Lucy Carroll

Lucy Carroll – Editor

Editor with 9+ years experience developing projects for leading publishers, dedicated to guiding first-time authors.

Overview

My goal is to help you navigate the confusing world of pre-publication and polish your query letter, proposal or manuscript so that your project is in the best possible position to be picked up by an agent or publisher.


As a proactive commissioning editor, my specialty lies in working with first-time authors to turn their ideas and expertise into a commercially viable book.


I am delighted to work with authors on:


- query letters and proposals to bring to agents or publishers

- the overall plan and structure of a book

- tone and writing style

- developing a manuscript to meet a publishable standard


To date, I have enjoyed working across a variety of non-fiction areas, including wellbeing, fantasy, memoir, self-help, history, cookery, narrative non-fiction and children's non-fiction.


I look forward to working with you to bring your project to life!


Lucy

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Health & Wellbeing History Nature Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sex & Relationships
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • MA in Publishing from UCL
  • BA in History of Art from the University of Edinburgh
  • MA in History from Birkbeck, University of London

Work experience

Hachette

Jun, 2024 — Present
At Welbeck, an imprint within Hachette, I commission and manage a list of beautiful illustrated books across a range of topics, including gardening books, cookbooks, lifestyle books, atlases and more!

Pan Macmillan

Nov, 2023 — Jun, 2024 (7 months)
I commissioned and edited self-help and wellbeing titles at Pan Macmillan.

Watkins Publishing

Nov, 2021 — Nov, 2023 (about 2 years)
I lead a dynamic health and wellbeing list at Watkins Publishing, acquiring around 12 titles a year from up-and-coming and established authors. I also published within other areas covered by the Watkins and Nourish imprints, including food and drink, gardening and children’s wellbeing.

Bloomsbury Publishing

Aug, 2015 — Sep, 2021 (about 6 years)
Acted as editorial and strategic lead for a specialist non-fiction list, commissioning and developing projects.

The Siren Press

Apr, 2014 — Mar, 2016 (almost 2 years)
Worked on fiction titles, including an anthology of short stories featuring award winning authors.

Lucy has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

vincent S.

vincent S.

Jun, 2025

Lucy did a wonderful, thorough job editing my story. Her insights were sharp and insightful, and I'm grateful for her detailed, thoughtful feedback that was encouraging and made me feel confident about delivering my story. Working with her was a great experience, and I highly recommend it!
ekaterina S.

ekaterina S.

May, 2024

Lucy was an incredible editor. Absolutely amazing. I've never had edits so clear and concise. She really helped me hone my 'writer voice' as well as get scene and description down. She helped me figure out my 'why' and was so thorough and thoughtful. I will definitely be coming to her again!
Elizabeth H.

Elizabeth H.

Apr, 2024

Collaborating with Lucy on my query letter has been a wonderfully enriching experience. Her exceptional writing and editing skills has elevated it to a compelling, professionally concise, and exciting piece to read! From the out-set, Lucy quickly and clearly demonstrated a sturdy understanding o...
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Taylor N.

Taylor N.

Mar, 2024

Lucy is an extremely engaged editor that put in the time to really evaluate my manuscript. I am extremely confident that with the changes she recommends, my piece can be as impactful as I intent it to be.
Nazia K.

Nazia K.

Feb, 2024

If you are new to the literary world, or require any support...then Lucy is your go to editor - i I wholeheartedly recommend her services to aspiring authors seeking candid, genuine and insightful feedback. Lucy's feedback has served as a much-needed reality check, challenging me to reassess my...
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