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 - my first novel is due to be published in February 2021. 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: women's fiction, romance, and uplit. I also have a passion for food and beverage titles, in particular those relating to cake baking and decorating. (Outside of editorial work, I also run a cake business, creating bespoke celebration cakes.)

My freelance work mainly centres on providing editorial assessments.
Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Fiction
Fantasy Romance 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

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 22 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Stephanie R.

Stephanie R.

Oct, 2024

Hiring an editor was a big step for me as a first-time author. A friend recommended Reedsy, and I am so glad I found Holly. Even before selecting Holly as the development editor I wanted to work with, I was struck by the warmth in her words, and something just felt right. Once I had submitted my MS, I was full of self-doubt and wondered if I had done the right thing! When Holly's assessment of...
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Holly M.
Thank you so much for your feedback, Stephanie - I really appreciate it! I wish you the very best of luck with the edits/rewriting, and I can't wait to see what you do with the story!
Polly G.

Polly G.

May, 2024

Working with Holly has been the best decision I have made regarding my writing. She is superb at what she does and a really special editor. Her tips are fabulous both on an overarching scale as well as looking at smaller points, and I can't believe there is anybody who wouldn't benefit from having this. For me personally, I really wanted somebody who had a sense of humour given the type of book...
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Holly M.
Thank you so much Polly! It was a huge pleasure working with you - very, very best of luck with wherever your writing takes you!
Pedre P.

Pedre P.

Mar, 2024

Thanks to Holly, I now see the strengths and weaknesses of my story so much better and how to work with them. I learnt a lot in the process that will help me in my continued writing on other stories as well.
Natalie G.

Natalie G.

Mar, 2024

Honestly, this has been a dream collaboration. Holly's report was thorough and clear and filled with a summary of helpful feedback: what to add, what to cut, what moments matched with the characters and what felt untrue to them, where the story arc worked and where it floundered, and how to prioritize what to work on first and last. Then there was the manuscript mark-up--the sensitivity to...
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Haylee S.

Haylee S.

Feb, 2024

Holly delivered on every aspect she promised and gave a very honest and actionable list of suggestions for my manuscript. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I appreciate everything she had to say.
Holly M.
Ah Hayley! Thank you for trusting me with your manuscript! Lots of work BUT all well within your power!

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