Laurie Johnson - Editor
Editor specialising in romance, dedicated to helping authors find their voice, hone their talent and create outstanding books!
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Overview
“Laurie is wonderfully up-beat, and both encouraging and supportive as an editor. She is a joy to work with.” Susan Stephens, USA TODAY Bestselling romance author for Harlequin Mills & Boon
“Laurie has a keen eye and a deep understanding of what makes a story work... She’s a joy to work with and I can’t recommend her highly enough.” Michelle Douglas, award nominated romance author for Harlequin Mills & Boon
“I loved working with Laurie. It's great to work with an editor that gets your writing and the story you're trying to tell...” Scarlet Wilson, award nominated romance author for Harlequin, Tule Publishing and Entangled Publishing
“I loved working with Laurie. She is perceptive, super smart and always pushed me to dig a little deeper into the essence of the characters and story. By doing so she not only made my books better, but she made me a better writer...” Joss Wood, author of Sexy Sparky Sassy romance for Harlequin Mills & Boon & Tule Publishing
"Laurie is not only warm and easy to work with, but has a genuine love of romance and a terrific grasp of all the elements that go into a great story... I've always believed my heroes and heroines were in safe hands with Laurie." Dani Collins, award winning author of Sexy Witty Vibrant romance for Harlequin Presents and Tule Publishing
"I can't thank Laurie enough for her support and encouragement as I moved from an unpublished writer to a published Presents author." Rachael Thomas, romance author for Harlequin Presents
***
I am a freelance editor with 13 years of professional publishing experience, originally working on magazines and then transitioning into commercial fiction ten years ago. As an editor for Harlequin Mills & Boon in London, I worked with authors worldwide, managed an extensive author list and developed solid author-editor relationships, encouraging and nurturing both established and new authors alike, with many gaining award nominations and multi-book contracts.
As a freelancer I continue to work with a number of publishers, including Harlequin and HarperCollins. I specialise in romance and contemporary women's fiction, however I've also worked with single title imprints on other genres.
I love working together with authors, helping them take their book from concept to published manuscript. I give focused, constructive and encouraging revisions designed to bring a story up to the highest possible standard. Remember, a story doesn't have to be perfect, in the beginning it never is, and all authors revise. So if you have a manuscript, or even just the glimmer of an idea, contact me and together we'll make your book the best story it can possibly be!
“Laurie has a keen eye and a deep understanding of what makes a story work... She’s a joy to work with and I can’t recommend her highly enough.” Michelle Douglas, award nominated romance author for Harlequin Mills & Boon
“I loved working with Laurie. It's great to work with an editor that gets your writing and the story you're trying to tell...” Scarlet Wilson, award nominated romance author for Harlequin, Tule Publishing and Entangled Publishing
“I loved working with Laurie. She is perceptive, super smart and always pushed me to dig a little deeper into the essence of the characters and story. By doing so she not only made my books better, but she made me a better writer...” Joss Wood, author of Sexy Sparky Sassy romance for Harlequin Mills & Boon & Tule Publishing
"Laurie is not only warm and easy to work with, but has a genuine love of romance and a terrific grasp of all the elements that go into a great story... I've always believed my heroes and heroines were in safe hands with Laurie." Dani Collins, award winning author of Sexy Witty Vibrant romance for Harlequin Presents and Tule Publishing
"I can't thank Laurie enough for her support and encouragement as I moved from an unpublished writer to a published Presents author." Rachael Thomas, romance author for Harlequin Presents
***
I am a freelance editor with 13 years of professional publishing experience, originally working on magazines and then transitioning into commercial fiction ten years ago. As an editor for Harlequin Mills & Boon in London, I worked with authors worldwide, managed an extensive author list and developed solid author-editor relationships, encouraging and nurturing both established and new authors alike, with many gaining award nominations and multi-book contracts.
As a freelancer I continue to work with a number of publishers, including Harlequin and HarperCollins. I specialise in romance and contemporary women's fiction, however I've also worked with single title imprints on other genres.
I love working together with authors, helping them take their book from concept to published manuscript. I give focused, constructive and encouraging revisions designed to bring a story up to the highest possible standard. Remember, a story doesn't have to be perfect, in the beginning it never is, and all authors revise. So if you have a manuscript, or even just the glimmer of an idea, contact me and together we'll make your book the best story it can possibly be!
