Georgia McVeigh – Editor

I am an experienced Editor at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency, where I help our authors to improve, streamline and structure their manuscripts in preparation for submission to publishing houses.

I specialise in commercial adult fiction, across genres such as Women’s Fiction, Suspense & Thriller, Book Club & Historical. As the only In-House Editor at a leading literary agency, I have extensive experience with manuscripts at all stages of their development. Day-to-day, this ranges from concept critique to in-depth developmental, structural and line editing. I know what to look out for when submitting to a literary agency (cover letter and pitch are key!) and can also help you prepare your submission package if you are further along in your journey to publication.

Having worked with a multitude of debut writers across a range of different genres, I understand the importance of striking the balance between honest critique and maintaining an author’s confidence. I played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the Mentorship Program at MMLA, helping to identify untapped talent, and subsequently coach our mentees as they develop their ideas and hone their writing.

During my time at the agency, I have been privileged enough to work on some hugely exciting novels, including:

- Charmaine Wilkerson's New York Times bestseller BLACK CAKE;

- Sophie Irwin's #3 Sunday Times bestseller A LADY'S GUIDE TO FORTUNE HUNTING;

- Lizzie Pook's HWA Debut Crown Award shortlisted novel MOONLIGHT AND THE PEARLER'S DAUGHTER.

My passion is taking a novel in its rawest form and helping to shape it into something commercially successful. For me, there is nothing more exciting than voice-led fiction combined with a magnetic concept, where a compulsive character sweeps you into their world from the very first page.

My first taste of the industry was a research-based internship at Canongate Books, and an internship with the Literary Agency Janklow & Nesbit. I subsequently interned with Connell Guides, where I had a very hands-on experience of the business. I spent a year working in journalism at Zest Media, where I used my editorial skills every day in proofreading, copywriting, subediting and assisting the editors across the various publications. I moved to MMLA as the Literary Assistant, and quickly became familiar with the different avenues of a fast-paced and successful Agency, before being promoted to In-House Editor just over a year after I joined.

In 2022, I participated in the Faber Academy Six-Month Novel course. This allowed me a personal understanding of the novel-writing process, which has supplemented my editorial experience, and given me an insight into the trials and tribulations of novel conception!

I can help you with:

- Structural & Developmental edits

- Editorial assessment

- Submission packages