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
HQ, HarperCollins Publishers
HQ, HarperCollins Publishers
Headline, Hachette
Portfolio
Rachel has 7 reviews
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Jesse I.
Jun, 2024

Dr. Deborah V.
Mar, 2024

Don S.
Nov, 2022

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Aug, 2022

Jennifer L.
Jul, 2022
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