Lisa Davis - Editor
Children's publishing specialist (Picture Books and Middle Grade) with 9+ years of experience in editorial, rights and book buying.
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Overview
Want to make your book the one that will inspire a child to love reading? Or perhaps tackle a difficult subject that will really get kids thinking? Whether it's developing a picture book, assessing a middle grade title or anything in between, I'd love to hear from you!
I'm a children's publishing professional with over 9 years in the industry across several publishers and departments including editorial, rights and production. Prior to going freelance, I ran the purchasing and selection for BookTrust (the UK's largest children's reading charity), buying over 3.5 million books a year to give directly to children across the UK. Now I want to share my expertise on what makes a great children's book that will help develop a lifelong love of reading.
As well as freelance editorial work, I still consult with publishers helping them develop new series or feeding back on how they can improve books they already have in the works. Over the past few years, I've been in regular contact with nearly every publisher in the UK (and a few beyond).
I used to purchase books that went to every child in the UK, so I look at books differently from a lot of editors. When I read a book, it's with children of all backgrounds in mind, and I can highlight subtle changes that will open up a book to more readers (and sometimes retailers). I'm experienced in all types of children's books (baby books, picture books, middle grade, YA), and specialise in books for ages 0-12.
I'm originally from the US but lived in the UK for nearly 10 years, so can comfortably work in both UK and US English. I am also happy to work with authors who aren't native English speakers, including helping you adapt a text into English.
I currently live in Munich, Germany.
I'm a children's publishing professional with over 9 years in the industry across several publishers and departments including editorial, rights and production. Prior to going freelance, I ran the purchasing and selection for BookTrust (the UK's largest children's reading charity), buying over 3.5 million books a year to give directly to children across the UK. Now I want to share my expertise on what makes a great children's book that will help develop a lifelong love of reading.
As well as freelance editorial work, I still consult with publishers helping them develop new series or feeding back on how they can improve books they already have in the works. Over the past few years, I've been in regular contact with nearly every publisher in the UK (and a few beyond).
I used to purchase books that went to every child in the UK, so I look at books differently from a lot of editors. When I read a book, it's with children of all backgrounds in mind, and I can highlight subtle changes that will open up a book to more readers (and sometimes retailers). I'm experienced in all types of children's books (baby books, picture books, middle grade, YA), and specialise in books for ages 0-12.
I'm originally from the US but lived in the UK for nearly 10 years, so can comfortably work in both UK and US English. I am also happy to work with authors who aren't native English speakers, including helping you adapt a text into English.
I currently live in Munich, Germany.
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children's - Non-fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Certifications
- Basic Proofreading Certificate - The Publishing Training Centre
- MA, Publishing - University of the Arts London
- Copywriting Workshop - Hachette Children's Books
- Foundations for Inclusion - Without Exception (training for improving inclusivity in children's books)
Awards
- Donna Zurava Memorial Award
- Berkhamsted Writing Competition (2nd)
Work experience
Freelance Children's Book Editor and Publishing Consultant
Self-employed
October, 2018
–
Present
(over 2 years)
Providing freelance editorial and consultancy services to authors, publishers and other organisations involved in children's books and literacy.
Book Selection & Purchasing Manager
BookTrust
February, 2016
–
October, 2018
(over 2 years)
I managed the selection and purchasing of all titles for BookTrust's book gifting programmes, which range from ages 0-14. This includes two titles that are given to every baby born in England, one title that is given to every toddler, one title for every child starting reception, and a set of books provided for free to secondary schools in England. I also procured books for children with additional needs, and specially selected books for children in the care system. I purchased around 3.5 million books annually and worked closely with all UK children's publishers.
I helped set up and run an initiative to scout for books not yet published in English and assisted in getting them translated into English.
I also wrote reviews for the BookTrust website every month.
Editor / Editorial Assistant
Hachette Children's Group
October, 2014
–
February, 2016
(over 1 year)
Started off as Editorial Assistant, supporting the Publishing Director, Picture Book Publisher and the Fiction Editorial Director across the Hodder Children's Book list from picture books to YA.
Promoted to Editor at Hodder Children's Books, working specifically on the development and growth of the Enid Blyton brand.
Rights Coordinator
Simon & Schuster UK
May, 2014
–
October, 2014
(5 months)
Coordinated all foreign-language printings across the S&S Children’s UK and US lists, working closely with the editorial team and international publishers.
