Louise Walters

Louise Walters – Editor

I'm an author, editor, and indie publisher. I specialise in literary fiction, contemporary fiction, and women's fiction.

Overview

I set up my indie press, Louise Walters Books, in 2017. I have so far edited, proof-read, and published fifteen books by eight authors at my press. I also work as a freelance editor, and I'm a writer too. My work has been both trade and independently published. My passion is literary fiction; I also enjoy working on women's fiction, contemporary fiction, psychological thrillers, character-led 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 Romance Literary Fiction Psychological Thriller Urban Fantasy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • BA Hons (Open) Literature

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2017 — Present

I have so far edited, proof-read, and published fifteen books at my indie press, Louise Walters Books, which I set up in 2017. I publish mainly literary fiction.

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

Don't Think a Single Thought

Cambridge, Diana

Louise Walters Books

Developmental Editing
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 19 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

David B.

David B.

Feb, 2025

Louise in three words: Direct, Thorough, Proactive. After reading Louise’s edit notes, I had to give myself several days of recovery before I could read her detailed edit of the MS itself. The feedback was hard-hitting, but oh so useful; just what I needed. Louise put her finger on two issues which I was aware of but which I was unwilling to acknowledge: Whose Story Is It? What Is The Story? Pr...
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Louise W.
Thank you, David. I'm pleased to hear my work has helped you. Once the fundamentals are clear in your mind, they will also be clear for the reader, and that's half the battle, really. It sounds lik...
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Logan M.

Logan M.

Jan, 2025

It was very hard for me to get a good perspective on my writing before encountering Louise. She was able to address everything that was wrong very concisely and with a purely neutral voice. It was exactly the thing I needed for my work. She was even able to give me highlights of the good without giving me a falsely inflated ego. I feel so much more confident with her advice. If your book is in...
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Louise W.
Thank you, Logan. It was a pleasure to read your novel. Amsa will stay with me. I wish you every success with your writing. All the best for 2025 x
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!

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