Parul Bavishi - Editor
Professional editor w/ 10 years of experience at Random House, Quercus. Cofounder: London Writers' Salon. Genre: Thrillers, Non-fiction, YA.
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Overview
Hey there, if you're on my profile page, you're probably looking for an editor. And maybe you're wondering how you might choose an editor for your novel. It's a good question and I would like to give you my (relatively) unbiased view on this.
1) As editors, we all have different niches, and preferences based on our experience or our personal preference. Check our portfolios - have we worked on books in your genre?
2) Next, I would look at the feedback on the site (and I might google them to see if there is anything else interesting to know about them)
3) Finally, and this is very important, I would ask to schedule a call with them to see what the editorial dynamic might be between you. Most editors would be happy to offer you an initial chat - it's a good chance for an editor to determine if the 'fit' is right for them, too.
I have worked with first-time, self-published and award-winning authors. I love thrillers and action novels such as Lee Child, John le Carré, Daniel Suarez, Steig Larsson and non-fiction books such as Wild by Cheryl Strayed, Everything I know about Love by Dolly Alderton, The Outrun by Amy Liptrot and anything by Ryan Holiday and Seth Godin.
I also love helping writers navigate the publishing scene, help them with query letters, and decide whether to self-publish or take the traditional route.
If you're worried if your plot isn't tight enough or you're struggling with character development, I can help you. I have over a decade of experience in the industry, and recently I've joined Shawn Coyne's team at the Story Grid and have a network of editors and agents who I can call upon for help and advice.
For London-based writers, I run the London Writers' Salon, where we host daily writing sprints, literary evenings and masterclasses with novelists, screenwriters, poets and playwrights. Past guests have included Benjamin Hardy, novelist Luke Jennings (Killing Eve, Codename Villanelle), Selina Lim (Bafta nominated screenwriter and BBC writer) agent Rachel Mann, Nish Panchal and editors from the Big Five publishing houses.
I cohost the Story Grid Showrunners Podcast where we analyse hit TV shows to help you understand why the story works - we've analysed Killing Eve, You, The Witcher and the Umbrella Academy.
If you've checked my portfolio and would like to chat about your book, go ahead and request an offer from me and we can book in a 30-min editorial session. I would love to hear from you.
Choosing an editor - what you should look for:
2) Next, I would look at the feedback on the site (and I might google them to see if there is anything else interesting to know about them)
3) Finally, and this is very important, I would ask to schedule a call with them to see what the editorial dynamic might be between you. Most editors would be happy to offer you an initial chat - it's a good chance for an editor to determine if the 'fit' is right for them, too.
About me
I also love helping writers navigate the publishing scene, help them with query letters, and decide whether to self-publish or take the traditional route.
If you're worried if your plot isn't tight enough or you're struggling with character development, I can help you. I have over a decade of experience in the industry, and recently I've joined Shawn Coyne's team at the Story Grid and have a network of editors and agents who I can call upon for help and advice.
For London-based writers, I run the London Writers' Salon, where we host daily writing sprints, literary evenings and masterclasses with novelists, screenwriters, poets and playwrights. Past guests have included Benjamin Hardy, novelist Luke Jennings (Killing Eve, Codename Villanelle), Selina Lim (Bafta nominated screenwriter and BBC writer) agent Rachel Mann, Nish Panchal and editors from the Big Five publishing houses.
I cohost the Story Grid Showrunners Podcast where we analyse hit TV shows to help you understand why the story works - we've analysed Killing Eve, You, The Witcher and the Umbrella Academy.
Free consultation call
Languages
English (UK)
Non-Fiction
Business & Management
Fiction
Dystopian
Middle Grade
Mystery & Crime
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult
Certifications
- Story Grid
Work experience
Editor
Publishing Uncovered
January, 2017
–
Present
(over 4 years)
I offer editorial services and writing coaching through my own company Publishing Uncovered and the London Writers' Salon.
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Author Testimonial: First, I want to say thank you! The way you maintain your editorial position while being my biggest supporter is really humbling. I finished reading your report with goosebumps and a million ideas for how to improve, motivation to keep going, and confidence to go about marketing myself. I think it is a testament to your talent at what you do.
