Hi! I’m Laura.
I’m an author, editor, and general wordy person who loves a story that wanders, and a writer trying to wrangle it into something legible.
I studied Creative Writing in York, earning a first-class degree and deepening my love for all things literary. Since then, I’ve worked as a fiction editor and typesetter for published anthologies and have had six of my own stories featured in similar collections. I'm now pursuing an MA in Publishing and Creative Writing while writing a feminist historical fiction novel – the kind of project that’s teaching me the value of patience, good research, and just how messy a first draft can be.
Why writing?
Because it’s what I know, and it’s what I love.
My first word was ‘book’, and I told my parents at four years old that I was going to be an author when I grew up. And when I do eventually grow up, that’s where I’m headed.
I’ve found many ways to keep myself immersed in this beautifully rich industry – writing my own stories, editing others’, and falling down the research rabbit holes that bring them off the page. I love the form, the structure, and helping stories grow into their potential.
I already know I’m going to write books when I grow up, but that’s a long and infuriatingly wonderful process that will require a lot of redrafting, sleepless nights, and probably far more caffeine than I’d like.
In the meantime, I’ll combine my love of language with my (admittedly intense) perfectionism, turning your stories from blurb-skimmers to page-turners.
My Values
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![An inclusive pride flag displayed outdoors.]()
Equality over Exclusivity
Talent isn’t defined by your education, sexuality, race, age, or gender. I care about making space for overlooked voices; the best stories come from a fairer and more inclusive industry. The loudest voice is not always the most deserving.
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![Open book with highlighted and handwritten notes, a cup of tea with a tea bag, and a potted plant on a wooden table.]()
Depth over Display
Good stories take time to grow. They unfurl, contort, sprout new leaves, and often surprise you with what blooms. I believe in giving a piece the love and attention it deserves, not picking the fruit before it’s ripe.
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![Table filled with books, including titles like 'Ghostly Tales', 'Haunted Tales', and 'The Burning Stones,' along with an old typewriter, a small stuffed penguin, and tote bags hanging in the background. There is a bookshelf with more books at the back.]()
Small over Soulless
I do what I can to support small, ethical, and sustainable businesses. I believe in nurturing the soul of the publishing industry – indie presses, local bookshops, and small businesses – not faceless corporations chasing profits.
(This one’s Criminally Good Books in York.)
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![A workspace with a person writing in a planner, a laptop, colorful highlighters, a blue mug, and a small black and colorful notepad on a desk outside with a wooden fence and green plants in the background.]()
Collaboration over Control
Sharing your manuscript is incredibly vulnerable – like handing your baby to a stranger. I strive to make the process as comfortable as possible, with equal creative partnerships that let the story lead the way.
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![Person writing on paper with a pen at a wooden table with a coffee mug and notebook nearby.]()
Clarity over Courtesy
Don’t beat around the bush! I believe in straight-talking over sugarcoating. Clear, respectful feedback always beats vague (and often dishonest!) politeness. It’s better for your work, and for mine.
