Mikaela Pedlow

Mikaela Pedlow – Editor

Experienced book editor (10 years at Penguin Random House). Respectful and supportive advice. Love a story I can sink my teeth into.

Overview

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 ten 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 have open-minded, 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 have a penchant for dark humour, irreverence, stories with heart and soul, alternate realities or histories, big families and epic loves, 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 have volunteered 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-based writers: definitely check it out if you think it might apply to you!).

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 utmost care and candour.

*When submitting a request to me: To make sure I’m the right editor for you, I’d love to know as much as possible about your plans, why you’re looking for an editor and what your final ambitions for the project are. Do also include any initial questions you have for me. Thank you!*

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Dystopian Fantasy Historical Fiction Magical Realism Young Adult
Non-Fiction
DIY & Crafts Nature
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Harvill Secker, VINTAGE, Penguin Random House

Aug, 2017 — Jul, 2023 (almost 6 years)

Self-employed

Jul, 2023 — Present
Freelance editor with 10 years’ publishing experience in-house at Penguin Random House. Now specializing in developmental editing for fiction and narrative non-fiction. Doing more of what I love!

Penguin Random House

Jan, 2018 — Dec, 2020 (almost 3 years)

Penguin Random House

Jan, 2017 — Dec, 2019 (almost 3 years)

Harvill Secker, Vintage, Penguin Random House

Feb, 2014 — Jul, 2022 (over 8 years)

Portfolio

The Starless Sea

Morgenstern, Erin

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock

Gowar, Imogen Hermes

Bestiary

Chang, K-Ming

Red Star Down

D. B. John

Vintage Publishing

THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE. THIS IS THE STORY OF WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE IT DOES. A propulsive international spy thriller for fans of MOSCOW X, I AM PILGRIM and SLOW HORSES'Magnificently concei... read more
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Breathings of the Moon

Nash, Byrd

Rook and Castle Press

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
The Growing Season

Sedgwick, Helen

Shadowplay: A Novel

O’Connor, Joseph

Mac and His Problem

Vila-Matas, Enrique

Mikaela has 14 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ning D.

Ning D.

Jul, 2025

Pinned
I'm incredibly grateful to have found Mikaela. Her insights have done wonders for my manuscript, helping me sharpen my vision rather than just changing things. She understood my story and characters inside out and offered brilliant suggestions. Collaborating and communicating with Mikaela was alw...
Read more
Byrd N.

Byrd N.

Oct, 2024

Pinned
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Mikaela. I had a new project (Breathings of the Moon) that wasn't coming together so took a chance with developing the idea into a fully formed book (fiction, magical realism) with this collaboration. She was fantastic during our Zoom meetings where it was very h...
Read more
J H.

J H.

May, 2024

Pinned
Mikaela is fantastic to work with. Her insightful feedback has helped me level up my novel in a way I could only dream of and she is now even working with me on query letters. She is quick to respond and a top professional. I am so glad that I chose to work with Mikaela and highly recommend her.
Drew S.

Drew S.

Apr, 2025

The first thing that's been apparent about Mikaela is her investment in your story and in you. She cared a lot to hear about what I was specifically aiming for and hoping to accomplish with my book and tailored her feedback and our sessions to that. Second her write-ups have been very thorough an...
Read more
Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Mar, 2025

So pleased I chose Mikaela to give me feedback on my application to literary agents! Excellent support from a top professional in publishing. Highly recommended. Thank you for your advice and help, Mikaela!

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Mikaela and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Mikaela

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Hannah Smith

Hannah S.

A successful editorial director at Penguin, I aim to bring out the best in your work so that it's ready for the publication journey.

London, UK

95% reply rate

View profile
Niamh Mulvey

Niamh M.

Experienced, sensitive and enthusiastic editor and published writer here to help you discover the story you need to tell!

London, UK

95% reply rate

View profile
Sydney Weinberg

Sydney W.

Perceptive editor of novels and memoirs. With 10+ years experience, I'll help you hone your voice and shape your narrative.

London, UK

100% reply rate

View profile