Yen-Yen Lu

Yen-Yen Lu – Editor

Freelance editor with experience working at indie publishers. I'm passionate about underrepresented voices and authentic stories. She/her.

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 well as undertaking short-term projects with Usborne Publishing and Sage Publications. 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.


Through working with authors, 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 refine an author's skills not only for their existing work, but for their writing in the long-term as well.


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.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Middle Grade Poetry Short Story Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • BA (Hons) Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2022 — Present

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.

Out-Spoken Press

May, 2018 — Jun, 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.

The Emma Press

Jan, 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.

Banipal Books

Jun, 2016 — Oct, 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.

Yen-Yen has 10 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Selamile D.

Selamile D.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
Literally one of the best editors I've worked with - if you're on the fence, don't hesitate, just book her. She's an incredibly insightful and responsive editor who will take your work to the next level
Annie J.

Annie J.

Jun, 2024

Yen-Yen was great to work with. Timely, thorough, and affordable. I'm very grateful for the collaboration and would recommend.
Gabrielle P.

Gabrielle P.

Mar, 2024

Yen-Yen was very responsive and diligent. She communicated every step of the way. Additionally, she completed the proofreading one month ahead of schedule. I highly recommend her services moving forward. Very professional, friendly, and accommodating.
saira A.

saira A.

Feb, 2024

Yen-Yen is very professional and helpful. Her feedback was very constructive and helped polish my short story. She was also very kind to explain how the process works as I was new to Reedsy. I would highly recommend her and look forward to collaborating again soon :)
Tosin P.

Tosin P.

Sep, 2023

My moment with Yen-Yen made me realise that the most efficient way to communicate is when we can hear each other … maybe it just work better for me. It was effective in helping with completing my poetry manuscript Thank you for helping & your input into editing and proofreading my poetry manuscript. Much appreciated

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