Nicola Carthy

Nicola Carthy – Editor

Picture-book editor with over 10 years’ in-house experience at some of the UK’s biggest publishers. Let's see what we can create together!

Overview

I am a picture-book editor based in the UK with over ten years’ experience working in-house for some of the UK’s biggest children’s publishers, including Puffin, HarperCollins, Hachette and Walker Books. My experience is wide-ranging – I have worked across picture books, pre-school brands, non-fiction and young fiction. I would love to work together to help you realise your vision and hone your text to perfection!


I am passionate about nurturing talent and playing a part in creating beautiful books that will stand out in the market, spark wonder in the reader and be treasured for a lifetime. I am obsessed with picture books of every kind, from the hilarious to the heartwarming, in rhyme or prose! I can help you develop your writing style, story ideas and character development, as well as giving you helpful tips on pacing, imagining how your words will work with illustrations, picture-book layouts and market research.


I hope to be the perfect partner to you in your writing journey, and to help you take your stories to the next level. I love nothing more than working with authors and helping them to see their work with fresh eyes. Your authorial voice is your most important asset - so I will likely ask you a lot of questions about your story and characters in the editorial process that will hopefully help you to delve deeper and express what you want to say in your own unique way.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (UK)

Work experience

Walker Books

Sep, 2023 — Dec, 2024 (over 1 year)
Editing a broad list of picture books, young fiction and middle grade titles from emerging and established authors such as Joseph Coelho, Briony May Smith, Jarvis, Catherine Jacob and Patricia Toht, among many others. Finding and developing new talent and commissioning new titles.

Puffin Books (Penguin Random House)

Dec, 2021 — Sep, 2023 (almost 2 years)
Managing and developing an extensive programme of core publishing and spin-offs for the No.1 bestselling Greg the Sausage Roll series. Developing new picture book titles from emerging and established authors including Joseph Coelho, Kes Gray, Rhiannon Findlay and Helen Docherty, among others. Finding and developing new talent and commissioning new titles.

Hachette Children's Books

Jan, 2018 — Dec, 2021 (almost 4 years)
Lead editor for picture book authors David Melling, Ellie Sandall, Pippa Curnick, Elys Dolan and Jo Weaver, among others, and non-fiction author Nicola Davies. As an editor, I worked with author Rachael Davis on I am NOT a Prince and with Marcela Ferreira on The Queen Next Door, both of which were shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize (2023 and 2024 respectively). Finding and developing new talent and bringing new ideas through the acquisitions process.

HarperCollins Children's Books

May, 2016 — Dec, 2017 (over 1 year)
Providing desk editorial support and creative input on author/illustrator-led picture books, IP series and pre-school brands, across a variety of formats including novelty books and digital.

HarperCollins Children's Books

Aug, 2012 — May, 2016 (over 3 years)
Responsible for building and maintaining the public profiles of highly successful children's authors and heritage brands including Derek Landy, Rob Biddulph and Richard Scarry.

Portfolio

The Queen Next Door

Marcela Ferreira

Hachette Children's Group

A beautifully illustrated modern-day fairy tale, filled with friendship, fun and fairness.In a faraway land, a happy queen rules over the happiest of kingdoms. But when a new queen moves in ne... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Greg the Sausage Roll: Wish You Were Here

Mark Hoyle

Random House

Sun's out, crumbs out - Greg the Sausage Roll is SO EXCITED to be jetting off on his first-ever holiday! He's ready to hop on a plane to paradise for some FUN IN THE SUN! Karaoke, splashing in... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Don't Disturb the Dragon

Rhiannon Findlay

Penguin Random House Children's UK

Discover this read-aloud adventure with a soothing, wind-down-to-bedtime ending. Somewhere near, a huge beast lies,with giant claws and great big eyes . . .DO NOT DISTURB THE DRAGON!Tiptoe ove... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
All I Hope For You

Kate Thompson

Penguin Random House Children's UK

I wonder, my little one, who will you bewhen you're out in this world, big and wide?A bundle so precious and tiny and loved,you will carry my heart by your side . . .A beautiful and inspiring ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
I'm Gonna Eat a Monster!

Kael Tudor

Penguin Random House Children's UK

Join Little Rabbit and Grey Wolf on their quest to EAT a monster in this hilarious new picture book story.One morning, deep in the forest, Grey Wolf spots a delicious-looking rabbit and thinks... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
I Am NOT a Prince

Rachael Davis

Hachette Children's Group

"Crisp rhymes and bold illustrations" GuardianHopp is a little frog who definitely does NOT want to be a prince! A fairy tale for the 21st century that challenges gender stereotypes and encour... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Hugless Douglas Goes Camping

David Melling

Hachette Children's Group

Hugless Douglas and his pals are going camping in Badger's Wood. They are excited to make their tent into a tent shape, hop into their pyjamas and gather around Reading Rock for story time!But... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Bear and Bird: The Stick and Other Stories (Book 4)

Jarvis

Candlewick Press

Is there ever such a thing as being too considerate? It’s another comedy of errors in this fourth set of stories featuring Jarvis’s lovable duo.“Bird, why are you blowing in my face?” said Bea... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
The Big Freeze

Pippa Curnick

Hachette Children's Group

Shama and Bahama Llama can't wait for winter - skating, snowballs, hot chocolate . . . and best of all, the Winter Woolly Party! But when The Big Freeze suddenly arrives they discover that the... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Hello

Viola Wang

Hachette Children's Group

Many years ago, when the world was still young, Nüwa was the only person on Earth. She was very happy playing with the fish and the birds, but she longed for someone she could talk to. Then on... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Bibi

Jo Weaver

Hachette Children's Group

Wise old flamingo Bibi has been with her flock for as long as anyone can remember. Follow her journey in this beautifully illustrated celebration of old age and community from the talented cre... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching

Nicola has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

JP H.

JP H.

Feb, 2025

Nicola helped me with an editorial assessment for two children's picture books. She was professional, knowledgeable, encouraging, and provided very useful next steps for me to take my stories forward. I am looking forward to working with Nicola again the future.

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