Holly McCulloch

Holly McCulloch – Editor

Editor with over 10 years experience, specialising in women's fiction, fantasy and romance. I love helping people tell their stories.

Overview

I am a huge believer in voices. Everyone's voice deserves to be heard. I want to help you shout from the rooftops (or from the bookshelves, whichever comes first).

Having previously worked in trade publishing (as a reader for Conville & Walsh Literary Agency and within fiction editorial for Headline Publishing Group), before moving across to work as a book buyer for the WHSmith bookshops within Harrods and Selfridges, I know what it takes to get published, what it takes to make your book stand out to retailers, and what it takes for your book to be picked up by the readers themselves.

I also know what it takes to be a writer. It can be a lonely road, one that is full of fog and confusing signs. But it doesn't have to be - I can help. I can make the road a little less lonely and a little less confusing.

Within fiction, my main areas of interest include: fantasy, women's fiction, and romance.

My freelance work mainly centres on providing editorial assessments and developmental edits.

Services
Fiction
Fantasy Romantic Fantasy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK)

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2019 — Present
Freelance publishing guru and editor.

WHSmith Travel (Harrods and Selfridges Concessions)

Jan, 2013 — Apr, 2014 (about 1 year)
Book buyer for the Harrods and Selfridges bookshops, for both fiction and non-fiction titles, including special collections.

Headline Publishing Company

May, 2011 — Jan, 2012 (8 months)
Oversaw the production process for a large number of high-profile titles, from delivery of manuscript to final files; worked with bestselling authors including Victoria Hislop, Neil Gaiman and Jill Mansell; wrote cover copy and reading-group discussion guides.

Portfolio

For the Love of Beasts

Anser, Lucille

Lucille Anser

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Series)

Harkness, Deborah

Penguin Books

Just My Luck

Parks, Adele

No. 1 bestselling author Jill Mansell writes with sensitivity and optimism about love, loss and new beginnings in TO THE MOON AND BACK. Not to be missed by readers of Jojo Moyes and Veronica Henry. 'Another super tale from a talented writer' Sun When Ellie Ken... read more
A WALK IN THE PARK is a Sunday Times bestseller by Jill Mansell, not to be missed by fans of Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. Reviewers love Jill's books: 'Glorious, heartwarming, romantic' Woman & HomeIt's been a while, but Lara Carson's back in Bath and lives... read more
The Island

Victoria Hislop

The acclaimed million-copy number one bestseller and winner of Richard & Judy's Summer Read 2006 from Victoria Hislop is a dramatic tale of four generations, rent by war, illicit love, violence and leprosy, from the thirties, through the war, to the present da... read more
The Thread

Victoria Hislop

The enthralling novel from the million-copy bestselling author of THE ISLAND and THE RETURN.Thessaloniki, 1917. As Dimitri Komninos is born, a devastating fire sweeps through the thriving Greek city where Christians, Jews and Muslims live side by side. Five ye... read more

Holly has 39 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Natanya J.

Natanya J.

May, 2025

Pinned
Holly will give your manuscript the most beautifully brutal treatment it needs! Having done several rounds of self-edits, and a round of Beta reading, I submitted my Romantasy manuscript for her treatment, and let's say - she has a gift for this! While it is hard to receive a report like this, wh...
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Robin W.

Robin W.

Apr, 2025

Pinned
Holly's report and edit comments were absolutely spot on. Nobody likes having someone else point out the flaws in their creative work, but Holly did so with grace and panache. Every comment was right on the money, and the overall changes suggested will make my work far stronger. I would be very h...
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Holly M.
Robin! Thank you so much for this lovely review! Really made my day / week! I hope the editing goes well, even if you have given me a fear of valleys. I will now always be watching out for an ambush.
Rebecca E.

Rebecca E.

Apr, 2025

Pinned
Holly has been absolutely phenomenal in bringing my book to life! She provided really great feedback through her development edit and truly made my story so much better. She was also just a joy to work with. I love how she not only provided great, thorough critiques, but she also provided positiv...
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Holly M.
Thank you, Rebecca! I so loved your story! I can't wait to see what you do with it!
Naomi W.

Naomi W.

May, 2026

From my intiall interaction with Holly and throughout the process, I felt like I found an editor who not only got me, but understood my project and was doing everything in her power to make it the best story it could be! I will certainly be thanking her in my acknowledgment should this (fingers c...
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J O.

J O.

Apr, 2026

Holly was the epitome of what a good editor and reviewer is. She was extremely fast in her responses and detailed in her writing. Pointed out several consistent mistakes that I made while writing and even offered was to improve them. She worked with me on pricing as well as the payment plan. I wo...
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