Philip Connor - Editor
London, United Kingdom
Experienced commissioning editor, enthusiastic about literary fiction and narrative non-fiction. Competitive rates and publishing advice.
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Overview
I'm a commissioning editor at Unbound, an award-winning publisher behind books like Letters of Note, The Wake and The Good Immigrant. My job is to find with new authors and work with them on their book to get it ready for publication. While at Unbound, I've had the pleasure of working with the likes of Jonathan Coe, Andy Hamilton, David Quantick, Shaun Usher and Matthew Herbert.
I'm interested in narrative non-fiction - I love books with a human story at their core - and literary fiction. I want to work with the next Martin Amis, Eimear McBride, Julian Barnes or John Banville.
I can also offer advice on how to get published, as well as more specific hands on advice on crowdfunding your book. As well as being an ex-bookseller, I have an MA in Publishing from UCL, a copyediting qualification, and deal with many literary agents in London. I can work on cover letters and writing synopsis for you, as well as drawing up a list of potential agents, editors and publishers.
Languages
English (UK)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
History
Nature
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Humor & Comedy
Literature
Short Story
Thriller
Women's Fiction
Certifications
- MA Publishing from UCL
- BA in Creative Writing, English and History
- Qualified Copyediter from the London School of Publishing
Awards
- Faber & Faber Tebbutt Scholarship
- Cuirt International Festival of Literature New Writing Prize
- The Bookseller Futurebook Hack, Winner of Discoverability Category
Work experience
Commissioning Editor
Unbound
August, 2014
–
Present
(over 4 years)
I'm a commissioning editor at Unbound, an award-winning publisher behind books like Letters of Note, The Wake and The Good Immigrant. We've funded over 160 books and won the Bookseller Book of the Year, the PEN Ackerley Prize, the Gordon Burn Prize and been shortlisted for the Booker, Goldsmiths and Folio Prize.
My job involves assessing manuscripts and proposals from authors and agents to find the ones I'm passionate about. I work with the author to pitch their book to potential readers on our website. Once the book is funded, I typically provide two rounds of edits - the first a bigger picture editorial review and the second a line by line edit, if required. I then manage the book through to publication while it is being copyedit, typeset and proofread to answer any queries and take in any corrections.
Editorial Assisstant
Faber & Faber
May, 2014
–
August, 2014
(3 months)
I worked primarily on the Faber and Faber classics list, learning the basic nuts and bolts of editing and publishing.
Bookseller
Waterstones
September, 2013
–
May, 2014
(8 months)
Worked at various branches of Waterstones selling books while I completed my MA in Publishing.
Bookseller
Charlie Byrne's Books
June, 2012
–
August, 2013
(about 1 year)
Selling books at Ireland's best bookshop. With no computer database of stock, working here is the bookselling equivalent to cab driver's 'The Knowledge'.
Portfolio (21 selected works)
My Groupon Adventure
Max Dickins
"Heartbreaking and breathtaking." (Clive Barker, author of Hellraiser). In 1986 Marc Heal stumbled across a yellowed newspaper cutting about Derry Knight: a man who claimed that he belonged to a secret Satanic group operating at the highest levels of British society. Helped by John Baker, vicar of the Sussex village of Newick, Knight had falsely raised large sums from wealthy gentry on the pre... read more
Trust Me, PR Is Dead
Robert Phillips
In Trust Me, PR is Dead, Robert Phillips - the former EMEA CEO of Edelman, the world's largest public relations firm - calls the end of the PR industry and advocates new models of public leadership and public value. He tells tales from the front line and twenty-five years at the summit of PR, from the 'Hello Boys' Wonderbra campaign to sharing the stage with CEOs and prime ministers, as well a... read more
The Music: A Novel Through Sound
Matthew Herbert
Repeal the 8th
Una Mullally
A Mighty Boy: A Mother’s Journey Through Grief
Sarah Pullen
What would you do if a stranger told you your son was going to die?Silas is ten years old when the headaches start. When the diagnosis arrives, his parents are told they have until Christmas… maybe. And so begins Sarah Pullen’s battle to save her son, against doubting doctors and insurmountable odds. This story about love and loss traces her family’s journey from that first day at the hospital... read more
As humans, we are drawn to predators like no other group of animals. They are the epitome of form and function, and have a level of perfection that we revere.In 2009, wildlife expert, conservationist and photographer David Plummer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Rather than let it defeat him, he was galvanised to grab life by the horns and achieve the perfect wildlife shot. Over the ne... read more
Ladders to Heaven
Mike Shanahan
Johnny Ruin
Dan Dalton
The Shepherd’s Hut
Jonathan Bate
The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2018
Lia Leendertz
Ireland’s Green Larder: The story of food and drink in Ireland
Margaret Hickey
Sparks: Adventures in Street Photography
Stephen Leslie
24 Stories: of Hope for Survivors of the Grenfell Tower Fire
Irvine Welsh, A.L. Kennedy, Meera Syal, John Niven, Pauline Melville, Daisy Buchanan, Christopher Brookmyre, Zoe Venditozzi, Nina Stibbe, Mike Gayle, Murray Lachlan Young, Barney Farmer
Little Girl Who Gave Zero Fucks
Amy Kean
Philip has 6 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Communication
I have to say that I have been really impressed with the honesty and great constructive critique of my book, working with Phil. He has offered me some really valid feedback and helped to push me out of my comfort zone and really think about the way I write whilst also giving me some pointers on elements in the story where it can be built out to make it ultimately a better read. He's pointed o...
Read moreGinny Walker, April 2018
I loved working with Ginny - she was courteous and gracious throughout our collaboration with a fierce desire to learn, and make herself and her book the best it can be. I would 100% recommend her to other professionals and wish her all the best!
My pleasure.
Reply from Philip Connor
The enthusiasm Philip displayed in making his pitch translated to the work, and I felt he ‘honored my intentions’. All of his criticisms/ suggestions were valid.
Read moreSéamus McNally, March 2018
Working with Philip was straightforward and productive. He brings great value to the page.
Read moreBud Morrison, July 2017
Having Philip work on my book with me was an absolute joy. His communication, patience, editing eye and professionalism were second to none. He really helped steer my writing in the right direction through what was quite an emotionally draining process for me personally. I can not recommend him enough, he's a top editor and a top guy.
Read moreLarry Meyler, March 2017
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