Laura Joyce – Editor

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. If you’re writing a psychological thriller, dark romance, crime, Gothic, horror, or dark contemporary novel, I will offer my perspective as a an experienced editor and as a genre fan.

I have 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 (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).

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 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."