Kirby Peterman, author of Sunflowers
Literary Scout
Eccles Fisher
June, 2013
–
March, 2014
(9 months)
Literary Scout for Random House Germany, Spain, Mondadori and other publishers around the world, helping them buy UK books for foreign rights.
Editor
Random House
January, 2011
–
January, 2013
(about 2 years)
Editor for a number of incredible books by talented authors including Andy Mcnab, Bali Rai, Bear Grylls, the Boy Scouts Organization, Olympian Christine Ohurugou, John Flanagan, Patricia McCormick, Michael Williams and many more.
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I had the great good fortune of working with Parul on my first novel with Random House. She proved to be both professional and enthusiastic, exactly what a first-time author needs!
Michael Williams, winner of the UKLA 2014 award for 'Now is the Time for Running'
Editor
Cornerstones
January, 2009
–
January, 2021
(about 12 years)
Editorial mentor for determined and inspired first-time writers.
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Writer testimonial: Working with Parul has defined me as a writer. It propped a pair of external glasses on my nose that made me see my writing from a whole new perspective and gently bypassed my ego and pride as an artist. I cannot believe the difference in my talent between then and now. I can't thank you enough for your partnership and dedication on this journey Parul. So, a humble thank you.
- Gwen Dunne, writing her first novel
Editor
Quercus/ now Hachette
January, 2007
–
January, 2010
(about 3 years)
Editor on a range of wonderful and award-winning books by authors such as Caro King, Kevin Crossley-Holland, Cat Clarke, Gregory Huges, Tad Williams and Lil Chase.
Portfolio (14 selected works)
Dragonfly Girl
Leimbach, Marti
Smoke & Mirrors
Gemma Milne
'Stop following the news until you've read Gemma Milne's persuasive analysis of the hype and bullshit that distort our understanding of emerging science. As she shows, the starting point to grasping the genuine opportunities of AI, life sciences and climate tech is a healthy dose of critical thinking'David Rowan, founding editor of WIRED UK and author of Non-Bullshit Innovation: Radical Ideas ... read more
The Purpose Myth: Change the world, not your job
Cramer, Charlotte, Stimola, Anthony, Naim, Jasmin, Bavishi, Parul
The Secrets of Ordinary Farm: Book 2 (Ordinary Farm Adventures)
Tad Williams, Deborah Beale
Tyler and Lucinda have returned to a far-from-ordinary place for the summer. Instead of pigs and sheep, this farm is home to dragons, unicorns, flying monkeys... This summer, everything has changed - security fences are everywhere and Ordinary Farm is in no small danger. Shortly after Uncle Gideon declares he wants to leave the farm to Tyler and Lucinda, he goes missing, and the children suspe... read more
Genesis
Bernard Beckett
The island Republic has emerged from a ruined world. Its citizens are safe but not free. Until a man named Adam Forde rescues a girl from the sea. Fourteen-year-old Anax thinks she knows her history. She'd better. She's sat facing three Examiners and her five-hour examination has just begun. The subject is close to her heart: Adam Forde, her long-dead hero. In a series of startling twists, Ana... read more
The Hidden Roads: A Memoir of Childhood
Kevin Crossley-Holland
In these pages, Kevin Crossley-Holland visits the foreign land of childhood. First memories as a war-baby; starting a museum; being coached at Lord's; living above the spring line below the great chalk cross at Whiteleaf in the Chiltern Hills, and roaming in the beechwoods; holidays on the north Norfolk coast; falling under the spell of Arthurian legend...Above all, The Hidden Roads revolves a... read more
Never Fall Down
Patricia McCormick
Eleven-year-old Arn is walking through the countryside in Cambodia. His whole town is walking with him. They’re walking into one of the most tragic moments of history: the Killing Fields.Music will save him. Hope, luck and kindness will save him. This is his story.Based on the true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, this is an achingly raw and powerful novel about a child of war who becomes a man of peace.
