Lizzie Sitton – Editor

I am a developmental editor with 20 years of experience specializing in picture books, early readers, illustrated middle grade fiction and graphic novels.

As a developmental editor, initially I provide my clients with detailed feedback on the structure, clarity, and tone of their work with suggestions for revision as well as line by line edits and notes within the manuscript.

As a line editor, I polish final drafts with a focus on consistency, style and tone.

Within the fiction team at Walker Books, I edited funny illustrated character-led fiction, including the Julius Zebra series by Gary Northfield, translated into 18 languages worldwide; They Didn’t Teach THIS in Worm School by Simone Lia, translated into 12 languages worldwide and graphic novel adaptations of the renowned Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz.

Having also worked for ten years within the prestigious Walker picture books department, I was the long-standing editor of many successful authors including Bob Graham, Atinuke, Daisy Hirst, Smriti Halls, Laura Dockrill and Oliver Jeffers to name just a few.

I have an encouraging, collaborative style, and will work with my clients step by step to develop their unique ideas and voice, while offering gentle suggestions for ways they might consider shaping and plotting their story so that it truly sings and resonates with readers in the best way possible.

I am particularly interested to work on picture book projects for readers of 0 to 5 years and young illustrated fiction for readers of 7 to 11 years.

“Lizzie was the editor of my first novel for children and working with her exceeded all of my expectations. Not only was she a brilliant editor with insights and creative suggestions that improved the structure and plot of my book but in an unassuming way she also wore the hat of teacher and mentor. She patiently helped me to find my voice as a writer. Lizzie was super committed with an absolute belief that the books we were working on would be a success. Having a childhood dream of writing a novel come into fruition in my 40s gave me a great boost of confidence to believe that anything is possible. I’m so so grateful to Lizzie for this.

If you’re looking for a really smart editor who is insightful, an absolute joy to work with and has the ability to bring out the best writer in you, I thoroughly recommend Lizzie.” Simone Lia, author and illustrator of They Didn’t Teach THIS in Worm School!

“I always feel my work is in safe hands with Lizzie. She always grasps what my stories are about - even when I'm not totally clear about it myself. And she come up with brilliant ideas that improve them no end - ideas consistent with my style of writing. She intuitively knows how a story will land for a reader - or listener. Lizzie knows how to make a story sing.” Atinuke, author of Baby Goes to Market