Overview
I have 20+ years' experience in publishing, story craft, and mentoring writers. I oversaw the setup of all Writers' & Artists' Yearbook's editorial services for Bloomsbury Publishers (incl. writers' conferences and agent clinics), was senior commissioning editor for Working Partners (a major fiction packagers), produced series fiction for Harper Collins and Hodder Headline, and acted as literary fiction and crime editor for Amazon in its early years. I am a writer myself and have a master's degree in Poetics of Imagination.
I am passionate about supporting writers striving to realise a vision; writers willing to apply themselves wholeheartedly to the art of story craft. I'm actively seeking imaginative, philosophic, deeply feeling and thoughtful writers who want to play their part in making a difference in the world. I'm particularly interested in the feminine and healing journeys but also in new ways to engage readers in movements and causes.
But,most of all, moving tales and stories worth spreading.
I'm super open to speculative fiction, memoir, literary fiction, hybrid fiction, genre-bending experimentation, transformative fiction, myth and fairytales, the metaphysical, anything of a philosophical bent, feminist|femme fiction and healing, spiritual journeys.
Also, I'd love to work with more writers of narrative non-fiction.
My Services:
Editorial Assessment incorporates a read-through of anywhere between 25 pages to the full manuscript. I create a report that is 3-5 pages long. It talks about where the writing is good and where it needs improvement. This includes things like character development, voice and tone, point of view, style, language and emotional impact.
Developmental Edit involves a complete read-through of your full manuscript. This is my opportunity to fully acquaint myself with your work - your intentions and personal vision - and the narrative's wider arcs.
I'll make a report that covers what you need to prioritize for your revisions. It will be 4-8 pages.
Creative Coaching alongside accompanied Manuscript Development
More extensive in-depth development edits over a set period. I suggest working with a writer for 3 months, as I find this provides ample stimulus and motivation to make great strides. It is bespoke how we work together in that period, but we would draw up a plan to craft the process, so it worked around your schedule and your goals.
Testimonials
"It is true to say that in all service-related dealings it is the people that make the difference and Nicola’s approach and interpersonal skills were of the highest standard. Once again thank you for providing this excellent service, we will certainly be recommending this service to other serious writers as a result of this experience.' - Kathryn, Cornerstones
More testimonials below...
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- First-class Masters in Poetics of Imagination
Work experience
Self-employed
Writers who attend my workshops become authorities on their stories. My role is to help writers prioritize their own well-being while navigating the challenges of writing, publishing, and life.
Writers & Artists, Bloomsbury PLC
Developing and rolling out 12 new services to support writers and champion their craft and work.
Working Partners & Cornerstones
Meeting with publishers to brainstorm series concepts; further developing projects in-house. Writing story lines (40-page story world bibles). Collaborating with a team of writers and training junior writers. Commissioning and editing professional fiction writers.
Amazon.co.uk
Literature & Fiction / Crime & Thriller Editor
Portfolio

Nicola has 14 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness

Michael Z.
Nov, 2023

Scott M.
Oct, 2023

Jas S.
Sep, 2023

Sara R.
Jul, 2023

Anna G.
Jul, 2023
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