Mentoring for writers

A blue background with a chalkboard placed diagonally, held by a hand and displaying the word POSSIBLE in capital letters and 3 sticks of chalk

Writing mentors make things possible

As writers, you’ll know how difficult it can be to stay motivated and to keep the doubts at bay. One day you’re flying, the next you’re wondering why you started writing at all.

Without the support of a writing group or mentor, it can be hard to keep on track and deal with the days when things don’t go to plan.

The Book Edit’s Writing Mentors work side by side with you, over Zoom, to help steer you through your writing project.

Your writing mentor will provide detailed editorial feedback on your work-in-progress, help you to set writing goals, and suggest strategies for the long haul.

Bookable for one-off sessions, or a block in advance, you can tailor the experience to suit your needs.

Emily Pedder is the midwife, first reader, first editor, and ever-encouraging mentor who kept me writing... I owe her a huge debt of gratitude for her keen instincts around the subject matter of this memoir. Thank you, Emily.
— Monique Roffey, With the Kisses of His Mouth, Simon & Schuster and 2020 Costa Book of the Year Winner for The Mermaid of Black Conch, Vintage
Emily is a brilliant and sensitive writing mentor... My debut novel, Flesh and Bone and Water, is based on a story I first showed to Emily. Her perceptive feedback and support gave me the courage to expand it into a book.
— Luiza Sauma, Flesh and Bone and Water, Viking, and Everything You Ever Wanted, 2019
Emily Pedder is an extremely gifted writing coach, mentor and editor. She is quick to appreciate what a writer is trying to achieve and tailors her advice to each individual. Her enthusiasm is inspiring and her creative instincts are always spot on. Working with Emily is a great way to bring out the best in your writing.
— Penny Rudge, Foolish Lessons in Life and Love, Little Brown.
With Emily’s encouragement I have completed the first draft of a lengthy novel. As a mentor and editor, Emily has always been very empathetic and encouraging. She always provides excellent input on both the finer detail and bigger picture of what is required to get a story to the very best it can be.
— Meera Betab, Dividing Lines, Dahlia Publishing
I have worked with Emily as an editor for the past ten years, seeing my first novel to publication and my current novel from rough draft ideas through to a radical rewrite. Emily has a very keen eye for narrative structure, posing astute and challenging questions that push me as a writer to fully realise my intentions. She skilfully combines critical judgement with empathy, support and encouragement, which come from a deep understanding of the writer and their process. I could not recommend her editorial and mentoring skills more highly.
— Kirstan Hawkins, Dona Nicanora's Hat Shop, Random House
I had the great good fortune to have Emily Pedder act as a writing mentor. Emily has a unique editorial ability to narrow in on the arc of a work and help the author to clarify their intent. The same is true in character development, she is able to decipher inconsistencies and aid in the discovery of clearly defined characters that drive a story forward, are compelling and speak in a delicious manner. Ms. Pedder gave me the confidence in my storytelling to trust in the simplicity of human interaction. I am a far better writer for working with her.
— Steven Young, playwright