Gabby De Matteis

Gabby De Matteis – Editor

Fantastical fiction specialist. Formerly of Penguin and the BBC (Doctor Who). Big on heart(s) and humour, especially lit fic, sci-fi and YA.

Overview

Hello! I'm Gabby - friendly editor, living and working and hoarding books on the UK's Norfolk coast. I'm experienced in editing for all age ranges, younger and older readers alike. The majority of my professional work has been in YA and children's books, but I've commissioned and edited plenty of adult fiction and non-fiction throughout my career, too.


My favourite kind of fiction usually has a fantastical or philosophical edge. Whether magical realism, supernatural horror, hope-punk adventure or another kind of out-of-this world tale, I'm drawn in by imaginative stories which cater to both the head and the heart.


I also have extensive experience in editing other texts beside novels. Magazines, comics, gaming and audio scripts... No medium is too unusual for me, no subject too niche! Notably, I oversaw publishing for the BBC's Doctor Who for nine years from 2013 to 2022. I still have a huge love of the show and its unique charms - vast imaginative worlds, great emotional depths, and constant themes of hope and empathy.


Other shows I've worked with include Netflix's Wednesday, CN's Adventure Time, BBC Studios' The Watch, plus Doctor Who spin-offs Torchwood, Class, and The Sarah Jane Adventures.


If you need an editor, proofreader, or just someone with an eye for a good story, drop me a line! Always delighted to have a chat about your book or other editorial project, however weird and wonderful it may be.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Anthologies Children's Fantasy Science Fiction Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Entertainment
Languages
English (UK)

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2022 — Present

Since becoming a freelancer two years ago, I've worked on novels, short stories, theatre scripts and gaming scripts, plus non-fiction copy for arts organisations, live event programmes, and more. Notable clients include Netflix, Tilting Point Games, Old Skull Games - plus, of course, all the authors I've met through Reedsy.

BBC Studios

Jan, 2018 — Apr, 2022 (about 4 years)

My role as Brand Editorial Manager involved overseeing the editorial and creative development of all ancillary Doctor Who content and product for the BBC.

- I commissioned, developed and signed off on all editorial under the Doctor Who brand. This included novels, short stories, children's fiction, adult fiction, non-fiction books, comic scripts, gaming scripts, audio drama scripts, podcast scripts, magazine articles, press releases and more.

- Working with licensees such as Penguin Random House and Titan Comics, I gave editorial direction and feedback, ensuring quality and consistency across any product with a narrative or creative element.

Penguin Random House (Children's)

Aug, 2013 — Dec, 2017 (over 4 years)

As Editor on the Brands and Media team at PRH Children's, I created licensed publishing for Doctor Who and a range of other brands. My role involved:

- Editing, proofreading and copyediting 50+ books per year, including novels, novellas, short story collections, picture books and anthologies.

- Commissioning books (both writers and illustrators), working with in-house designers, keeping to print schedules, working with sales, marketing and PR teams to ensure every book reached its full potential in the market.

- Coming up with original ideas for books in a range of formats (fiction, non-fiction and novelty titles) which would appeal to fans of a brand.

Igloo Books

Oct, 2011 — Aug, 2013 (almost 2 years)

- Assistant Editor: Responsible for commissioning and creating books from initial idea right through to publication. Worked alongside graphic designers and was also responsible for handling all manuscript submissions.

- Development Editor: Continued to commission, write, edit and proofread copy for children's and adults' titles, fiction and non-fiction. This more senior role also involved collaborating with designers, illustrators, illustration and literary agencies, production staff, freelance writers and editors.

Gabby has 19 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jessyca H.

Jessyca H.

Oct, 2024

Gabby is a gifted technical editor with an artist's passionate heart for writing. Her observations on detail are insightful, practical, and supportive of the writer's individual craft. As a professional, she is patient, kind, collaborative, and right on time. How she holds the entirety of a book in her head, even a messy one, and deliver such clear remarks and suggestions is a marvel. Attach yo...
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Heidi W.

Heidi W.

Aug, 2024

I am so glad that I found Gabby! She communicated with me throughout the process, made everything clear, and was happy to answer questions. Friendly and professional, she has been approachable, and her feedback has been excellent, and very clear, indicating why changes were made so that it was easy for me to work with the edits. The work was completed within the timescale given. Thank you Gabby...
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Martine K.

Martine K.

Jul, 2024

What a star! Gabby has delivered far beyond my expectations and helped me improve my manuscript to become the best it can be. She is extremely thorough, and gives good feedback and explanations for her suggested changes. She is so easy to work with, and gave my manuscript all the attention it needed. If I ever write another book, Gabby is the first editor I'll reach out to. Also - she is the k...
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Sally L.

Sally L.

Jul, 2024

If I could give this wonderful woman more than 5 stars I would do it without hesitation. She was incredible from start to finish, wonderfully responsive and highly professional. Her kind words created a safe space to make the changes needed. The final product was more than I ever could have imagined.
Joop I.

Joop I.

Jun, 2024

I'm satisfied with her level of professionalism and the work she delivered. Very quick response from her was amazing as well.

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