Hi! I'm Katie.
I’m a bookworm and story enthusiast.
Back in 2013, I graduated from Roehampton University with a first class degree in Creative Writing, a passion for editing, and a lot of fond memories.
Since then, I've helped writers develop their storytelling as an editor, mentor and tutor. I've also enjoyed running workshops for writers, and more casual gatherings for creatives of any discipline.
Since then, I've helped writers develop their storytelling as an editor, mentor and tutor. I've also enjoyed running workshops for writers, and more casual gatherings for creatives of any discipline.
When I’m not reading or writing, I’m usually doodling, baking or wandering in the nearby woods with Roxi.
What do I do?
I help authors refine their storytelling and their prose.
My passion is for developmental and line editing, which I see as the most exciting and transformative parts of the whole storytelling process.
Developmental Editing is where we explore your story world, get to know your characters and map out your structure. Here, we can dive into plot holes, poke around with perspectives, and fiddle with narrative devices. We can navigate mountain ranges of motivation, wander through hidden backstories, swim in streams of consciousness, and wrestle with red herrings. Together, we can untangle creeping subplots, gather narrative strands, and weave your exquisite arcs. We can find the way your scenes are meant to flow and the paths your protagonist must take...
So, if you're looking for someone to walk with you in the wilderness of your story, and help you find your way, I'd love to join the expedition.
Line Editing is where we go once you're happy with the story and ready to focus on the telling (and the showing, of course). Line Editing is where we slow down and drink in the scenery, where we deliberate over dialogue and diction, where we prune prose and sift only the most precious gems from any purple pools. This is where we focus on your voice and the flow of every single sentence. This is intense work, but it is where the magic becomes tangible...This is where your words become wonders, and your story truly comes to life.
Line editing is my absolute favourite stage of the editing process, because this is where the work as a whole comes into focus and, as the creative vision is realised, I get to watch a writer fall in love with their story all over again!
If you’d like to find out more about working with me, please get in touch.
Why do I do it?
As a kid, I spent hours losing myself in fictional worlds – travelling with the rabbits of Watership Down, discovering parallel universes though His Dark Materials, and adventuring across Middle-earth in The Hobbit.
What I began to notice, even then, was that each story I devoured, affected me in some way. I think this is where my obsession with storytelling started.
The books we read, particularly as children and young people, have a huge effect on our beliefs and the way we see the world. For me, two childhood favourites were I Am David by Anne Holm and Gobbolino The Witch’s Cat by Ursula Moray Williams. These books shaped my thoughts as a child and contributed to forming the person I am today. I'm sure you can think of many books that did the same for you. And it doesn’t stop there – it isn’t just the stories.
The words themselves are powerful things. I’ve always been enthralled by the way a writer’s choice of phrasing can affect our thoughts, our moods and our opinions – and how a well written character can become a part of who we are.
A well told story has the power to transform its readers, and I believe some stories leave indelible marks on our souls.
These are the stories we should be striving to create.
These are the stories I want to help unleash.
These are the stories that live in you.