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 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. It’s super helpful to know if you already have a budget in mind. Do also include any initial questions you have for me. Thank you!*