Steve Burdett – Editor

I have been editing and ghostwriting non-fiction books for almost fifteen years, with everyone from first-time authors to experienced writers and journalists, and from behind-the-scenes experts to some of the leading lights in music, entertainment and sport. I work with trade publishers such as Ebury, Penguin, HarperCollins and Orion, among many more.As a former HarperCollins in-house editor – where I worked on books by Chris Evans, Alan Partridge, Usain Bolt and John Bishop, to name-drop but a few – I have first-hand experience of what goes into making a successful book. And as a bestselling ghostwriter I can empathise with the struggles involved in writing a book – not to mention the experience of being on the other end of an editor’s comments (the truth doesn’t always have to hurt!).I have had the pleasure of working on the memoirs of some incredible high-profile people, including Chrissie Hynde, Bruce Dickinson, Sarah Millican, Carlo Ancelotti and Guy Martin. And I’ve derived just as much satisfaction from the books of people who aren’t household names, but have an equally great story to tell. I’d never heard of Andrew Matheson or the Hollywood Brats before I edited his memoir, Sick on You, but it remains one of the books I’m most proud of working on.I help authors turn complicated ideas and methodology into accessible reads, so that they entertain as well as inform. My work with Dr Dave Alred – performance coach to the likes of Jonny Wilkinson – on his bookThe Pressure Principle and with Nick Littlehales – elite sports sleep coach to Team Sky and Real Madrid – on Sleep is testament to that. They are industry-leading figures whose approach to their respective subjects warrants a broader audience. Because whatever type of book it is, the story you’re telling needs to be shown in its best light to make it a success. And if I can help make your story shine too – whether that’s through a developmental edit, some editorial guidance or polishing your manuscript with a copy edit – then I’d love to hear from you.