Nicola Perry

Nicola Perry – Editor

Advanced Developmental Editor with experience at major 5 publishers. I love lyrical prose and radical compassion in fiction or memoir.

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
Biographies & Memoirs Inspirational
Fiction
Coming of Age Cultural & Ethnic Magical Realism Themes & Motifs
Languages
English (UK)
Certifications
  • First-class Masters in Poetics of Imagination

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2012 — Present

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

Dec, 2010 — Jan, 2012 (about 1 year)

Developing and rolling out 12 new services to support writers and champion their craft and work.

Working Partners & Cornerstones

Mar, 2006 — Nov, 2009 (over 3 years)

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

Aug, 1999 — Jan, 2002 (over 2 years)

Literature & Fiction / Crime & Thriller Editor

Portfolio

Fully illustrated with more than 250 color photographs and 33 mapsPart of the international 111 Places/111 Shops series with over 150 titles and 1 million copies in print worldwide Experience the less explored nooks and pockets of Britain's capital through the... read more

Nicola has 14 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Michael Z.

Michael Z.

Nov, 2023

Nicola was great! Always there for me, willing to go the extra mile, and her critique was spot on!
Scott M.

Scott M.

Oct, 2023

Very good responsiveness. I had a service of developmental editing that I feel has opened up a vision of improvement I could not see before. Like a blindfold being taken off that I didn’t know was there. With guided creative advice on how to implement the craft. I believe Nicola went beyond the remit to achieve outstanding feedback, constructively. Would highly recommend to anyone with a writin...
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Nicola P.
Thank you, Scott. I so appreciate your feedback too, but also how gracefully and graciously you've adapted to having that blindfold taken off. The good fortune of an editor is that we get to play t...
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Jas S.

Jas S.

Sep, 2023

Nicola undertook a high-level overview of my novel, which is only partially completed at the time of writing this and I also outlined my chapter summaries. Her analysis was both practical and constructive, with very good recommendations that have added a great deal of value. I would have no hesitation in recommending Nicola for any aspiring author, especially at the formative stages.
Nicola P.
Thank you, Jas. I appreciate your overview and the opportunity to contribute to the work's development in the formative stages. I wish you much success.
Sara R.

Sara R.

Jul, 2023

Nicola was exactly the creative coach I needed. She was sharp and knowledgeable about the business end of publishing, but also wonderful at guiding me through the more intuitive, story-shaping that I needed to do. I highly recommend her.
Anna G.

Anna G.

Jul, 2023

After having worked with Nicola on my book for developmental editing, she was able to provide me a more formal query letter for me to use to reach out to smaller publishers. It was wonderfully written and very compelling. I am looking forward to putting it to much use!

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