Laura Roberts
Laura Roberts works as a developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader, with 20 years of experience. Laura focuses on non-fiction, young adult and children's books.
Services & Specialisms
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Ghostwriting
Book Coaching
Book Formatting
Genres
Non-Fiction · Young Adult · Children's Books
Languages
English
Availability
Available for immediate projects
Books Laura Has Worked On
A selection of titles Laura has helped bring to life.
All Are Welcome
By Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman · Bloomsbury
You're Called What?
By Kes Gray and Nikki Dyson · Macmillan
I Am A Tiger
By Karl Newson and Ross Collins · Macmillan
More books
Little Red Reading Hood
By Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle · Macmillan
A Long Tail
By Rebecca Atkinson and Kate Read · Quarto
Laura's Professional Experience
Publishing Consultant — Self-Employed
August 2018
Publishing and editorial support for new and established authors and illustrators, including:
- manuscript critique
- story development
- text editing
- series and brand development
- writing and illustration advice
- proofreading and copy-editing
- self-publishing support
- contract advice
Freelance and contract work for publishing houses, including:
- publishing strategy
- project management
- story and concept development
- text editing
- series development
- author and illustrator care
- scouting
- writing and creative development
- agent and contract negotiation
Editorial Director, Quarto — Company
December 2024 – March 2026
Looking after the Design Eye and Happy Yak imprints across UK and US markets, comprising preschool, picture books, illustrated non-fiction and high-end novelty titles.
- Devising publishing strategy to enable list growth
- Tracking budget
- Leading a team of editors and designers
- Managing key stakeholder relationships, internally and externally
- Seeking out new opportunities for innovative preschool novelty, child-focussed picture books and accessible non-fiction
- Caretaking existing author and illustrator relationships and growing their market share, including Kes Gray and Rebecca Atkinson
Editorial Director, Picture Book Brands, Hachette — Company
April 2024 – August 2024
Team captaincy and author/illustrator care on key picture book brands including 'Giraffes Can’t Dance' (Giles Andrea and Guy Parker-Rees), 'Oi Frog and Friends' (Kes Gray and Jim Field) and 'DinoFeelings' (Rachel Bright and Chris Chatterton).
- Aligning author/illustrator/agent needs with publisher priorities
- Special focus on developing preschool and series/brand extension
Executive Editor, Illustrated Publishing, Bloomsbury Children's — Company
August 2017 – August 2018
Deputising for the Publishing Director on the picture books and preschool list.
- Devising publishing strategy
- Seeking new publishing opportunities and making book signings
- Pitching for competitive picture book and licence acquisitions
- Tracking budget
- Line-managing junior editors
Key titles included 'All Are Welcome' (Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman, New York Times Bestseller), 'The Viking Who Liked Icing' (Lu Fraser & Mark McKinley, Waterstones Prize 2022 shortlisted) and 'The King’s Birthday Suit' (Peter Bently & Claire Powell, Laugh Out Loud Awards 2023 shortlisted).
Senior Commissioning Editor, Picture Books, Macmillan Children's Books — Company
October 2010 – July 2017
Built a new picture book list offering child-pleasing, accessible books that tapped into key trends and market opportunities.
- Developed exciting new talent and attracted celebrated authors and illustrators to build market-leading brands, including 'You’re Called What?' (Kes Gray & Nikki Dyson), 'I Am A Tiger' (Karl Newson & Ross Collins), 'Cake' (Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet), 'Little Red Reading Hood' (Lucy Rowland & Ben Mantle), 'The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland' (Carys Bexington & Kate Hindley), 'The Darkest Dark' (Commander Chris Hadfield & The Fan Brothers), 'Sproutzilla' (Tom Jamieson & Mike Byrne).
- Brand extension of heritage and licensed properties including 'The Macmillan Alice' and 'Dinosaur Roar!'
- Line-managed junior editors
What Laura's Clients Say
Verified reviews from clients they have worked with
“Laura has been instrumental in supporting and shaping my writing career and championing my stories . . . I always really enjoy the editing process with Laura. Her feedback is honest, thorough, thoughtful and constructive, and she has a wonderful way of molding stories to bring out the best in them. Laura has also taken time to consider my writing career holistically . . . by suggesting a publishing strategy for me, both at Bloomsbury and Macmillan.”
When it comes to writing, Laura is a wizard/mage/sorceress (but not one of the evil ones). She knows what makes a story tick and proved invaluable in helping me improve as a writer. From structure, to pacing, to keeping the voice consistent, everything I've learned I've taken forwards with me. Plus, she's a lovely person to boot.
Laura was fantastic to work with. She was open, friendly, knowledgable and brilliant at guiding me through the process of publishing my first picture book. Laura is quick thinking and was very open to learning from me about tactile literacy and inclusion. Laura went out of her way to innovate and problem solve to realise my idea. Thank you Laura!
Laura is without doubt one of the best people I’ve met in the publishing world. I’m certain I would not be where I am today had I not met her by chance at a book launch party . . . She was instrumental in shaping my confidence back then . . . I’ve learnt so much from our discussions. Her feedback is always brilliant and delivered in the most encouraging and uplifting way; she knows how to get the best out of one’s writing.
Laura stepped into a challenging staffing situation to steady a picture book list featuring a number of my clients and did a brilliant job in a short time. She’s adept at working with high profile creators and debut talent and is always communicative, professional and kind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laura Roberts
What services does Laura Roberts offer?
Laura Roberts offers the following services: Developmental Editing, Copy Editing, Proofreading, Ghostwriting, Book Coaching, Book Formatting, Author Branding, Line Editing, Series and Brand Development.
What genres does Laura Roberts specialize in?
Laura specializes in Non-Fiction, Young Adult, Children's Books.
Is Laura Roberts currently accepting new clients?
Laura is currently accepting new clients.
How do I contact Laura Roberts?
Visit Laura's website at https://www.laurarobertseditor.com/ to enquire about working together. Most professionals respond within a few business days.
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