Elizabeth Briggs – Editor

I have a decade of experience in the publishing industry, championing books and voices that tell a different story. Recent titles I have worked on have won the likes of The T.S. Eliot Prize, Saltire Society Fiction Book of the Year and the EBRD Prize for Literature. I have edited a posthumous collection by Nobel Laureate for Literature Naguib Mahfouz and work by Women's Prize shortlisted author Maggie Gee. I am on the pulse of the publishing industry, regularly appearing on panels at the likes of Hay Festival, Essex Book Festival, BareLit and The London Book Fair. My current role is Editorial Director at independent publisher Saqi Books.

How can I help you?

I work with debut writers, established authors, publishers and agents.

I edit both non-fiction and fiction titles with a view to bringing out the best in narrative voice and building writers' careers. I will work collaboratively with you to prepare your project in a way that is true to your vision and writing goals.

Your voice should be authentic. Your book should be its own beautiful thing, but you may want a fresh pair of eyes to help it achieve all it is capable of. A good editor is one who allows the writer to shine.

I help writers from all backgrounds to publish with pride and confidence. I work with non-native English speakers and debut writers. I also have experience working with neurodiverse and people with disabilities.

Structural editing

Structural editing makes your work clearer. It ensures your work maintains the readers’ interest and that you convey all the important information in all the right places. For works of fiction, it might also mean amplifying or amending certain characters or aspects of your story.

Copyediting

Copyediting ensures readers won’t be tripped up by errors or inconsistencies, which can interrupt their enjoyment of your work.

I can provide you with a free, no-obligation editing sample so you can see what my work can do for yours.

What People Say About Me

‘I worked on my first book with Elizabeth, and I was so glad she was there to help me through it. Elizabeth handled my book with the sensitivity and nuance it deserves, and her experience in the publishing industry and keen eye for what makes for a good read, and good writing, were invaluable in making sure my book became a success.’ Elias Jahshan, This Arab is Queer: An Anthology by LGBTQ+ Arab Writers (Shortlisted for the Bread & Roses Award, 2023)