Alice Hoskyns
Freelance Editor
Hello! I’m Alice.
I have worked in books for five years, starting out at CHEERIO Publishing before moving to C&W where I built my own list and worked closely with Managing Director Sophie Lambert. At C&W I edited and sold the work of debut novelists, seasoned and award-winning authors, illustrators, journalists, experts and chefs.
I have extensive experience working with creatives whose ideas might have started out in an entirely different medium, and who are only just beginning to think of themselves as an 'author'.
I left C&W to work part-time as an IP Scout in the Curtis Brown talent department, where I source books with adaptation potential for actors and production companies.
I am also an actor and playwright.
I like what I like, and you like what you like, and art is the place where liking what we like, over and over, is not only allowed but is the essential skill. How emphatically can you like what you like? How long are you willing to work on something, to ensure that every bit of it gets infused with some trace of your radical preference?
The choosing, the choosing, that’s all we’ve got.
- George Saunders, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain
Services
For when you need a second pair of eyes on a manuscript, proposal or script.
I will read your material and provide a short (1-2 pages), medium (3-5 pages) or long (6-10 pages) report.
For when you need me to go in with a fine-tooth comb and polish your material before submission. Option to add an editorial report to this package.
For when you need a collaborator, not just an editor. This is my most intensive service: I offer a full structural and line edit of the manuscript, substantial, effective cuts to your word count and rewrites where necessary.
We’ll look at everything from voice, to pacing, to individual character arcs and narrative drive, working on it together until we’re able to hold the jewel that is your novel up to the light and watch it glimmer!
Author Testimonials
‘Alice is a whip-smart, eagle-eyed editor equally at home with fiction and non-fiction. She is also warm, friendly and fun and I loved working with her.’
Christie Watson, bestselling author of The Language of Kindness
'The best collaborations are the ones that feel effortless. Of course, they're usually anything but - they draw on oceans of patience and pragmatism and intuition. This is how Alice works. And its an absolute dream to be part of.'
Neil Boorman, author and journalist
‘Alice is a complete dream to work with. When everything is feeling a bit too big and messy she comes through with an endless level of creativity, talent, detail, precision and charm that makes the process joyful again. If I could get her to sort out my personal life too, I would.’
Harry Trevaldwyn, actor/writer and author of The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King
‘Alice is a joy to work with, her ability to sensitively nurture and tease out early ideas coupled with managing and pushing all aspects of the wider book process forward, makes for the perfect balance. Her attention to detail and unwavering support has been invaluable to me, it’s a pleasure to work with someone so talented and have her in my corner every step of the way.’
Lydia Wood, illustrator and author of LOCALS: An Illustrated Ode to London’s Pubs
Alice’s editorial work on my novel was truly transformative, taking it from rejected draft to sold to major publishing houses in both the UK and America. Her knowledge of the commercial market pushed me to write in the most fresh and relevant ways for my readers and gave me the confidence to try new ideas in my work. She has the most empathetic critical eye and passionately advocated for my characters and themes throughout her brilliant notes. After years of struggling with knowing what to keep and what to cut, Alice made killing my darlings feel like a total joy. I’m so excited to see my book out in the world next year and enormously grateful I could work with her.
Emily Ostlere, author of I’M NOT NORMALLY LIKE THIS
I have been lucky enough to have Alice read and make editorial suggestions on several of my books. She has amazing attention to detail, a strong instinct for what does and doesn't work in early drafts, and a talent for spotting subtle improvements that can elevate a manuscript into something much more compelling. She is always enthusiastic and positive and has an incredible work ethic. I have genuinely loved working with her, and wouldn't hesitate in recommending her to anyone seeking editorial advice.’
Nikki Smith, author of six novels including THE BEACH PARTY and THE GUESTS
Get in Touch
Drop me an email if you’re ready to get started, or if you have any questions. I offer the standard packages listed on my website or more bespoke processes - let’s find the version that works best for you.
