Jessica Leeke – Editor

'Very experienced and very thorough'

'The most helpful feedback I've ever had!'

Do you want to understand better what publishers and agents are looking for and where your book could sit in the market? Or perhaps you have a brilliant idea but want to improve its execution. Do you want to elevate your work so it presents more professionally? Or do you simply need support to finish what you've started: a boost in confidence, commitment or direction?

I have twenty years experience in the book industry, moving from copywriting and advertising in New York City to assist a literary agent in London. My editorial career started at Bloomsbury Publishing and I began commissioning fiction at Simon & Schuster. More recently I was a Publisher at Penguin Random House where I worked for almost ten years. I have acquired and edited authors that have hit Waterstones, Sunday Times, and New York Times bestseller lists, Booker, Nero, Desmond Elliott, Historical Writers Association and Irish Book Award prize lists and enjoyed Richard & Judy and Radio 2 book club picks in both fiction and non-fiction (memoir). I loved being a mentor on Penguin's WriteNow programme and volunteered with #Merky Books New Writers Prize.

Last year the Madeleine Milburn Agency gave me invaluable experience as an agent, where I sold novels to publishers both in the UK and the US at auction and in pre-empt. Selling my first novel as an agent, representing an exceptional new writing talent and being so invested in her success, was the most exciting moment of my career.

The one constant joy for me throughout these evolving roles has been working closely with the author to help them make their book the very best it can be. Whether you need a detailed editorial letter, help with vision and positioning, line edits and polish or creative conversation and coaching meetings online, I'm here to help. My experience on both sides of the table means I can help you present your work for professional evaluation too.