Lisa Davis - Editor
Children's book editor and publishing consultant for Picture Books and Middle Grade. I'll help you get started on your publishing journey.
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Overview
It’s difficult to get an agent or a publisher for your book, and it can be just as hard to know where to begin with self-publishing. But it doesn’t have to be. Let me help you get started on your journey to getting published.
I can help you edit, develop, and publish great books that will get kids reading. We’ll work together to make your story the best it can be so you can self-publish or approach agents and publishers with confidence.
You’ve probably already done lots of Googling, lots of research, and might even be confused after reading so many differing opinions on how to get your book edited and published. But what works for one book doesn’t work for every book. So rather than wade through hundreds of blog posts that might be relevant, talk to an expert who can give you that clear guidance.
And that expert is me.
I'm a children's publishing professional with over a decade in the industry. I have worked at major publishers like Simon & Schuster and Hachette, in departments including editorial, rights, and production, and also as a buyer for a children’s reading charity. So not only do I know the industry inside-out, I know what kids actually want to read. (And how to make your book one of those.)
I’ve been surrounded by books my whole life. I'm originally from Akron, Ohio, where I grew up with arguably one of the best library systems in the world. After earning a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, I moved to London to get my Master’s in Publishing.
I fell into the world of illustrated books with my first job at Dorling Kindersley (DK Books), and once I started working on children's books I never looked back. After several years in-house at different publishers, I eventually made the move to a non-profit organization, the UK reading charity BookTrust, where I purchased over 3.5 million books every year to give directly to children. Because the books I bought would go to every child, regardless of their backgrounds, my editing has a specific focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
I became a freelance editor and publishing consultant when I moved to Munich, Germany, in 2018 and now work with authors, translators, publishers, and charities around the world.
I love talking about publishing children’s books and helping turn great ideas into great books. Whether you’re just formulating ideas or if you’re on your hundredth draft, I can help you make that story become the book that inspires a new generation of readers.
So get in touch. I’d love to hear your story!
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
Children's Book Editor and Publishing Consultant
Self-employed
October, 2018
–
Present
(over 2 years)
I help authors edit, develop, and publish great books that will get kids reading. I work to make your story the best it can be so you can self-publish or approach agents and publishers with confidence.
I also provide freelance editorial and consultancy services to 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 purchased books for children with additional needs, and specially selected books for children in the foster 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 (25 selected works)
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
Ritu Weds Chandni
Narvankar, Ameya
A Very Bothersome Bear: Book 3 (Knight in Training)
Vivian French
Very Bothersome Bear
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
Peter and the Parachute (81) (CBT Books)
Manning, James, Ridgeway, Nicola, Urosevic, Irena
Simple Pleasures
Ansell, Rob
Chon Man Dooset Daram: Because I Love You
Abdalla, Zeina
Lisa has 117 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Lisa is a firework. She is so easy to communicate with and quickly responds with questions, guidance, and feedback. Her ideas helped me to organize what I want to do. I highly recommend Lisa for everything she provides!
Beth Lopez, April 2021
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED working with Lisa. She's thorough, kind, and clearly extremely knowledgeable in the picture book space. She made my book better!! Planning on using her services in the future.
Leanna Zeibak, March 2021
It has been a pleasure working with Lisa Davis. She is thorough, detailed, and honest. I have learned so much from working with her in such a short amount of time. I felt like she genuinely cared about my story. She always responded promptly and answered all of my questions. I had no idea I could get so much from an editor. I highly recommend her and I will definitely collaborate with her again.
Katrina Buchanan, February 2021
Lisa is a true professional. I worked with her on my illustrated children's book and she gave me edits on not just the text but also the illustrations. Her attention to details is amazing and I found her suggestions insightful and helpful. She's someone I would want to work on my next book!
Eugene Adams, February 2021
Lisa was excellent to work with! As someone navigating the waters of writing a book for the first time, Lisa's expertise was invaluable. She was professional, thorough and very easy to work with! I would recommend her highly and will likely be collaborating with her again in the future myself.
Evangelia Tsapos, January 2021
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