Katie McKay

Katie McKay – Editor

Former literary agent with 6+ years experience developing and editing best-selling memoir and non-fiction titles

Overview

I'm a former literary agent & comedy agent with 6+ years working in the publishing industry. I've worked primarily in non-fiction on a range of literary memoir and entertainment titles with authors including Chris & Rosie Ramsey, Jenny Eclair, Phil Wang, Frank Skinner, Alex Horne, Marise Gaughan, Rob Auton and Matt Forde.


I pride myself in working closely with authors to develop their ideas, making sure they are sellable and well thought through and providing in depth editorial feedback at all stages of the editing process.


While this can be adapted on a project-by-project basis, I break down my services as:


- Developmental Proposal Edit: intended for earlier stages of book proposal development. I'll give feedback on your initial proposal and help you craft it into something that can be submitted to agents or publishers. I'll provide feedback and input into the idea itself or help you brainstorm your idea, propose structural elements and help craft your proposal so that it looks like one publishers are used to seeing


- Editorial Edit: intended for later stages with sample writing. I'll still do the work of the developmental proposal edit as needed as well as a line edit of your sample writing (not to be confused with a proofread - while I'll correct any grammatical/spelling errors as I see them, it will mainly be a redline markup focused on inconsistencies, areas that need improvement or clarity or suggested structural changes)


- Consultation: phone call or Zoom consultation to discuss the process of getting a book deal, including what the work of an agent is, what your contract terms mean, and what the process of writing the book will be from start to finish


I like to work closely with authors, having face-to-face meetings, Zoom calls or phone calls to discuss feedback rather than working exclusively in writing as I believe that garners the best results and ensures we are on the same page at each step.


My expertise is in memoir and non-fiction, though I'm happy to provide editorial support for some literary fiction as well.


Please don't hesitate to get in touch, looking forward to working with you on your next project!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment LGBTQ Non-Fiction Psychology Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK)

Work experience

Avalon Entertainment

Dec, 2015 — Jul, 2022 (over 6 years)

Represented a roster of clients in all aspects of their entertainment careers and provided profile-shaping career advice for a range of high-profile and up-and-coming talent.

Served as the company's literary agent, worked on range of Sunday Times bestsellers such as Chris & Rosie Ramsey's Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed., Jenny Eclair's Older & Wider and the two Taskmaster tie-in books and memoir books such as Phil Wang's Sidesplitter, Matt Forde's Politically Homeless and Marise Gaughan's Trouble.

Reedsy

Aug, 2022 — Present

Provide editorial services for authors

Katie has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Alyssia R.

Alyssia R.

Jul, 2024

Katie was the best! She is smart, attentive, and respectful. My topic was so intense and she helped me like a pro. Her skills as an editor are significant. She not only paid attention to my needs, she set up our meetings to accommodate them while still respecting her own boundaries. I will most definitely hire her for future writing adventures.
Marie M.

Marie M.

May, 2024

It was brilliant to work with Katie who supported me with the developmental edit of my memoir. With her expertise she picked up on things I had never considered, sensitively suggested changes and overall helped me to transform my work. I’m not a professional author but Katie was understanding, patiently taking the time to answer my questions. My writing was very personal so I’m glad I worked w...
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Katie M.
Thank you so much for such a lovely review! It's been such a joy working with you and I cannot wait to see this work reach a wider audience.
Nick R.

Nick R.

May, 2024

Katie was an absolute pleasure to work with. Even with an eight-hour time difference, she was flexible, friendly, responsive, and of course, most importantly, knowledgeable. I didn't know how much work my book really needed until she took a look at it, and every time she made a suggestion I'd realize how important it is to have a professional set of eyes on your work. Even if my book doesn't tu...
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Martina G.

Martina G.

Mar, 2024

A phenomenal editor who has skill, understanding and a sixth sense for looking between the lines and explaining how it comes across. My book is a raw personal journey, and yet she managed to help me turn it into something much stronger than I could have ever imagined. She's not just an editor, she's been a therapist a couple of times (poor thing!) a friend and a brilliant laugh who never object...
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Slaney S.

Slaney S.

Feb, 2024

Katie has been amazing, so kind and professional - She gave brilliant advice and even the smallest suggestions made such a difference to my work. She pointed out things I wouldn’t have noticed myself - her feedback has been invaluable and I would work with her again and again- thank you Katie!

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