Laura Joyce – Editor

I have a proven track record of supporting clients to complete their most ambitious books. My clients have established indie and traditional careers, secured agents, and won literary prizes.

I am:

*A story nerd and dark fiction obsessive — If you’re writing a psychological literary novel, or a dark genre novel, I will offer my perspective as a an experienced editor and as a fan.

*A creative writing academic — I have taught prose fiction and crime fiction at the University of East Anglia, Birkbeck College, University of London, and the universities of Sheffield, Edinburgh Napier, Sussex, and York St. John. I have a Ph.D. in Creative Writing.

*The co-founder, and former director, of the Crime Fiction MA at UEA.

My clients have:

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

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

*Been shortlisted for, and won, literary awards (Caledonia Novel Award, Bath Novel Award, Saboteur Award, CWA Dagger, Little, Brown Award).

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

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

If you do the work, you will finish your most ambitious 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'.

*Note: While I support writers who use AI services for accessibility reasons, I don't currently work on projects that have been largely generated by third-party AI tools.*

SELECTED TESTIMONIALS

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

“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 (Corsair):

“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 Wildwood (Harper Collins):

"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!"

*Stephanie Edd, author of The Clear Case:

"Working with Laura was a dream. I've always wanted to work with a skilled and qualified editor, and she is that and more! She helped me make my book the best it could be."

*Grace M, author of The Reflection Game:

"What impressed me most, though, was her professionalism and warmth. She was incredibly responsive, always clarifying my questions with patience and expertise, and she truly delivered white glove service at every step."