Sorrel Pitts – Editor

Professional editor in trade-fiction and ELT publishing

I have 30 years' experience in the publishing industry, working in-house as Commissioning Editor for Macmillan Publishers and Editorial Manager (Publisher) for Oxford University Press. My freelance clients have included Penguin Random House (PRH), Harper Collins, Oxford University Press, York Press, Cambridge University Press, Magic Cat, Fiction Express and Cengage (National Geographic), and many individual authors.

I have an MA in Publishing from Oxford Brookes University.

I am the author of two psychological thrillers and have been represented under contract by three top literary agents (Sheil Land, Curtis Brown and David Higham). Sir Michael Parkinson called my first novel, 'A fascinating story told by a very promising writer.'

I offer manuscript assessment, development and line editing, curation and self/traditional and digital publishing advisory services (including how to market your book both traditionally and digitally).

I am highly organised and clear sighted about how to achieve my goals with a long track record of delivering high-quality manuscripts on time. I have edited numerous adaptations of (and have also adapted myself) best-selling novels, biographies and factual works for adults and children. I am also (I like to think!) easy going, adaptable and fun to work with.

TESTIMONIALS

"I have known Sorrel for over four years, in her capacity as series editor, editor and author. She has proved herself invaluable in her contributions to two flagship series – Ladybird Readers and Penguin Readers – both of which she was instrumental in setting up. Sorrel is consistent in delivering manuscripts of the highest quality, to schedule. Particularly impressive has been her work with high profile brands such as Peppa Pig and Roald Dahl, and bestselling authors from Lee Child to Bernardine Evaristo, and she can be trusted to treat content with sensitivity and creativity. As a team member, Sorrel is never less than professional, reliable, and a pleasure to work with. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Sorrel for future work."

Ann Sandham, Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House

Sorrel grew as a senior editor/commissioning editor over the years I worked with her. Her passion for good writing was highlighted by her choice of authors and her selection of titles to be retold. She worked incredibly well with authors, editors and designers. She was creative, conceiving of new projects and series as well as having an eye for detail always delivering high quality content. She worked across children, teen, young adult and adult titles. She also had commercial acumen for publishing for different markets. I have no hesitation recommending her.

Emily Rosser, Publisher/Publishing Director, Macmillan Publishers, 2006-2013

"Sorrel edited four titles for me during 2022-23. She worked with the author to develop and polish his core text into high-quality manuscripts that were delivered on time and will be published this year. Sorrel is a pleasure to work with and has vast publishing experience which will be invaluable to any novice author. I highly recommend her as both as an editor and a writer."

Helen Holwill, Holwill Publications