Laura Roberts – Editor

Freelance editor, publishing consultant and writer for children's books, with over 18 years of experience working for leading publishing houses including Macmillan, Bloomsbury, Oxford Children's Books and Scholastic. I've developed, commissioned and edited over 100 illustrated books for children, specialising in picture books and also working on branded, licensed, non-fiction, young fiction and chapter books.

I've had the privilege of commissioning and publishing a wealth of fantastic picture books, such as the UK edition of the #1 New York Times bestseller ALL ARE WELCOME by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman, YOU'RE CALLED WHAT? by Kes Gray and Nikki Dyson and CAKE by picture book superstars Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet. I've also worked on some of the biggest brands in illustrated children's books including 'The Gruffalo', 'Dinosaur Roar!' and 'The Macmillan Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'.

I provide a wide range of editorial services to new and established authors and illustrators, such as:

- Manuscript critique

- Story development

- Text editing

- Illustration direction

- Series planning

- Writing

- Support with self-publishing

- Advice on seeking agent representation and getting published

I've helped a number of new writers to secure an agent and go on to have their work published, including Karl Newson, author of I AM A TIGER (that I also had the pleasure of publishing), which has achieved huge international sales and won a number of UK book awards and nominations before growing into a successful picture book series.

My working style is friendly, honest and very approachable. The feedback I provide is thorough, detailed, and rooted in sound market knowledge and strong industry experience. I will always offer clear ideas and creative solutions in order to help give an idea or a text its strongest chance of publication. I take pride in ensuring that authors and illustrators feel they can trust my judgement and direction on their work -- after all, it is their art and I want them to feel assured that together we will create a great book!

Here's what my published authors have to say:

“Laura is without doubt one of the best people I’ve met in the publishing world. I’m certain I would not be where I am today had I not met her by chance at a book launch party . . . She was instrumental in shaping my confidence back then . . . I’ve learnt so much from our discussions. Her feedback is always brilliant and delivered in the most encouraging and uplifting way; she knows how to get the best out of one’s writing.” - Karl Newson, Author

“Laura has been instrumental in supporting and shaping my writing career and championing my stories . . . I always really enjoy the editing process with Laura. Her feedback is honest, thorough, thoughtful and constructive, and she has a wonderful way of molding stories to bring out the best in them.” - Lucy Rowland, Author