Laura Wilkinson

Laura Wilkinson – Editor

If you're a writer of romance, women's fiction, historical or psychological thrillers, I'll ensure your work is the best it can be.

Overview

My love of stories began early. Ever since I can remember, I have adored novels, films, TV drama and plays. But most especially novels.


As a child, I read anything I could lay my hands on, from Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers (so appealing to a state school kid!) to The Secret Garden, Tom’s Midnight Garden and the Narnia Chronicles, and onto Austen, Eliot, Banks and Plath, amongst others, as a teen. To study English Literature at degree level was a natural progression and from there, I moved into journalism and copywriting.


I’ve been told I have a forensic mind, and this stands me in good stead as an editor. Along with a clear understanding of narrative structure, character arc and points of craft like show don’t tell, I am detailed and specific in my analyses. There’s nothing better than helping a writer find their voice and develop a compelling story, whether they wish to be published. And I am a novelist, as well as an editor and mentor, so while everyone’s journey is unique, I have a personal insight into and understanding of the pleasures and pains of writing. It puts me in an ideal position as a mentor.


I have published six novels for adults (two under a pseudonym) and numerous short stories.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Historical Romance Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Health & Wellbeing Parenting & Families Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (UK)

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2013 — Present

Mentoring and manuscript assessment for a UK-based consultancy. I have worked with authors on submissions to agencies, as well as seeing manuscripts through from the initial concept to completed novel.

Self-employed

Jul, 2011 — Present

I have edited a number of non-fiction self-help books, including the bestselling 'Making Friends with Anxiety', as well as working with a variety of emerging authors on their novels, both as editor and mentor.

Self-employed

Oct, 2010 — Present

I work as a developmental and structural editor, and mentor, for a variety of clients for an international consultancy, specialising in the genres listed above. I have helped novels to competition shortlistings and publication, digital and print.

Portfolio

‘A must read… A robust, resilient friend for everyone considering their fertility and an essential addition to any fertility professional’s bookshelf’ Susan Seenan, Chief Executive, Fertility Network UK‘A brilliant and well-written piece of work’ Francesca Ste... read more
‘Masterfully paced…a cinematic and action-packed read that will have readers following Nadia to the ends of the Earth!’ – BestThrillers.comThe only thing worth killing for is family.Everyone said she had her father’s eyes. A killer’s eyes. Nadia knew that on t... read more
Abandoned time and again by those he holds dear, Patrick Clement is forging a reputation as a forensic sculptor, helping to identify the unclaimed missing. But he can’t leave behind a remarkable summer night in 1993, spent alone on Brighton’s derelict West Pie... read more
‘Beautifully written – very gentle, personal and not at all frightening – a great resource for both patients and professionals when reassurance is needed.’ Doreen O’Hara, COPD Specialist Nurse‘A very helpful gathering of advice, support and information for the... read more
After 20 years of marriage and three children, full-time mum Pia Pasternack came home one day to find a note on the doormat and her husband gone… Heartbroken, this was the first of a series of revelations that left her and her family reeling. But gradually Pia... read more
The Tissue Veil

Brenda Bannister

What if you discovered a hundred-year-old diary under your floorboards - and then found references in it to yourself? Or if you lived in 1901, yet kept seeing glimpses of a girl from modern times? And what if both of you had problems that only the other could ... read more
Lucy Shaw's Not Sure

Jo Bavington-Jones

Smart and sexy divorcee Lucy Shaw, Shaw by name but unsure by nature, wants to find something – or someone – to bring her lasting happiness. But she keeps looking in all the wrong places: including the chocolate aisle of her local supermarket, the occasional b... read more
AN OBSERVER NEW FACE OF FICTION FOR 2017'An original and affecting coming-of-age novel' The Observer'Fuses life's big themes with daily minutiae ... A voice of the next generation' Stylist'A vibrant portrayal of estate life in the late nineties and an affectin... read more
Gibbous House

Ewan Lawrie

Moffat is an indiscriminate killer and verbose criminal thriving in the underbelly of 19th-century London. When he unexpectedly inherits Gibbous House, an expansive estate in Northumbria, he heads north on a journey that raises questions about his own identity... read more
Julie O'Hagan is worried. It's time for daughter Bridget to start school. The ordinary suburb where Julie was raised is not that ordinary any more. Organic eateries and wine bars have opened everywhere and the Broccoli Brigade have moved in, education and medi... read more
A warm and supportive little book to help ease worry and panic by bestselling author Sarah Rayner - new edition for 2016. Drawing on her own experience of anxiety disorder and recovery, Sarah Rayner shares her insights into this extremely common and often dist... read more

Laura has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Claire B.

Claire B.

Dec, 2020

I am really impressed with Laura's work on my excerpt, cover letter and synopsis. She got her comments back to me extremely quickly which has enabled me to maintain the pace as I work on my book. The critique she delivered was thorough, constructive yet delivered in a way that made me feel supported and encouraged. This is so important to a new writer, who is just figuring out their voice and a...
Read more
Laura W.
Thank you, I'm delighted that you found working with me positive and useful. Good luck as you proceed.

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