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Holiday
Romance
Women's Fiction
Certifications
- BA (Hons), Imaginative Writing (LJMU 2007)
Work experience
Editor
Self-employed
April, 2020
–
Present
(almost 3 years)
Editorial assessment, developmental editing, structural editing, line-edits and proofreading. Specialising in romance and contemporary women's fiction, but with experience in other genres. Freelancing with major publishers including Harlequin and HarperCollins. Helping to bring out the very best in an author's work. Working with new writers as well as established authors.
Associate Editor
Harlequin Mills & Boon UK
April, 2017
–
June, 2019
(about 2 years)
Editor
Self-employed
October, 2014
–
April, 2017
(over 2 years)
Concept development, manuscript assessment, line-edits and proofreading, back cover copy and synopsis writing, social media support, Tweet writing and some marketing. Specialising in romance and contemporary women's fiction, but with experience in other genres. Freelancing with major publishers including Harlequin and HarperCollins. Helping to bring out the very best in an author's work. Working with new writers as well as established authors.
Assistant Editor
Harlequin Mills & Boon UK
September, 2011
–
September, 2014
(about 3 years)
Starting as an editorial assistant in Harlequin's UK Editorial department, I worked on single title imprints including Mira UK as well as overseas series imprints, created back cover copy, manuscript assessment and revision letters, proofreading, cover art briefs, synopses and other publishing admin.
From there I joined the Editorial Acquisitions department, focusing on series romance, managing authors, developing strong author-editor relationships, editing manuscripts from concept to publication (including revisions, line-edits, prelims, titles, covers etc), acquiring and contracting authors, working with agents, attending RNA/RWA conferences, and working on digital first imprints with Toronto and New York offices.
Magazine Journalist & Editor
Various
August, 2007
–
August, 2011
(about 4 years)
All aspects of editing monthly and bi-monthly magazines from concept to production, including writing, editing and proofing content, research, conducting interviews, and image sourcing.
Portfolio (24 selected works)
When ice meets fire…!As the youngest of the famous Skavanga sisters, beautiful Leila has earned her reputation as the untouched Skavanga diamond – and she’s tired of it! It’s time to start living her life, and who better to teach her how than gorgeous Spaniard Raffa Leon?Raffa has no problem mixing business with pleasure!Intrigued by her shy purity and enticed by her request, he’ll ensure Leil... read more
Desperately Seeking Heaven
Jill Steeples
Love always comes when you least expect it, at least that's what PA Alice Fletcher tells herself as she looks forward to another Friday night of trash telly and wine-for-one. But what happens when the unexpected is daytime TV crush Jimmy Mack, and he's sitting on your couch watching the news…of the accident that claimed his life?Soon, Alice finds her ordered life turned upside down by helping ... read more
A Deal Before the Altar (Mills & Boon Modern)
Rachael Thomas
‘I have a deal to put to you, Mr Ramirez.’Georgina Henshaw will do anything to ensure her younger sister’s happiness – even marry the darkly enigmatic Santos Ramirez! She has just one condition: she’ll wear his ring, but she’ll never share his bed!Santos has earned his ruthless reputation, but even he isn’t sure whether to be shocked or awed by Ms Henshaw’s proposal. He can’t deny that marriag... read more
The Roman's Revenge: HarperImpulse Historical Romance
Caroline Storer
The daughter of his sworn enemy…For wealthy merchant Metellus, nothing is as important as his desire for revenge. Ever since his father’s death, he’s been planning to wreak vengeance on those responsible. So when he rescues the daughter of his sworn enemy, Livia Drasus from a shipwreck Metellus sees an opportunity to set his plans in motion.…is fair game in his planned revenge!Making Livia his... read more
No One Wants to be Miss Havisham
Brigid Coady
**Winner of the RNA Joan Hessayon New Writers' Scheme Award** 'Dickens with a chick lit makeover, what's not to love??' - Bestselling author of 'The Best Thing I Never Had', Erin Lawless What the Dickens is going on? Edie Dickens is a shark of a divorce lawyer. She doesn't believe in love and she scoffs at happily ever afters, however she's agreed to be maid of honour for her oldest friend, Me... read more
Picnics in Hyde Park: Love London Series
Nikki Moore
The last story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore! The perfect novel for reading in the sunshine… and falling in love with London.A summer to remember…or forget?When Zoe Harper returns to the UK after five long years in New York, the last thing she expects is to find her younger sister Melody jobless, homeless, broke and dumped. Unfortunately,... read more
