Editorial Support
Author Coaching
Commissioning
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‘Book Doctoring’
I work with in-house commissioning editors and authors to help shape a book from the ideas stage right through to a finished manuscript. I am a creative and sensitive editor and support new or established authors to get their message across while ensuring the book has strong commercial appeal.
Editing and Project Management
Meticulous and with a real eye for detail, I carry out in-depth structural edits or more straightforward copy edits, depending on what is required. I edit on screen and can liaise directly with the author(s) over queries/structural changes. Alternatively, I can draw up a separate document sensitively recommending changes that need to be made. I am also happy to project manage and support publishers from manuscript delivery through to final PDF, booking in additional freelancers as required.
(I no longer carry out proofreads, but please contact me if you have a particular project you need specific support with.)
SERVICES
Proposal Development
I work with literary agents and in-house commissioners to formulate and write winning book proposals.
Author Coaching
If you’re looking for an expert overview of your proposal or manuscript, I offer a one-off reader’s report identifying strengths and weaknesses, or I can work with you to hone your ideas and structure a winning proposal and/or sample text. I also offer advice on submitting your work to commissioning editors/literary agents. Please note that my slots for one-to-one work with independent authors are now fully booked for 2026.
Commissioning
I have ten years’ in-house commissioning experience and can boost your list through freelance commissioning in the following genres: health, parenting, well-being, personal development, soft business and personal finance.
BookMachine Campus Tutor
To access my course, Building a Strong Author-Editor Relationship, please go to: https://campus.bookmachine.co/checkout/campus-membership?affiliate_code=54943e
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ABOUT ME
I have over 20 years’ experience in non-fiction publishing and am sensitive, accurate, reliable and organised.
I am the freelance editor behind bestselling titles such as The Signs, Manifest Like a Mother, A Better Second Half, You Deserve Good Gelato and How to Feed Your Toddler, and I was shortlisted for 'Freelancer of the Year' at The Bookseller's FutureBook Awards 2024.
I work on books across a range of genres, including parenting, health, well-being, personal development, lifestyle, cookery, self-help, soft business and popular psychology.
Qualifications
Training
2021 Word for Practical Editing, CIEP
2007 Copywriting, in-house course at Random House
2005 Negotiation Skills, in-house course at Random House
2003 Book Production for Editors, The Publishing Training Centre
2001 Copy-editing Skills, The Publishing Training Centre
2001 Proofreading for Editors, The Publishing Training Centre
Education
MA English Literature (Merit), University of Warwick
BA Hons English Literature (2:1), University of Warwick
‘A’ Levels: English Literature, A; Geography, A; Government and Politics, A
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Here is a selection of books I have worked on over the last few years.
If you'd like to discuss how I can help you with your project, please email me.
PROJECTS
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I provide professional support with project editing, structural editing and copy editing to some of the biggest names in the publishing industry, as well as self-publishing companies and independent authors. I also develop proposals for literary agencies.
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TESTIMONIALS
Julia is a truly exceptional editor – she has a solution-based, creative approach to the most complicated of projects from the get-go. She adds invaluable amounts of experience and knowledge to every project she works on with us – and genuinely makes the editing / book doctor process one of reward and joy for my authors; they absolutely love working with her, as do I. She engages in such an attuned way with our intentions and aims for a book’s overarching message, and helps bring it all to life time and time again.
Lauren Whelan, Publisher, Non-Fiction, Transworld
Julia is absolutely fantastic. I’ve been working with her now for many years and I request her for every book I do. She’s so detailed in her editing and goes above and beyond. She really supports her clients through the whole of the editing process which makes you feel relaxed and just so confident in her work. I always know that, if she’s supporting me on a project, that’s one less thing for me to worry about AND that it’ll be a super successful piece of work.
Charlotte Stirling-Reed, bestselling author of How to Wean Your Baby, How to Feed Your Toddler and
How to Feed Your Family
I have worked with Julia for many years and I can trust her to work her magic on any book – no matter how challenging. Julia goes above and beyond with her editorial support and her author care is second to none.
Sam Jackson, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House
Julia is both a sensitive and psychologically sophisticated editor. She can grasp complex ideas from different fields – such as my own, psychoanalysis. She understands character and meaning in language and how to rephrase and consider words with you, the author, in different ways. Julia is never judgemental or critical, but rather an extension of the writer's mind – collaborative and respectful. I would work with her again in a heartbeat.
Juliet Rosenfeld, psychotherapist and author of Affairs
Julia is an excellent editor and can turn her hand to a wide range of editorial work across different subject areas. You can always count on her to deliver, whether you need help with a structural edit, copy edit, proofread or complete rewrite. She's a pleasure to work with and I strongly recommend her.
Susanna Abbott, Publishing Director, Bonnier Books UK
I absolutely loved working with Julia. She was a brilliant, efficient and precise copy editor.
Roxie Nafousi, bestselling author of Confidence and Manifest
Julia always brings such warmth, clarity and insight to the editing process. She makes me feel supported and inspired, and I couldn’t recommend her more highly.’
Dr Tara Swart, neuroscientist and bestselling author of The Source and The Signs
Julia is a master at what she does. She helped me to structure my thoughts in a way that made it easy for the reader to follow, while keeping my authentic voice and style. I’ve had so many positive comments on the layout of my book, which Julia helped me create. She has a remarkable balance of patience and challenge to make your writing the best it can possibly be. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Jon Prince, author of Start Before You're Ready
Julia is a pleasure to work with and challenges ideas where necessary to bring out the best in a manuscript. She is reliable, organised and quick!
Zita West, leading fertility and pregnancy expert and author of Zita West's Guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception
I have worked on two non-fiction books with Julia. The process was kindly and gently overseen. Julia is experienced, supportive and, above all, honest.
Carolyn Cowan, psychotherapist and author of Shame: The Path Out of Hell and Breathing for Pregnancy
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CONTACT
For more information or to discuss individual projects, please email me at mail@juliakellaway.co.uk or complete the form below.