Lara Murphy – Editor

"Lara is a meticulous and imaginative editor, with an exceptional visual eye. She’s also a fantastic writer, who can breathe life into pretty much everything – from board books and puzzle titles to search-and-find books and adult colouring. I’ve worked with Lara on many books over the years; she is always a delight to work with and approaches every project with diligence, creativity and care. I highly recommend her!"

– Frances Evans, Deputy Editorial Director, Buster Books (Michael O'Mara Books)

With eight years' publishing experience as a children's editor and writer, I am adept at all editorial tasks and have a strong visual eye. I am passionate about making beautiful, thoughtful and entertaining illustrated books that children will want to read again and again. I have worked for publishers including Buster Books (children’s imprint of Michael O’Mara Books), Tall Tree Books and Plum5. Prior to my roles in publishing, I honed my writing and editing skills as a copywriter working for a range of high-profile brands.

My specialisms are picture books and board books for 0 to 5-year-olds, and non-fiction and activity books for readers up to 12 years. The titles that I’ve worked on have one thing in common: fabulous illustrations. My passion is shaping texts, perfecting language and bringing words and pictures together in perfect harmony. Please find some highlights below.

Younger years:

– As editor for This is the Ship that Jack Built (2024), I honed the picture book text and created illustration briefs, working with award-winning artist, Sam Caldwell

– As editor for I Can Spy a Unicorn and I Can Spy a Dinosaur (2026), two cute and engaging early learning board books, I developed the illustrations with artist Kathryn Selbert and wrote the text

– As editor for search-and-find book Where’s the Panda? (2023), I briefed the illustrations, developed the narrative and wrote the text

– As editor of The Egg-cellent Easter Activity Book (2022), I briefed the puzzles and illustrations and wrote the text.

Older readers:

– As editor of Awesome Facts for 8-Year-Olds (2023), I copyedited, proofread and fact-checked text, and briefed the illustrations for this bestselling series

– As editor of How to Draw Manga (2024), I worked with Manga artists in Singapore to develop step-by-step text and illustrations

– As editor for Number Quest (2025), I developed the bookplan and narrative outline, commissioned an illustrator, briefed puzzles and art, and wrote text.

I manage illustrated children’s books from initial concept to final delivery and am skilled at structural and copy-editing, copywriting, creating illustration briefs and writing cover and sales copy. I am creative, thoughtful, organised and detail-focused, and have considerable experience working with authors, illustrators and designers. Making books is all about teamwork, after all!

With a creative and curious outlook, I am motivated to create books that inspire empathy and spark wonder, particularly illustrated titles for younger years. I can guarantee thoughtful feedback and a positive, encouraging attitude. I love what I do and look forward to working with you!