'Sue Fortin writes with skill and pace, filling her pages with tension. With great characters and a gripping storyline, I was immediately pulled in and found myself desperate to turn the pages' – Amanda JenningsThe truth hurts…Erin and Roisin were once friends until a fatal accident ruined both their lives. Now, Roisin has discovered a secret—one Erin has kept for over a decade—and she’s deter... read more
78th Copper Mountain Rodeo (2 Book Series)
Jeannie Watt, Shelli Stevens
From Book 1: She will not be his second choice… When champion bronc rider Ty Harding returns home after four long years on the road, the first thing he does is look up Shelby O’Connor—the woman who begged him to stay. The woman he still loves. Horse trainer Shelby O’Connor truly believes she’s over Ty—until he shows up on her family ranch and turns her world upside down. Shelby isn’t a big one... read more
The Traveller's Daughter
Michelle Vernal
A secret hidden for fifty years is about to be brought to light in Michelle Vernal’s dazzling new novel The Traveller's Daughter!Her mother’s secret…For fifty years Rosa kept the secrets of her past hidden from her beloved daughter, Kitty. The hurt and pain, the guilt over what she’d done, was something she could never face. But now the time has come to share the truth of Kitty’s heritage…Her ... read more
Flirting with the Forbidden
Joss Wood
He can look…but he's not supposed to touch! Bodyguard Noah Fraser hasn't seen diamond heiress Morgan Moreau for eight years—but the image of her naked body has been imprinted on his mind ever since! The sexy socialite was totally off-limits and it took every ounce of Noah's iron control to walk away…. Now he's been hired to protect her again, so picking up where they left off definitely isn't ... read more
The Heir of the Castle (Harlequin Romance)
Scarlet Wilson
The surprise inheritance: a castle! When the closest person tycoon Callan McGregor has to a father dies, it's down to him to organize the inheritance of Annick Castle. And the most suitable candidate seems to be stunning lawyer Laurie Jenkins. Even though she makes the usually brooding Callan's pulse race, this is business—he cannot afford a distraction. But she's a bubbly breath of fresh air ... read more
The Cinderella Princess (Ever After series Book 2)
Melissa McClone
Happily ever after doesn't exist... Advertising executive,Emily Rodgers knows that all too well. A philandering father and failed relationships taught Emily that finding your one true love only happens in fairytales. That is until she meets a real living and breathing prince, who might be as equally sexy as he is charming. Prince Lucas is searching for a royal bride, and getting married is exa... read more
Her Irresistible Protector (The Wild Ones Book 1)
Michelle Douglas
"Are you here to arrest me, Officer King?" When Officer Mitchell King—her ex and the only guy Tash Buckley has ever loved—arrives on her doorstep, claiming she needs his protective custody, Tash is more concerned by the heart-fluttering, pulse-racing effect he still has on her! Confined to Mitch's beachside cabin, Tash finds it increasingly difficult to resist her delicious protector…. The Wil... read more
"I'm about to make you an offer you can't refuse." Tiffany Davis takes her first delicious step into the exclusive masquerade ball hosted by the secretive Q Virtus gentleman's club. Here, behind the mask, Tiffany can hide her scars and reveal her true self—a powerful businesswoman with an offer for the president of Bregnovia, Ryzard Vrbancic. Astounded by her audacity, only the fire in Tiffany... read more
Her Secret Prince (Rags to Riches Book 2)
Madeline Ash
***2016 RITA® Finalist***At sixteen, Dee Johnson gambled her heart on her best friend Jed Brown - and lost when he disappeared without a trace.Ten years on, Dee's life is uprooted when Jed turns up on her doorstep, asking for her help.Dee has been left behind by everyone she's loved: her parents, her close friend Alexia, and a stream of lovers. She moves fast with men and suspects this is why ... read more
Second book in the series - Pingkang Li MysteriesRomantic Times Seal of Excellence Nominee - March 2014Dear Author - Recommended ReadWelcome to the infamous Pingkang Li--home of the celebrated Lotus Palace courtesans, and a place of beauty and treachery...Charming and seductive, Mingyu is the most sought-after hostess in the pleasure quarter. She has all men wrapped around her finger--except C... read more
It Happened in Paris... (A Valentine to Remember)
Robin Gianna
What started with a kiss… Avery Girard might have sworn off men, but she can't help but get swept away by the beauty, magic and romance of Valentine's Day in Paris…especially when she ends up spending it with totally irresistible Dr. Jack Dunbar. One little fling can't hurt, right? …could end with forever! Wrong! After an afternoon of passion, Avery discovers that Jack is actually the cardiolo... read more
Breaking Her No-Dating Rule (New Year's Resolutions!)
