Elizabeth Briggs

Elizabeth Briggs – Editor

Editorial Director with a decade's experience working with prize-winning fiction and non-fiction titles from pitch to publication.

Overview

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)

Services
Fiction
Anthologies Literary Fiction Poetry Short Story
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs LGBTQ Non-Fiction
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • London School of Publishing Copy Editing

Work experience

Saqi Books

Apr, 2023 — Present

Editorial Director at Saqi Books, commissioning titles across imprints Saqi, Telegram and The Westbourne Press, managing all aspects of the editorial process and steering the future of the lists.

Arts Council England

Dec, 2019 — Mar, 2023 (over 3 years)

Managing National Portfolio Organisations including Poetry Translation Centre, Wasafari Magazine and Index on Censorship; funding decision maker and coach/advisor to writers looking to break into the industry.

Saqi Books

Jan, 2017 — Jul, 2022 (over 5 years)

Commissioning fiction and non-fiction titles across imprints Saqi, Telegram and The Westbourne Press, managing 600+ backlist titles and shaping the existing list and future strategy for Saqi.

The Soho Agency

Sep, 2013 — Jan, 2017 (over 3 years)

Supporting Philippa Milnes-Smith’s world-class catalogue of children’s writers and illustrators.

Elizabeth has 14 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

David F.

David F.

Dec, 2024

Yes you should hire Elizabeth. She has been a delight to work with - bringing an openness, empathy and professional edge. Her edits were so well explained that they helped me to learn how to better edit for myself. She got into the heart behind the book and edited from that perspective, something I particularly appreciated. She also gave really thoughtful feedback to questions I had. The val...
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Elizabeth B.
Thanks so much David! I hope you understand these kindnesses as a reflection on you. It was a real joy to work with you and I look forward to hearing where your writing takes you next.
Eren P.

Eren P.

Dec, 2024

Unparalleled insight and ability to resonate with the author’s inner voice and intentions. Expansive perspectives and thought-provoking comments that significantly enrich the text. Impeccable line editing paired with an understanding of the context and development of the narrative. She truly should have charged me more for her outstanding work!
Elizabeth B.
Thank you so much for your generous review Eren. It was such a joy to work with you and on your beautiful novel.
Will B.

Will B.

Oct, 2024

Elizabeth is a sympathetic and incisive editor and provided my manuscript both the TLC and kick up the backside it needed. She supplied a service above and beyond her quoted duties; she engaged fully with the narrative and made suggestions which will improve it exponentially. It is not easy to scrutinise narrative fundamentals whilst maintaining a believably encouraging tone; again, Elizabeth e...
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RM I.

RM I.

Sep, 2024

Having worked with Elizabeth twice now, I've found her incredibly easy to work with, very supportive and friendly from start to finish. I just hope my manuscript can eventually do justice to the hard work she's put in for the past month! A dream to work with and would definitely recommend.
Elizabeth B.
Thanks so much Ryan, this is wonderfully generous of you. It has been a genuine pleasure, once again.
Emma L.

Emma L.

Aug, 2024

Great experience with Elizabeth. She offered to go above and beyond—very skilled advice and also kind in her delivery.

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