Editor
Former Editorial Director at Penguin Random HouseBecky Stradwick
Becky has worked in the industry for 23 years, as a publisher, literary agent and bookseller.
As Editorial Director at Penguin Random House, she published authors such as Susan Cooper, James Dashner, Jason Segel, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Damian Dibben, Ellie Irving, Fox Benwell, Nancy Holder, Debbie Viguie, Lauren Kate, John Stephens, Heather Demetrios, Rosemary Clement Moore and Michael Scott. As literary agent at Darley Anderson’s, she represented authors including Phil Earle, Michelle Harrison, Carmen Reid, Jenna Burtenshaw, Rob Stevens, Adrienne Kress and Lisa Clark.
Before this she worked as a bookseller, managing Books etc branches, before becoming Head of Children’s books for Borders UK, where she won Children’s Bookseller of the Year two years running. She has written for THE ARTISTS AND WRITERS YEARBOOK, THE BOOKSELLER and PUBLISHING NEWS.
Some of her favourite authors include Philip Pullman, Malorie Blackman, Jonathan Stroud, Akwaeke Emezi and Elizabeth Wein. Her all-time favourite books are THE BORRIBLE TRILOGY by Michael Larrabeiti, WATERSHIP DOWN by Richard Adams and HIS DARK MATERIALS by Philip Pullman.
If you’d like to work with Becky, get in touch with our Writer Support team; tell us about your book and what you’d like support with, and we’ll help you identify your next steps.
My dream editor
Nancy Holder, award-winning NYT Times bestselling author.
Delivered constructive criticism with good humour and sensitivity
Kirsten B
Extremely nurturing
Cynthia T
Really understood the heart of my book
Daniella Blechner, author and founder of Conscious Dreams Publishing
Spot-on and professional
Abdellatif
Detailed, helpful feedback
Julieanne D
A privilege and joy to work with
Matt S
Excellent platform to develop my story further
Susan B
Highly recommend
Rob H, author of Zero Point Girl
Becky's specialties
Why we love Becky
Combine winning industry experience with a real understanding of how books work and you get Becky Stradwick. Each report is detailed, constructive, and encouraging – with Becky in your corner you’ve got the tools you need to take a manuscript to a novel.
What Becky says about editing
One of my happiest early memories was being taken to raid the senior school library, because I’d eaten every book in my primary school. It’s that hunger for stories that has guided my career ever since, and it’s always a thrill to be the first set of eyes on a book.
I love working with writers who are at the beginning of their careers, and enjoy coaching and supporting you through the editorial process.
My advice comes from a commercial as well as a creative perspective. I think my authors would consider me a firm but fair editor who knows when to push and when to coax, and I am collaborative, confident and kind in my approach to maintaining your voice and vision.
As publisher and agent, I’ve worked with hundreds of writers, from absolute beginners to Sunday Times and NYT bestselling authors. I specialise in YA and MG and am also happy to review your picture book texts.
I also offer developmental and line-editing, if you feel your work is ready.
What Becky works on
By purchasing any of these products, you'll have the opportunity to express your interest in working with Becky.
Manuscript Assessment
Developmental Editing
Agent Submission Pack assessment
Post-editorial guidance
