Yen-Yen Lu

Yen-Yen Lu - Editor

London, UK

I am a freelance editor who has worked with independent publishers across poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and children's books.

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Overview

I am a proofreader and editor with several years of experience in these fields and other publishing roles, which has helped me to gain an extensive knowledge of the book industry. I have worked with independent publishers including Faber Children's, The Emma Press, and Banipal Books. As a freelancer, I've also taken on various projects with self-published authors and enjoyed the opportunity to promote underrepresented voices in literature. I have worked with a range of genres, from memoir, poetry, prose, and children's books, and have taken the time to learn about each genre in regards to the author and the wider context of how the work might fit in the genre.

Having worked with authors as an editor in many of my roles, studying Creative Writing at university, and being a book-lover in my spare time, I have developed strong editing and proofreading skills as well as learning to be perceptive to what an author needs. My approach is both meticulous and creative; I want to help writers create work that makes the intended audience happy as much as it makes the author themselves happy, from getting the tone of the book just right to working out a tricky plot point. Writing is often a solitary experience and it can be easy to get stuck or blocked. I hope to provide some perspective to shape and improve an author's work not only for what they're currently working on, but also for their writing in the long-term.


I'm flexible in my style of feedback and can adapt to what would be most suitable, whether it's 'tracked changes' in Microsoft Word or a more detailed discussion via email.

Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Coming of Age
Middle Grade
Poetry
Short Story
Young Adult

Certifications

  • BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Work experience

Freelance Editor and Reader

Self-employed
September, 2022 – Present (7 months)

I work as a freelance editor alongside my full-time employment and have enjoyed working with independent authors as well as publishing companies including Faber Children's and The Emma Press.

Publishing Administrator

Out-Spoken Press
May, 2018 – June, 2019 (about 1 year)

I helped co-ordinate the Out-Spoken Press publishing schedule, participated in editorial meetings to commission new works, and worked closely with authors to organise literary prize submissions, launch events, and festival appearances. My other responsibilities included creating social media content, managing publicity for new titles, and tracking book sales across the publisher's website, bookshops, and other channels.

Editor

The Emma Press
January, 2017 – May, 2019 (over 2 years)

I worked as an editor for the Emma Press which involved proofing new manuscripts, taking part in editorial meetings to discuss new publishing projects, and working closely with authors on developmental edits as well as advising on marketing and PR. I was involved in a call for submissions and read over 500 submissions before creating a shortlist and longlist with the rest of the team. I am also a guest editor for an anthology of short stories. My other responsibilities included writing and commissioning content for the blog, writing a monthly newsletter, and creating social media content.

Editor

Banipal Books
June, 2016 – October, 2018 (over 2 years)

My role at Banipal involved a range of marketing and editorial duties, including proofreading English translations (from Arabic) for the magazine, managing and editing web content and social media, and producing marketing materials such as flyers and posters. I was also involved in marketing and promotion of a prestigious lecture event (in conjunction with Banipal’s literary translation prize) at the British Library.

Portfolio (8 selected works)

Head That Wears A Crown

Emma Wright Rachel Piercey

Everything That Can Happen: Poems about the Future

Evans, Suzannah, Wright, Emma, Sastry, Tom

Second Place Rosette: Poems about Britain

O'Brien, Richard, Wright, Emma, Wright, Emma

Night-time Stories

Yen-Yen Lu, Emma Dai'an Wright

Yen-Yen has 2 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Richard Giaquinto
I am a novice writer, and writing my book's third draft required over two years — a memoir. I needed a line editor to review it, so I used reedsy. I selected Yen-Yen Lou's bid for several reasons. First, her response sounded authentic and response. Second, she wrote, "I like your voice and would welcome an opportunity to work with you." I knew I could work with her. I had limited experience w...
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Richard Giaquinto, February 2023


Jazmin Galloway
Yen-Yen was an absolute gem to work with. They were fully understanding, flexible, and professional. They produced excellent results in a cost-effective, timely manner. I had a great experience and would definitely recommend them for your next project.

Jazmin Galloway, November 2022

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