Production Coordinator
Make Believe Ideas
July, 2012
–
May, 2014
(almost 2 years)
Global Sales Operations Assistant
Dorling Kindersley (DK Books)
October, 2010
–
July, 2012
(over 1 year)
Portfolio (24 selected works)
A Very Bothersome Bear: Book 3 (Knight in Training)
Vivian French
Very Bothersome Bear
The Pest in the Nest: Book 2 (Rabbit and Bear)
Julian Gough
Gorgeously illustrated and with a classic feel, this is a brilliantly funny story of a rabbit and a bear who discover that things are always better when they're shared with a friend. Ideal for readers moving on from picture books.'A perfect animal double-act.' (The Times, Book of the Week)'PEACE AND QUIET,' shouts Rabbit. 'THAT'S ALL I WANT.'Owch. He's hurt his own ears again.What with Bear's ... read more
The first in a fun new series - 'Brilliantly original and hilarious ...it's nearly as good as one of my books' David Walliams. 'One for fans of Horrid Henry and Tom Gates' The Guardian Edwin isn't an ordinary boy. He is a king, with a throne, and his own suit of armour and a castle with secret passages and everything., Every Friday, King Edwin spends all his money on chocolate for the peasants... read more
Elise and the Second-hand Dog
Bjarne Reuter
The Loose Ends List
Carrie Firestone
Enid Blyton's timeless collection of farm stories, perfect for holidays or rainy days, and an ideal gift for anyone who loved the stories during their own childhood to pass on to the next generation of readers.Benjy, Penny, Rory and Sheila are spending the holidays with their aunt and uncle at Cherry Tree Farm. They play with the animals and learn to feed them, roam the countryside and hunt fo... read more
Dark Tide: Book 3 (Waterfire Saga)
Jennifer Donnelly
Six mermaids battle to save their hidden world. Leaders of a resistance to the barbaric new regime, Serafina and Neela, are working hard to destabilise Vallerio, the new ruler of Cerulea. Becca, Ava and Ling are still hunting for their ancestors' talismans; the keys to keeping an ancient evil locked in its icy prison. Astrid finally returns home to Ondalina to find that all is not as she left ... read more
A Good Day for Climbing Trees
Jaco Jacobs
My Funny Family Gets Funnier
Chris Higgins
My Funny Family Gets Funnier
River of Ink: Genesis
Helen Dennis
What if a teenage boy washed up on the banks of the River Thames, soaked to the skin and unable to explain who he is?What if the only clue to the boy's identity is a sketch he made of a strange symbol?Who would help him? Who would hunt him? Who is River Boy?When a mystery teenage boy emerges from the River Thames drenched, distressed and unable to remember anything about himself, he becomes th... read more
A cautionary new fable for ages 6-8.An illustrated tale in which lazy Rabbit and sensible Vole join up to travel through a barren land where foxy bandits lurk.Follow their journey to find out the grim consequences of laziness and who survives.If you like the original tales from the Brothers Grimm and Aesop, you’ll enjoy this dyslexia friendly edition.
A cautionary new fable for ages 6-8.An illustrated tale of the aftermath of a shipwreck in which greedy Rat threatens the lives of his smaller companions as they drift in a lifeboat amid shark-infested waters.Follow their dramatic voyage to find out what happens to them and who survives.If you like the original tales of the Brothers Grimm and Aesop, you’ll enjoy this dyslexia friendly edition.... read more
Wombat & Jones: The Great Apple Fiasco
Arran Francis
It's Jones' birthday and as a special treat, Uncle Pepe is going to bake one of his famous apple pies! Eager to help, Wombat and Jones offer to go to the tree and pick the apples Uncle Pepe needs for his recipe, but they get a little carried away and bring home far too many. Worried that the leftover apples will rot and no one will want to eat them, Wombat and Jones hatch a plan to share the a... read more
SASSI and The Squirrel's Feather
Lisette Niemand
Fiction aimed at children in grades 3 to 5; aged 8 to 10/11. It is a mystery involving animals (a cat and a dog team) as the main characters. They talk. It involves mystery; suspense; danger; humour and some plot twists. There are some illustrations. And it does have a happy ending. The story takes place in the suburbs of Houston, Texas.SASSI is short for Socks' and Astrid's Secret Service Inv... read more
Vampires of Vero Beach (Sailing Adventures of Sol & Vox Book 3)
Stanley Crew, Sol Stanley, Vox Stanley
Will vampires suck all the fun out of Halloween?Sol & Vox find strange bite marks on their hand and set out to stop the terror of Vero Beach. Will the young boys be able to determine friend from foe and stop the vampires before they strike again or will they end up bitten with regret?This is the 3rd book in the Sailing Adventures of Sol & Vox Series.
Time to Eat!: A Fun-Filled Day of Plant-Based Eating
Schaffer M.D., Lindsey, Gutkovskiy, Kathrine
Just Because...: A Story Book About Self-Acceptance
Harris, C.M., Feather, Ashlynn
The Great Adventure of Tom to Bermuda
Cossette, Émilie, Yildiz, Merve
The Adventures of Superdog and Grumpy
Chapman, Brian
Dave Explores the Outdoors... Minibeasts (Tots Outdoors)
Gould, Nicky, Davis, Lisa, Walter, Bianka, Theakston, David, Holman, Glen, Esterley, Penny
Ritu Weds Chandni
Narvankar, Ameya
Peter and the Parachute (81) (CBT Books)
Manning, James, Ridgeway, Nicola, Urosevic, Irena
Simple Pleasures
Ansell, Rob
Lisa has 112 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I brought my still rough children's story to Lisa, and one by one we worked through the issues, and one my one we resolved them. We brought the tale to the point where both of us felt it was ready to go, as good as we could make it, and frankly, in my humble opinion, a really good story. I feel confident that I am ready to find an agent and move it into publication (all being well). In any ca...
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Neal Robbins, January 2021
Lisa has been great - she helped me to achieve the vision I wanted for my children's book, as well as giving me useful advice on the industry itself, and how to proceed now, in order to get my book published. She gave me options throughout, and gave me a lot to think about in order to create a story which would be entertaining for children, but also being careful to teach the right lessons to i...
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Sunny Jandu, January 2021
Another great experience with Lisa to work on the text of my second children's book. Lisa is very professional, quick, and available for questions afterwards. I highly recommend her for children's book editing.
Emilie Cossette, January 2021
Lisa was very easy to work with and helped me improve my project a great deal! Highly recommend!
bana moureiden, January 2021
Lisa has edited 5 different children's books written by me. I felt that I came out of the process not only with much better scripts, but also as an improved writer. These were my first stories, and her experience, professionalism and good eye for a good narrative, helped me grow and develop my own skills. Besides that, Lisa was a pleasure to work with, providing honest feedback in a pleasant an...
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Itay Gross, January 2021
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