Laura Joyce

Laura Joyce – Editor

I'm an editor, book coach, story nerd, and MA/MFA instructor. My clients have written prize-winners and bestsellers. Join them!

Overview

WHO AM I?


I have a proven track record of supporting editorial clients to secure agents, obtain book deals, and win literary prizes.


I am a story nerd and dark fiction obsessive (I love psychological thrillers, crime, Gothic, horror, and dark literary and contemporary novels).


I taught writing at the University of East Anglia, Birkbeck College, University of London, and the universities of Sheffield, Edinburgh Napier, Sussex, and York St. John. I directed the Crime Fiction MA at UEA. I have a Ph.D. in creative writing.


My clients have been:


*Published by the big five (Simon and Schuster, Hachette, Harper Collins, Pan Macmillan) and indies (Bloomsbury, Dead Ink, Salt).

*Shortlisted for, and won, literary awards (Dylan Thomas Award, Caledonia Novel Award, Bath Novel Award, Saboteur Award, CWA Dagger, Little, Brown Award).

*Written international bestsellers (Sunday Times, Amazon KDP, Indie Bound, Barnes and Noble).

*Sold international and media rights (Buccaneer, Paramount Plus, Audible).


HOW CAN I HELP YOU?


I provide clear, actionable editorial feedback on your manuscript and tailored advice on how to position your book in the literary marketplace.


MY PROMISE


If you do the work you will finish your book and be proud to share it with readers, agents, and editors.


Request a quote and proposal for your project and discover why my clients have described my feedback as "gold dust".


SELECTED TESTIMONIALS


*Elizabeth Macneal, author of Sunday Times bestselling novels The Doll Factory and Circus of Wonders:


“Laura was absolutely pivotal to the development of my writing, and I do not believe I could have conceived of, or written, my novel without her support, guidance, and advice.”


*Matilde Pratesi, shortlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award for Pig:


“My self-confidence has grown as much as the quality of my writing during this process. I can finally call myself a writer without blushing!”


* Ashley Woo, author of The Place of Painted Trees


"My book is now in the querying process and I've had a few requests for the full manuscript, and I truly feel working with Laura helped me get to this place. I would work with her again in a heartbeat!"


*Libby Pratt, author of Rocky Mountain Oysters:


"I highly recommend Laura. Working with her was a joy. I had been grinding away on my book for years and Laura's coaching got me over the finish line in a couple of months."


*Caleb Brabham, author of Godthread:


"Laura is phenomenal. Her communication was consistent and uplifting - her edits were kind as well as informed. She grasped the concept of my niche genre work easily and added greater depth to it. I don't think I've met a better communicator."

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Historical Mysteries Horror Legal Thriller Medical Thriller Psychological Thriller Technothriller
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • K Blundell Trust Award, 2019
  • Shortlisted for the HRF Keating Award, 2019
  • Shortlisted for the UEA Innovation in Teaching Award, 2018
Certifications
  • PhD in Creative Writing, University of Sussex
  • MA in Creative Writing, University of Manchester

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2012 — Present

I work as a freelance editor on literary fiction, crime and thriller fiction, and narrative nonfiction. I offer 1:1 book coaching services, and strategic consultation packages for traditional and indie authors. My clients have included:

- Sunday Times-bestselling authors Elizabeth Macneal and Harriet Tyce
- Bath Novel Prize-winner Kate Simants
- Critically-acclaimed memoirist Helen Jukes
- CWA Dagger-winner Trevor Wood
- Little Brown Award-winner Femi Kayode
- Dylan Thomas Award-shortlisted novelist Alys Conran
- Saboteur Award-winner, novelist, and nonfiction writer Naomi Booth
- Historical novelist Natalie Marlow
- Novelist and nonfiction writer Niamh O'Connor
- Caledonia Novel Award-shortlisted novelist Matilde Pratesi
- Author, audio dramatist, and critic May Ngo

Self-employed

Jun, 2023 — Present

BOOKS
I have written two critical books on crime fiction (Luminol Theory, Punctum 2017 and Domestic Noir, Palgrave 2018) and two creative books (The Luminol Reels, Calamari Archive 2014 and The Museum of Atheism, Calamari Archive 2024)

UEA, Birkbeck, Sheffield, Sussex, Edinburgh Napier, York St John

Sep, 2012 — Present

*I taught on the Novel Writing MFA at Birkbeck, University of London.

*I helped to develop the Creative Writing MA in Crime Fiction at the University of East Anglia.

*I have taught on the Creative Writing MA, BA, and Ph.D. programmes at the Universities of Sheffield, East Anglia, Sussex, Edinburgh Napier, and York St John.

Portfolio

Exit Management

Booth, Naomi

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Made with Reedsy
Find Her

Denzil, Sarah A.

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Little One

Denzil, Sarah A.

Copy Editing
Lightseekers

Kayode, Femi

Developmental Editing
Blood Orange

Tyce, Harriet

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
The Doll Factory: A Novel

Macneal, Elizabeth

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Pigeon

Conran, Alys

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Godthread: A Noir

Brabham, Caleb

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Just Before Sunrise

Balawyder, Carol

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
To Kill A Ghost

Weaver, J. Warren

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
I Kept a Piece of You

Wolford, Joanna

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Love in a Lost Year

Oldridge, Josh

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Deeply in the Soul

Bloomfield, Hristina

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Story of a Thief

Bloomfield, Hristina

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Ash and Sun

Thompson, Jonny

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
A Killer Of Spies

J. Warren Weaver

Erik, a twenty-something medical student is still dealing with the trauma of his grandfather Victor's murder and his own involvement in the dangerous conspiracy that followed. He decides to pu... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
The Cinder Drop: Murder in the Steel City

Elin, Larry

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Luminol Theory

Joyce, Laura E.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Dignity

Conran, Alys

Developmental Editing
Sealed

Booth, Naomi

Developmental Editing Book Coaching

Laura has 72 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jane L.

Jane L.

Apr, 2024

Laura is hands-down the best editor I've worked with. Quite simply, she's brilliant - insightful, thoughtful, thorough. You won't get better. Thank you Laura for all your wonderful work and hope to work together again soon :) Jane
J. Warren W.

J. Warren W.

Feb, 2024

This is my third time working with Laura, and she always brings a great POV to my story. I always feel more confident after getting her feedback. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.
Rory T.

Rory T.

Feb, 2024

Very positive experience. Particularly enjoyed the hour long discussion at the end, which helped put the notes into perspective; it allowed me to come away knowing exactly where I needed to focus my attention.
Laura J.
It was a blast working on your novel, Rory! I wish you the best of luck with the book.
Hristina B.

Hristina B.

Jan, 2024

Laura is a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.
Laura J.
As always, it was a pleasure to work with you, Hristina!
Margaret B.

Margaret B.

Jan, 2024

Laura was wonderful. Her feedback was constructive, actionable, and helped me make my novel the best it can be. She is very responsive, supportive, and easy to work with. I highly recommend her. Now to go find an agent!!
Laura J.
It was great to work with you, Margie! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!

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