Lauren MacGowan

Lauren MacGowan – Editor

Experienced editor for Bloomsbury and Pearson with an MA in Publishing. I specialise in non-fiction for children, YA, and adults.

Overview

I have an MA in English Literature and an MA in Publishing Media, and I have worked with prestigious publishers, including Bloomsbury and Pearson, as well as individual authors intending to self-publish their work. I specialise in non-fiction for the trade, educational, and academic markets. I have worked on print books and textbooks, ebooks, and websites. I have also worked on shorter bodies of work such as articles, booklets, learning resources, and PowerPoint presentations; and marketing materials, including newsletters, promotional materials, and website and social media content. My experience is across all three stages of the editorial process: development editing, copy editing, and proofreading. I am comfortable working with Word Documents, PDFs, Google Sheets, live websites, and ebooks in their final form; I am also familiar with British and American English.

In response to my work, I have been praised for my efficiency and my ability to work ahead of deadlines. I bring my knowledge of the publishing process and market to my editorial work, along with my scrupulous attention to detail and belief in the power of the written word.

I am passionate about helping writers to share their message in the most engaging, impactful, and comprehensible way possible, allowing their words to reach their fullest potential. Ensuring that a writer's voice and style shine through, while also adhering to a style guide, is of the utmost importance to me. I do not think of editing as an isolated task; I consider it a relationship between an editor and a writer and their work. While I enjoy providing feedback and suggestions for improvement directly, I also value discussion and joint brainstorming.

I look forward to working with writers and supporting them on their journey to publication.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (UK)
Certifications
  • MA Publishing Media
  • MA English Literature

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2019 — Present

I have worked on Bloomsbury's Writers and Artists brand, including five editions of their annual yearbooks and six of the brand's other titles: 'Guide to Getting Published'; 'The Poetry Handbook', 'The Actors' and Performers' Yearbook', 'A Writers' Journal Workbook', 'The Right Word', and 'Writers on Writing'. My work on these titles has ranged from conducting research and compiling content, to copy-editing and proofreading. I have also contributed to marketing strategies and activities, and overseen the sale of advertising spaces in the last four editions of the 'Yearbooks', working with a range of publishing providers and societies to do so.

Self-employed

Aug, 2021 — Present

I have edited and proofread a range of non-fiction titles for writers intending to self-publish. The subjects of these books have included health, lifestyle and diet; investing for the future; leadership; and a business memoir.

Self-employed

Aug, 2021 — Present

Working on a freelance basis, I development- and copy-edited and proofread study and revision materials for a range of subjects including English, History, Geography, Religious studies, Science and Business.

I also copy-edited and proofread a long-form guide for newly-qualified teachers which explained the job application process and provided advice, teaching strategies and sample learning activities.

Self-employed

Mar, 2020 — Present

My work with Pearson has focused on KS1, KS2, GCSE, BTEC and TVET learning resources, both print and digital, across a range of subjects including Business, Computer Science, Engineering, English, History, IT, Land-based Studies, Maths, Sport Science, and Travel and Tourism. I proofread, copy- and development-edit textbooks, learner study guides, teacher presentations and accompanying notes, activity sheets, and assessments. This work includes tasks specific to markets and demographics, including taking out-dated and UK-centric examples and researching replacements which are both age-appropriate and relevant to an international audience.

Oxford Literary Festival

Apr, 2019 — Apr, 2019 (1 day)

I worked as a Blackwell’s bookseller at several author events, helped with event set up and running, and assisted attendees with general information, directions and event accessibility. The timing of several events had been misprinted in the festival programme which required a significant amount of reorganisation and problem solving to accommodate attendees. Bonding over books was the perfect way to smooth over the difficulties of the day.

London Book Festival

Mar, 2019 — Mar, 2019 (1 day)

I ran the podcast theatre and was responsible for stage set up, assisting and providing refreshments for speakers, including Ian McEwan and David McKee, and helping guests with directions and event information. I also had the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and observe rights deals, author-agent interactions and exciting marketing activities – in particular a procession of Margaret Atwood’s handmaids protesting against the state of Gilead to publicise her Handmaid’s Tale sequel The Testaments.

Portfolio

'WAYB remains an indispensable companion for anyone seriously committed to the profession of author, whether full-time or part-time; and as always it is particularly valued by those who are setting out hopefully on that vocational path.' - David LodgeRevised a... read more
'A one-stop welcome to the world of publishing ... worth its weight in gold.' Smriti HallsOver the last two decades the Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook has become the indispensable guide to writing for children of all ages from pre-school to young adul... read more
'A definitive guide, in here you'll find everything you need' S. J. WatsonWith over 4,000 industry contacts and over eighty articles from a wide range of leading authors and publishing industry professionals, the latest edition of this bestselling Yearbook is ... read more
Foreword by award-winning illustrator Smriti Prasadam-Halls.The indispensable guide to writing for children of all ages from pre-school to young adults, this Yearbook provides inspirational articles from dozens of successful writers and illustrators on how to ... read more
Writers on Writing brings together a plethora of phrases, quotable lines, quips and putdowns about the writing process. Arranged in themes that follow the stages from idea to final publication and beyond, this little book of quotations brings together words of... read more
The Right Word

Bloomsbury Publishing

This three-in-one guide is the perfect addition to any professional or amateur writer's bookshelf. Aimed at those who use language in their day-to-day lives, it is divided into three parts. The Grammar Guide provides clear, comprehensive guidance on sentence s... read more
The Writer's Journal Workbook is a lively prompt for creative writers looking for help in setting themselves regular creative tasks, goals and challenges. Packed with step-by-step activities, advice and suggestions, the writer is guided through practical exerc... read more

Lauren has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lisa A.

Lisa A.

Mar, 2022

Lauren M. did not just correct the grammar, punctuation, misspellings, but made me look at my manuscript from the eyes of an outsider to improve the flow and clarify concepts that had become too familiar to me. (kudos to www.reedsy.com for helping me find Lauren and facilitating an excellent service for self-publishers!) Lauren excels at communication which is prompt, kind, thorough, and att...
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Lauren M.
Lisa was wonderful to work with. She was engaged, responsive to messages and comments, and provided helpful guidance and feedback throughout the editing process. Her instructions were clear and she...
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Connor D.

Connor D.

Dec, 2021

I hired Lauren to copy edit my first non-fiction book, and she exceeded all expectations. A professional and punctual service, paying close attention to the fine details and offering excellent suggestions on ways to improve. The book seemed to flow a lot better following her edit, and she helped to highlight areas that were potentially unclear. I would highly recommend her to others looking fo...
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Lauren M.
Working with Connor was a great experience. He was thoughtful and engaged, and he came prepared with questions he wanted to ask and aspects of his work he knew he wanted special attention paid to. ...
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