Nira Begum - Editor
Senior Editor, looking to help fiction writers with their novels. My books includes New York Times and Sunday Times bestsellers.
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Overview
I'm a senior editor at HarperCollins UK, helping writers at any stage of their writing journey.
No two writers are the same and I can offer unique guidance on your novel and help hone your distinct style and voice.
I can be as hands-on as needed, whether it’s developing a concept at its early stages or ensuring ideas and narrative arcs are clear, strong, coherent and consistent. I can edit your manuscript should you need a structural edit or copy edit or proofreading. I can help to identify any problem areas and suggest solutions accordingly. I can also guide you through the best ways to get your novel ready for either agent submission or publication.
My commissioning experience means I can offer my knowledge beyond the text, if and where needed. I can talk you through the publishing paths and processes, help you think about positioning the book in the marketplace so that you can make the best decision possible for your novel.
At Penguin Random House, I worked on the Sunday Times and international bestseller, The Choice by Edith Eger. and the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, Wintering by Katherine May.
Get in touch. Look forward to working with you!
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Author testimonials:
"I loved working with Nira. She's a thoughtful and perceptive editor bringing a keen, critical eye, and she had a great vision for my work."
Katherine May, author of The New York Times bestseller Wintering
"Writing your first book is a nerve-wracking experience especially one that deals with the sensitive subject of dementia. Nira's astute editing and crucial suggestions enabled me to write the best book I could and get over the finishing line."
Steph Booth, author of Married to Alzheimer's
"I was fortunate to have Nira as my editor. She helped with my book and did an excellent job of helping to shape the project as well as editing it. She was instrumental in bringing the book to fruition and I could not imagine working on the book without her."
Julia Edelman, author of Love Voltaire Us Apart
Languages
English (AUS)
English (CAN)
English (NZ)
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
African American Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Historical Fiction
Humor & Comedy
LGBTQ Fiction
Literary Fiction
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Certifications
- Copyediting - Publishing Training Centre
- Proofreading - Publishing Training Centre
- Working with Authors - Publishing Training Centre
- Copy Writing - Publishing Training Centre
Work experience
Senior Editor
HQ, HarperCollins UK
May, 2019
–
Present
(almost 4 years)
Editor
Ebury, Penguin Random House UK
August, 2016
–
April, 2019
(over 2 years)
Editor
Icon Books, UK
March, 2013
–
August, 2016
(over 3 years)
Portfolio (7 selected works)
Wintering
Katherine May
How do you survive the ‘wintering’ phase of your life?Wintering, the dormant periods in our lives, the dark moments we endure – which can be brought about through myriad of ways; from the death of a loved one to a sudden change in circumstances or mental health issues – can be lonely, damaging and catch us off guard. Katherine May recounts her own year-long journey through winter, and how she ... read more
The Sun Does Shine
Anthony Ray Hinton
**THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**‘A riveting account of the multiple outrages of the criminal justice system of Alabama. A harrowing masterpiece’ Guardian‘Hinton somehow navigates through his rage and despair to a state of forgiveness and grace’ IndependentAt age 29, Anthony Ray Hinton was wrongfully charged with robbery and murder, and sentenced to death by electrocution for crimes he didn’t ... read more
The Choice
Edith Eger
THE AWARD-WINNING INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERby Edith Eger, as seen on BBC BreakfastEven in hell, hope can flower'I'll be forever changed by her story' - Oprah Winfrey 'One of those rare and eternal stories you don't want to end' - Desmond Tutu'A masterpiece of holocaust literature. Her memoir, like her life, is extraordinary, harrowing and inspiring in equal measure' – The Times Literary Supplem... read more
The Matchgirl
Lynette Rees
A heartwarming saga, from the ebook bestselling author of THE WORKHOUSE WAIFSixteen-year-old Lottie Perkins has an important decision to make...Conditions at the match factory she works at are dire. The girls get treated badly by the management and there is a severe risk to their health. But then a young journalist, Annie Besant, begins asking questions. Will Lottie and the other girls welcome... read more
The Workhouse Waif
Lynette Rees
Destined to a life of poverty, this little girl has bigger plans for her future...After the death of her father in a mining accident, Megan and her family had no choice but to move to the local workhouse. Separated from her mother and five siblings, young Megan must learn how to stand on her own two feet. But one day she meets a young boy who's stealing apples from the local market and togethe... read more
Married to Alzheimer's
Steph Booth
EXTRAORDINARY MEMOIR OF A LIFE AND LOVE TORN APART BY DEMENTIAWhen her husband Tony was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2004, Steph Booth had to say goodbye to life as she knew it. The disease encroached into their lives, taking away Tony day by day. Open and honest, but with heart and warmth, Steph reveals and the hardship of caring for Tony and losing herself in the midst of it. Along the way ... read more
I Carried a Watermelon: Dirty Dancing and Me
Katy Brand
’Massively enjoyable’ Dawn French I Carried a Watermelon is a love story to Dirty Dancing. A warm, witty and accessible look at how Katy Brand’s life-long obsession with the film has influenced her own attitudes to sex, love, romance, rights and responsibilities. It explores the legacy of the film, from pushing women’s stories to the forefront of commercial cinema, to its ‘Gold Standard’ depic... read more
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