TURF
John Lucas
Jay is fifteen years old and a member of the Blake Street Boyz gang. With a knife in his pocket and his best friend Milk by his side, he spends his time fiercely defending their turf. He takes his lessons from the streets and thinks he knows everything about choices. Choose the right gang, and they will protect you. Choose the right clothes, the right chat, the right snacks and you will be res... read more
Being a leader is one of the most challenging yet rewarding roles we can take. Good leaders can create powerful teams that have huge impacts on companies, organisations, even the world!But it's not easy to be a leader, especially an effective one. It can be stressful and demanding, and many of us spend our time as a leader feeling like a fraud who will be soon found out.If you're struggling to... read more
Unhooking the Moon
Gregory Hughes
Meet the Rat: A dancing, football-playing gangster-baiting ten-year-old. When she foresaw her father's death, she picked up her football and decided to head for New York. Meet her older brother Bob: Protector of the Rat, but more often her follower, he is determined to find their uncle in America and discover a new life for them both. On their adventures across the flatlands of Winnipeg and th... read more
Now is the Time for Running
Michael Williams
Winner of the 2014 UKLA Award Deo is a great footballer, a fierce protector of his older brother, Innocent. His brother is easily nervous, easily happy but good at keeping score on the dusty fields of Zimbabwe where the boys play.Then Mugabe's soldiers come, destroying the only home the boys have known. Now, Deo has nothing but his brother, and a football stuffed with billions of worthless dol... read more
Fire City
Bali Rai
Twenty-five years ago the world changed forever. A great war, which had raged for three years ended, and the reign of the Demons began...Within the crumbling walls of Fire City, fifteen-year-old Martha is a member of the resistance, a small band of humans fighting for freedom in a lawless and horrifying new world. Amidst the chaos of battle arrives Jonah, a handsome stranger with a thirst for ... read more
Shelter Rock
MP Miles
South Africa is under attack from all sides when Elanza, a politically connected heiress blinded by disease and looking for love before it is too late, meets a naïve English boy. Ralph, eighteen and innocent, has accidentally stumbled upon Elanza – and South Africa’s biggest secret.When Ralph disappears into the darkest part of the Continent to walk home overland, a Swazi spy, the only black A... read more
The New Recruit: Liam Scott Book 1
Andy McNab
What if your prank killed your best friend. Could you live with yourself?You try to forget and move on; you enrol in Army training, you want to make something of your life. The training is tough and it almost breaks you. But you survive; you know you’ll make a good soldier.Finally, when you’re out in Afghanistan, under enemy fire, you come face-to-face with your best friend’s brother. He still... read more
Parul has 8 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Parul has a scientific approach towards structural editing. She does not overpower the author's voice and yet manages to give brilliant direction. She will make you think and ponder over your manuscript with logical reasoning and then turn it into something magical! I am so glad that my first project as a writer was handled by Parul. The structural inputs and approach shared by her is something...
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neha mavani, May 2020
Working with Parul has been eye-opening and educational, both in terms of the craft and my personal approach.
Writers aspire to be storytellers and success is contingent on being able to tell engaging stories. Parul's editorial assessment broke down my draft novel from the perspective of story and identified (with useful examples) parts that were delivering or failing. Talking to her after rec...
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Neeraj Shah, January 2020
The simple truth is that working with Parul not only took my story to an entirely other level, it made me a much better writer. As a result, I am seeing trouble areas in structure more clearly and feeling confident about the range of fixes. It always felt like she gave herself fully to my project, while I am certain I was not the only author in her queue. Our sessions were a joy as well as a sh...
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Wayne Stewart, September 2019
Reply from Parul Bavishi
Parul was amazing to work with because I felt she was very driven and understanding. My encouragement stemmed from her own motivation to expose me to other materials, further creative insights and giving good advice on the subject matter. She has great experience and showed professionalism and empathy. I know that I will work with Parul again.
Dahlia Baeshen, September 2019
Reply from Parul Bavishi
Parul has given me such excellent ways to better my manuscript. I really enjoyed listening to the knowledge she has on books and how best to move forward my story. I thought that the assessment I got from her gave me so much to work with, that I'm feeling very confident and where I can take this book. I really enjoyed her editing my manuscript and I look forward to working more with her in the ...
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Karl Viklund, April 2019
Reply from Parul Bavishi
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