuki, Yiyun Li, Alan Garner, the estate of Hilary Mantel, Naomi Alderman, David Baddiel, Gabriel Krauze, Allison King, Sinead Gleeson, Eley Williams, Philip Hensher, Sanam Mahloudji, Yomi Adegoke, Cecile Pin, the Estate of Joan Didion, Sebastian Junger, Joyce Carol Oates, Miriam Toews and Jeff VanderMeer.

Freelance Reader

Self-employed

Jan, 2023 — Present

I read and assess books for Film and TV Adaptation. Working to tight deadlines, I prepare detailed and comprehensive reports advising whether or not titles would be suitable for screen adaptation. I love hearing about the big new books that everyone is talking about, and enjoy assessing plot and structure from a more distanced and objective perspective than when I'm editing.

Agent's Assistant

RCW Literary Agency

Sep, 2017 — Dec, 2020 (over 3 years)

I provided editorial advice and support for dozens of authors at all stages of their careers. Working closely with RCW Managing Director, Peter Straus, I helped authors explore early-stage ideas, provided developmental edits, wrote proposals and submissions emails, collaborated with editors ahead of publication, negotiated deals, prepared contracts and managed projects. I worked with authors including Kazuo Ishiguro, Anne Enright, Kate Atkinson, Natalie Haynes, Sinead Gleeson, Andrew O'Hagan, Andrew Hunter Murray, Alexander Christie-Miller, Tom Crewe, Lee Cole, Una Mannion, Naomi Ishiguro, Elaine Feeney, Sam Byers, The Estate of PG Wodehouse, Jen Hadfield, Fiona Benson, Carol Ann Duffy and Alex Michaelides, among others.