Overview
Freelance editor, publishing consultant and writer for children's books, with over 19 years of experience working for leading publishing houses including Macmillan, Bloomsbury, Hachette, 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
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Self-employed
Working with new and established authors and illustrators to provide:
- Publishing consultancy
- Manuscript critiques
- Story development
- Text editing
- Series development
- Writing and illustration advice
- Proofreading and copy editing
- Support and project management for self-publishing
- Contract management
Working for publishing houses on a freelance basis to provide:
- Project management
- Story development
- Text editing
- Series planning
- Author and illustrator care
- Scouting
- Writing and creative development
- Agent and contract negotiation
Clients include:
Farshore/Egmont
Hachette Children's Group
Scholastic
Oxford University Press
Flying Eye Books
Nosy Crow
Bloomsbury
Hachette Children's Group
Providing captaincy and author/illustrator care during a period of team adjustment on key picture book brands.
Aligning publishing strategy and author/illustrator/agent needs with publisher priorities.
Special focus on developing preschool and series extension.
Bloomsbury Children's Books
Deputising for the Publishing Director, acting as key contact with agents and authors for new publishing opportunities, and devising publishing strategy for the list.
I composed some major pitches to agents and licensors, made book signings and negotiated those acquisitions, and also worked closely and openly with authors and illustrators, both established and new, in the creative development of their work.
With a strong company emphasis on collaboration between the UK and US arms of the business, publishing for cross-Atlantic audiences played a key part in the role.
Macmillan Children's Books
I built a new commercial strand within the picture books list, focussing on making books with instant child and market appeal.
I was fortunate to entice and work with many celebrated names in picture books and also nurture exciting new talent. Together we created a number of bestselling and award-winning picture books, including YOU'RE CALLED WHAT? by Kes Gray and Nikki Dyson, I AM A TIGER by Karl Newson and Ross Collins, CAKE by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, and LITTLE RED READING HOOD by Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle.
I also worked on key illustrated children's properties including 'The Gruffalo', 'Dinosaur Roar!' and Macmillan's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', creating new titles to extend the brands. And I was honoured to work on Commander Chris Hadfield's semi-autobiographical picture book THE DARKEST DARK, illustrated by The Fan Brothers, and the illustrated children's edition of Nelson Mandela's autobiography LONG WALK TO FREEDOM.
Portfolio
Laura has 32 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Oluchi E.
Sep, 2024
Violet C.
May, 2024
Richard W.
May, 2024
Kate M.
May, 2024
Natalie F.
Apr, 2024
Sign up to read more reviews
Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Laura and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.
