Louise Walters

Louise Walters – Editor

I'm an author and an editor, specialising in literary fiction, women's fiction, psychological thrillers, and urban fantasy.

Overview

**Please note: I am fully booked throughout December and January. Now taking bookings for February onwards**


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.


Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Historical Mysteries Historical Romance Literary Fiction Psychological Thriller Urban Fantasy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2017 — Present

I edited, proof-read, and published fifteen books at my indie press, which I set up in 2017. I closed my press in 2023, and I now work full time as a freelance editor.

I was the original publisher of Laura Laakso's urban fantasy series Wilde Investigations, and I continue to work with Laura as her editor. The series is now published by Bloodhound Books.

I've worked editorially with authors A J Campbell, Victoria Scott, and L M West, and mentored Louise Jensen at the start of her career.

Portfolio

Fallible Justice (Wilde Investigations)

Laakso, Laura

Bloodhound Books

Developmental Editing
Patience

Scott, Victoria

Head of Zeus

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Book Coaching
We Are Family

Walters, Louise

Louise Walters Books

The Road to California

Walters, Louise

Louise Walters Books

The Hermit

Walters, Louise

Louise Walters Books

A Life Between Us

Walters, Louise

Louise Walters Books

Developmental Editing
Roots of Corruption (Wilde Investigations)

Laakso, Laura

Bloodhound Books

Developmental Editing
Echo Murder (Wilde Investigations)

Laakso, Laura

Bloodhound Books

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment

Louise has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

jinder O.

jinder O.

Nov, 2024

I have spent a great deal of money trying to get my book ready to send to publishers. I’ve worked with 3 editors in this space before over the past two years. It took Louise’s honesty to finally hear what it still needs. I appreciate blunt honesty. ,Louise’s notes back to me were articulated to me the best. I would definitely work with her again. She was FABULOUS. Best, Jinder
Louise W.
Thank you, Jinder. I appreciate that you appreciate honesty! I do hope you can work further on your novel. The potential is all there. Keep me posted, please x
Pavel M.

Pavel M.

Nov, 2024

Totally dedicated and highly professional approach to line editing. Loise has found and highlighted every single misshapen in my story and recommended proper correction for it. Fully recommended both for experienced writers and for absolute beginners as myself.
Louise W.
Pavel, thank you so much for your kind words. It was interesting and enlightening to work on your manuscript. I hope you enjoy the editing process. Very good luck with your novel.
Karen B.

Karen B.

Oct, 2024

I highly recommend Louise. She gave valuable insight to issues I was having with my manuscript, query, and synopsis. She was prompt with her responses and finishing my project. I will use her services again,
Louise W.
Thank you, Karen. Happy to have helped, and I'd be delighted to work with you again. Very good luck with your novel!
Barry N.

Barry N.

Oct, 2024

A well written report.
Louise W.
Thank you, Barry. Very good luck with your agent querying.
Ariane B.

Ariane B.

Oct, 2024

I hired Louise for a copy/line edit and she gave me incredibly helpful advice. Though the focus was on the "final touches", i.e. spelling and grammar, she gave extremely constructive criticism on some plot issue as well. On top of being super professional and responsive, she was also very flexible, accomodating some of my specific wishes regarding timing and structure of the project. She was al...
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Louise W.
Thank you, Ariane. I enjoyed our collaboration too. I loved your writing and it was a great pleasure to work with you. I wish you every success with your novel!

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