Louise Walters – Editor

I ran my own indie press, Louise Walters Books, from 2017 to 2023. I edited, proof-read, and published fifteen books by eight authors at my press. I now work as a freelance editor. I'm also a novelist, and my work has been both trade and independently published. My passion is literary fiction; I also enjoy working on women's fiction, psychological thrillers, urban fantasy, and narrative non-fiction.

I am a hard marker, but my philosophy is that it's only tough but constructive criticism that helps a writer. If something isn't working, I will always point that out, alongside providing specific and actionable ideas to help fix the issue. I also love to point out what is working.

My approach to editing is to start from the ground and work up: I'm a structure nerd, so if your structure is wobbly, we will start there. Solid structure is essential because it enables many other story-telling elements to fall into place. I look for a clear protagonist with a clear goal. Having said that, I do love experimental fiction, and I'm always supportive of a writer who is trying to do something different in their work.

Having our writing critiqued or edited can be daunting. I understand all the feelings an edit can unleash... everything from elation to despair. Anger is common! But it's usually fleeting, and along with my reports I always provide advice on how to respond to an edit or critique. The feelings can be surprising, so do be prepared for that.

I love editing fiction and narrative non-fiction, and I'll be able to help you wherever you are in your writing career. There is nothing more satisfying than working on a first draft, helping to set a writer on the path to a more polished piece of work. Equally I love working on those more polished pieces, perhaps providing a final edit before the work is submitted to agents.

"Louise is a first-rate editor, passionate and professional, ensuring that the books she edits end up the best they can be. We've had some lively debates... but Louise's suggested changes are always logical and clear. I have worked with her throughout my Wilde Investigations series and I trust her implicitly. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her editorial services."​

Laura Laakso, author of Fallible Justice, published in the UK by Bloodhound Books in 2024.

"Louise has been my editor since I wrote my first book. Four of my books became Amazon bestsellers and have thousands of five-star reviews. I could never have achieved this without Louise’s exceptional input. The key to finding the perfect editor boils down to trust. I have complete faith in Louise to help me make my stories the best they can be. I will be forever grateful our paths crossed.​"

A J Campbell, Bookoutre author and self-publisher of psychological thrillers.