Overview
We all want our books to change the world, but change doesn’t always happen as quickly as we’d like it to.
For authors, getting published can feel impossible and they aren’t sure where to begin or whether their book will even be considered by agents. They’re disillusioned by traditional publishing and decide to self-publish, but are often overwhelmed or disappointed by the process.
And the industry itself is still facing the challenge to diversify and to bring new voices onto publishing lists, as well as an evolving editorial process to address unconscious bias.
I work with authors and publishers to address some of these challenges – getting into the industry, making books authentically inclusive, avoiding unconscious bias in books, and ensuring readers hear from a diverse range of voices.
This can feel like a daunting process, though. The publishing industry has so many gatekeepers that most authors aren’t sure where to begin, losing confidence before they’ve even attempted to send their manuscript out. And publishing diverse books can sometimes feel like the industry is only focused on one facet of diversity, or that “inclusive books” turn into “issues books”. And publishers can worry that they’re going to get something wrong.
But you believe everyone deserves to see themselves in a story, and you want your books to be read by as many children as possible.
My editorial and consultancy services are for authors and publishers who want to make the industry and children’s books more inclusive.
With years of experience in the publishing industry and as a buyer for a national reading charity, I know what makes a fun and inclusive children’s book that kids actually want to read. I aim to make the publishing process transparent for authors, and I provide advice that enables them to take the first steps on their publishing journey. My editorial services for publishers have an added focus on inclusivity so they can make authentic change to the industry, rather than worry they’ll get something wrong.
Let me help you take those first steps to getting published and making children’s books more inclusive.
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Donna Zurava Memorial Award
- Berkhamsted Writing Competition (2nd)
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)
Work experience
Self-employed
I work with authors and publishers to address some of the main challenges in the children's book industry today – getting into the industry, making books authentically inclusive, avoiding unconscious bias in books, and ensuring readers hear from a diverse range of voices.
BookTrust
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.
Hachette Children's Group
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.
Simon & Schuster UK
Coordinated all foreign-language printings across the S&S Children’s UK and US lists, working closely with the editorial team and international publishers.
Make Believe Ideas
Dorling Kindersley (DK Books)
Portfolio



Lisa has 131 reviews
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Feb, 2023

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