Nira Begum – Editor

I’m a commercial editor in fiction and non-fiction with multiple bestsellers under my belt.

I have spent over a decade working at major publishing houses in London, including Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, and I know what makes a commercially successful book as well as what publishers are looking for.

If you're an aspiring author but don't know where to start, I'm here to help.

I support writers at every stage of their writing journey. No two projects are the same, and I offer tailored guidance to help refine your ideas, develop your voice, and shape your work into a clear, compelling manuscript.

Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring a concept, working through a draft, or polishing a final version, I can provide hands-on support where needed. This may include structural editing, a developmental edit, a book assessment if you’ve already written your first draft or to sit down and go through strategy to ensure your work is consistent, coherent, and engaging. I can also help identify challenges in your manuscript and suggest practical solutions to strengthen your arguments.

My commissioning experience means I can advise beyond the text itself. I can walk you through publishing pathways, discuss how best to position your book in the marketplace, and help you decide on the most effective route for publication.

At Penguin Random House, I worked on Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers Wintering by Katherine May and The Choice by Edith Eger.

At HarperCollins, I worked with Davina McCall on her #1 Sunday Times bestseller Menopausing, the #1 vegan brand BOSH! and many more.

If you’re developing an idea – I have worked across multiple genres – self-help, smart thinking, professional memoir, business, women's fiction, romantic comedy, contemporary fiction and many others – and want experienced, constructive editorial support, I want to hear from you.

Let me help turn your idea into a book.

--------

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

"My book would not be anything like the book it is today without Nira's excellent direction and shaping skills. She took a raw manuscript and showed me how to turn it into a book to be proud of. So, thank you."

Jo Emerson, confidence coach and behaviour expert

"Working with Nira was the best decision I ever made. Thanks to her, I went from self-publishing to signing a ten-book publishing deal."

Jo Lyons, author of Girls Just Want to Have Sun