Amalie Berlin
Snowed in with a hot ER doc! Pretty massage therapist Ellory Star needs a fresh start! After yet another failed relationship she's decided to focus on finding herself—not a man. So her only resolution this New Year: no dating until she's ready! Although she hasn't counted on getting snowed in with delicious ER doctor Anson Graves… It might not have been in her plan, but Ellory must face the fa... read more
Disillusioned with love, Dr. Sean Gallagher returns to Marietta to join its expanding medical facility. Marietta’s newest, most eligible bachelor isn’t looking for long-term involvement – especially not with his brother’s much-younger former girlfriend, Honey Jordan. But short term? That’s another matter.Escaping a toxic relationship with her father, barrel racer Honey spends as little time as... read more
Want Me, Cowboy (The Wilder Brothers Book 2)
Sinclair Jayne
Cowboy Luke Wilder only wanted a beer at Grey’s Saloon. Instead he ends up in a fight with a brother he never knew and dumped by a fiery red headed bull breeder he only asked to dance. So much for keeping a low profile. But Luke Wilder is stubborn, and no woman’s ever said no to him twice, in business or pleasure.Tanner McTavish is more focused on breeding champion bucking bulls than in making... read more
The Lost Cats and Lonely Hearts Club
Nic Tatano
Step away from the cat videos on YouTube and put your reservation for the cat cafe on hold because this is a must-read for cat lovers, rom com enthusiasts and hopeless romantics…Swapping Prada for purrs…While covering a story, feisty network reporter Madison Shaw gets more than she bargained for when she rescues a box of orphaned kittens. Suddenly the glamazon of the Manhattan news room is doi... read more
The Empire State Cat’s Christmas Gift
Nic Tatano
The purrfect gift this Christmas…The night her house catches fire, kick-ass lawyer Tish McKenna’s neatly ordered life is thrown into chaos. At least she’s alive—thanks to her adorable cat, Socks!—and after her near-death experience Tish realises she wants more in her life than late nights and case files…Professionally speaking, hot-shot attorney, Spencer Capshaw hadn’t realised how far off tra... read more
Not In Her Wildest Dreams (Secret Dreams Book 1)
Dani Collins
Small Town Secrets, Big Time HeartachePaige Fogarty never believed Liebe Falls’ golden boy, Sterling Roy, could want a No Good Fogarty, but one magical night, they kissed—ruining her already murky reputation. Fifteen years later, she’s still shunned, now as a professional accountant auditing Roy Furnishings. It’s a daunting task even before she’s forced to work with him. Sterling made a fool o... read more
Only In His Sweetest Dreams (Secret Dreams Book 2)
Dani Collins
When Mercedes Kimball’s sister abandons her children, Mercedes takes in her confused niece and nephew, jeopardizing the job she loves at a retirement community. The sexy new handyman’s bedroom eyes promise to fix anything, but he can’t fix this. L.C. Fogarty is trash, not Father Of The Year, but he’s happy to be Mercedes’s sounding board. Given their white-hot attraction, he’d love to see what... read more
Laurie has 15 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Laurie was a pleasure to work with. She offered enthusiasm and encouragement for the work, while also delivering tough love when it was needed. She pointed out issues clearly, and offered great suggestions for ways to fix them. My book will be better for her input.
Lisa Manterfield, May 2021
Easy to work with .
Dawn DeSousa, November 2018
Would work with her again.
Dawn DeSousa, November 2018
Project was completed as agreed
Dawn DeSousa, November 2018
enjoyed working together.
Dawn DeSousa, November 2018
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