Overview
I'm an award-winning freelance editor of commercial non-fiction originally from London, and now based by the sea in Margate, with multiple bestsellers under my belt and over 10 years' experience working in two of the biggest publishing houses in the country. I love working closely with authors to deliver new and exciting books they can be proud of for the rest of their lives.
As a former Editorial Director, I also know what commissioning editors are looking for, so if you're an aspiring author but don't know where to start, I'm here to help.
A former Bookseller Rising Star and Star Buyer, I also headed up the non-fiction list at HarperCollins imprint HQ, from its launch in 2016 through to 2020, when I went freelance.
In that time, HQ was shortlisted for Imprint of the Year and BOSH!, one of my first acquisitions for the list, became a Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller, the biggest-selling vegan cookbook of all time and won Non-Fiction Lifestyle Book of the Year at the Nibbies.
I've also been lucky enough to work with a whole array of wonderful authors including Jane Fonda, anti-racism advocate Sophie Williams, ELLE UK Editor-in-Chief Kenya Hunt, Hollywood actor Anna Faris, BBC TV presenter Kate Humble, actor and TIME's Person of the Year Rose McGowan, Olympian Tom Daley, chef and food writer Gizzi Erskine, award-winning journalist Daisy Buchanan and Sunday Times bestselling psychotherapist Owen O'Kane to name just a few.
I'm a safe and collaborative pair of editorial hands, super organised, with a keen eye for detail and something of a perfectionist. I will not rest until a book is as good as it can possibly be.
I'm also one of 18 "titans of the writing, publishing and book-marketing world" (a.k.a. The Masters) in Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author and Book Writing Super Coach Michael Heppell's Write That Book Masterclass.
I'm available for:
- comprehensive, useful feedback on your non-fiction book concept or proposal
- editing proposals and query letters
- structural and line editing of full manuscripts or book doctor work
I offer practical, honest advice on:
- how to make yourself as attractive as possible to potential agents and publishers
- how to arrive at a compelling book idea and title that's authentic to you and plays to your strengths
- how to create an unmissable query letter and proposal that does your idea justice
- how a book goes from an idea to a bestseller
- how the publishing process really works
I particularly enjoy working on personal development and soft business, but, above all, I love working with smart, dedicated, curious people and I am totally committed to making their work sing.
Services
Non-Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Non-Fiction Lifestyle Book of the Year, British Book Awards 2019 - BOSH!
- Shortlisted for Imprint of the Year, British Book Awards 2019 - HQ
- Shortlisted for Books Are My Bag Readers' Awards 2018 - She Must Be Mad
- Shortlisted for Sports Book Award 2018 - Four Mums in a Boat
- Longlisted for William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2017 - Four Mums in a Boat
- Bookseller Rising Star 2017
- Shortlisted for Best Literary Contribution, Mountbatten Maritime Award 2017 - Four Mums in a Boat
Certifications
- University of Exeter BA (Hons) English 1:1
- General Assembly Product Management 10-week Course
Work experience
Self-employed
In August 2020, I decided to leave permanent employment, in the middle of a pandemic, to go freelance to explore a different way of working and living - and I am a total convert! I now work as a freelance editor of commercial non-fiction, a talent scout on behalf of literary agents and publishers, and a consultant to aspiring authors looking to hone their book proposition, or find an agent or publisher.
HQ, HarperCollins Publishers
Headed up the non-fiction list at new imprint HQ under the ethos of books for bold, smart, curious women.
- Acquired first book from vegan influencers BOSH! in a hotly-contested 8-publisher auction, and built them into the biggest vegan brand in the UK. BOSH! have now sold over 1m copies worldwide
- Acquired ST bestseller THE PRISON DOCTOR by Dr. Amanda Brown who went on to sell over a quarter of a million copies
- Acquired and published SHE MUST BE MAD by Charly Cox - the bestselling debut poet of 2018
- Acquired and published cult self-published freedom-from-alcohol phenomenon THIS NAKED MIND by Annie Grace, who went on to become one of HarperCollins' biggest-selling authors in audio and eBook
- Engineered successful rebrand for chef and award-winning food writer Gizzi Erskine with her 7th book SLOW, which went on become her second bestselling cookbook of all time
HQ, HarperCollins Publishers
Headline, Hachette
Commissioning Editor at Headline, specialising in entertainment, social media, health, fitness, lifestyle, gift humour and pop culture titles.
Worked on bestselling author and YouTuber Fleur de Force’s lifestyle guide The Luxe Life and TV presenter Kate Humble’s exploration of the relationship between humans and dogs, Friend for Life, while pre-empting both Instagram sensation and fitness expert Zanna van Dijk’s debut title Strong, and two titles - How to Be a Grown-Up and The Sisterhood from award-winning columnist and media commentator Daisy Buchanan.
Portfolio
Rachel has 7 reviews
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Jun, 2024
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Mar, 2024
Don S.
Nov, 2022
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Aug, 2022
Jennifer L.
Jul, 2022
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