Overview
The books you read as a child are the ones that stay with you for a lifetime. But just because they’re short doesn’t mean they’re any easier to write.
And getting published can feel like a daunting process. 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.
With years of experience in the publishing industry and as a former buyer for a national reading charity, I know what makes a fun 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.
All my editing focuses on inclusivity, whether it's helping you create a brief for a new series, developmental editing a picture book, or proofreading final layouts of a title.
Having worked across editorial, rights, production, and as a buyer at a national level, I have a unique set of skills that can help you develop and publish children’s books. While I focus on making books as inclusive and accessible as possible, I also aim to make them commercially viable. Because what good is an inclusive book that doesn't sell?
With over a decade of experience in the industry, including at some of the Big Five and small independent publishers, I'm flexible in my approach and able to tailor my services to your needs.
I work on books for children aged 0-12 and specialize in illustrated books. My rate varies based on the work involved. Please contact me with details of your project so I can provide you with a quote.
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)
- Introduction to Fiction Editing - The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
- Getting to Grips with Grammar and Punctuation - The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
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.
Clients include: NorthSouth Books, DK Books, Quarto, Big Picture Press, Hachette Children's Books, and Pushkin Children's Books
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 UK and US children’s lists, working closely with the editorial team and international publishers.
Make Believe Ideas
Dorling Kindersley (DK Books)
Portfolio
Lisa has 133 reviews
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Nuvy S.
May, 2022
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Jan, 2022
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Jun, 2021
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Sep, 2024
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Jan, 2024
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