Laura Wilkinson – Editor

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 their goal is to be published or they simply want to become a better writer and storyteller. 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 seven novels for adults (two under a pseudonym) and numerous short stories.