Mikaela Pedlow - Editor

I love a story I can really sink my teeth into – whether it transports me to another world or time or way of thinking. I have over 7 years' experience working at Penguin Random House in London publishing fiction and narrative non-fiction. I've had the pleasure to work with authors and translators on books ranging from prize-winning literary fiction in translation to bestselling world-building fiction.

I believe I have open, wide-ranging tastes, and I love to be surprised or challenged as much as I love to be blissfully tucked away in a book. I also have a particular penchant for dark humour, irreverence, stories with heart and soul, alternate realities or histories, and powerful female and LGBTQIA+ voices.

I'm passionate about literacy and have volunteered as a reading tutor in primary schools since my own school days, most recently with the Beanstalk charity.

I'm committed to diversifying voices in publishing and regularly volunteer as a mentor for Penguin Random House Write Now, an award-winning programme which aims to find, nurture and publish new writers from under-represented communities (UK writers: definitely check it out if you think it might apply to you!).

While I don't currently have the time resource to take on copy-editing and proofreading jobs, I'd love to help writers with constructive feedback on their hooks, pitches and manuscripts. If you have a story that you're eager to share with readers and are looking for editorial guidance, encouragement and constructive criticism – whatever stage you're at – I'd love to hear from you. It's a privilege to read someone's writing, and I would handle yours with the upmost care and candour.