What does an Editor Do?

Charlotte Ledger

We’re very happy to welcome Charlotte, an editor at Harper Impulse.

We ask, what does an editor do?

Wow what a start to our new feature… And such a good question – I know lots of people think editors just sit and read all day! 🙂

Obviously, reading is a big part of our job, whether that’s reading new submissions with the view to buying new books or reading existing authors manuscripts in order to give them feedback on how the story is shaping up. To me, an author can be so immersed in their world and know it so well that an editor is there to provide a fresh pair of eyes and a different perspective. We’re also here to support the author and their career, and to use our knowledge of the market and our experience to give their books the care and attention it deserves – from helping to come up with the best possible cover design and writing back cover copy to brainstorming ideas and generally running around and shouting about how much we love it!

But also in my role as a content developer I do lots of other things too- from helping with marketing and social media (translation: I’m addicted to twitter), playing with the all important metadata to producing the eBooks myself. It’s a very varied and exciting role!

Charlotte Ledger began working in publishing in 2011 and has always been a book lover but, since watching her first episode of Dawson’s Creek when she was 13, she’s found it impossible to resist a good love story! Pacey Witter stole her heart and her life it seems as her addiction for all things romance eventually led to her working at Mills & Boon. Thrilled to be at Harper Impulse, she can’t wait to fall in love with your submissions and find the next exciting new voices in Romance. So what are you waiting for? The inbox is open! Charlotte is addicted to Cinnabons and quoting episodes of New Girl. She appeared on an episode of Flog It dressed up as Jane Austen and she once met Jack Nicholson when she 11 and still goes on about it but then again, wouldn’t you?
You can follow Charlotte on twitter @girl_on_a_ledge.

Each week, she will be answering your editor/editing related questions. If you’d like to ask Charlotte a question for future weeks, either e-mail laura@novelkicks.co.uk putting ‘A moment with the Editor’ in the subject box or you can put your question in the comments below.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.