Editor
Acclaimed novelist and memoiristDexter Petley
Dexter is an acclaimed author and experienced editor.
He has written several novels, a translation, literary non-fiction and a memoir of childhood. These include Little Nineveh (Polygon 1995), Joyride (Fourth Estate, 1999), White Lies (Fourth Estate 2003) and One True Void (Two Ravens Press 2008).
Dexter publishes regularly and is now considered to be one of our most original British nature writers. He is one of the founding writers on the cult website Caught By The River, contributing chapters to both their nature anthologies.
As a long serving editor with Jericho Writers, (since 2005) many of Dexter’s clients have achieved considerable success in finding agents and publishers. Among them is Costa shortlisted novelist, Elisa Lodato.
If you’d like to work with Dexter, 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.
Essential and invaluable
Betsy B
Valuable and detailed suggestions
David D
An excellent editor
Jim M
Just the right amount of encouragement
David M
Cannot recommend highly enough
Graham W
Saved me a lot of time and effort
Noelle R
Great encouragement and clear direction
Anita F
Excellent and insightful
Bryan K
Given me many ideas
Stuart M
Edited by Dexter Petley
Nominated for Costa Book Awards
Elisa Lodato worked with Dexter on her debut novel, An Unremarkable Body, which was published by Orion and nominated for the Costa Book Awards 2018.
Edited by Dexter Petley
Signed with MacLehose Press
Peter Papathanasiou is an editorial client of Dexter’s. His debut novel, The Stoning, was published by MacLehose Press (Quercus) in 2022 to critical acclaim.
Edited by Dexter Petley
Signed with Fairlight Books
Ola Mustapha, an editorial client who worked with Dexter, was picked up by independent publisher Fairlight Books for her debut novel Other Names, Other Places, published 2023.
Dexter's specialties
Why we love Dexter
Dexter has captivated the entire Jericho Writers team with his shrewd observations and nomadic charm for almost two decades. It is no exaggeration that we always look forward to receiving his reports, along with any updates on his latest fishing expeditions. His fantastic reports read like chapters in a novel. Structured and well presented, Dexter’s appreciation for the written word shines in everything he writes; pushing his authors to look at their work critically. Indeed, possessing a plethora of worldly knowledge and a deep respect for the craft, Dexter does not shy away from complex themes or influences. Having been a reader for the Costa Prize his expertise spans entire genres, from commercial book club to war fiction. He takes everything in his stride, turning his fastidious, but fair, eye to anything at hand – making you a better writer for it.
What Dexter says about editing
I never expected to become so passionate about helping aspiring writers. From the start, I encountered two important things which have never varied in the thousands of manuscripts I have read as an editor: one, there are some highly talented writers out there being unfairly rejected by literary agents; and two, I learn something astonishing or surprising from every writer, regardless of ability. My approach to editorial work is as painstaking as my own writing. For me the written word is sacred and the power of language to convey ideas or to entertain is an endangered wonder of the world (I have never watched television and do not watch films). I therefore read every manuscript with a certain amount of awe, very slowly, word for word, hungry for that phrase or image which will change the day. Yet when it comes to my report, you’ll find I am fair but tough, generous and encouraging but ruthless chasing flaws. Though reading is always a joy, I like nothing better than an intense line edit, a deep clean to make the pips squeak.
Quite simply, my mission is to help you become a better writer, even if this means you facing difficult truths and me losing sleep. The rewards speak for themselves.
What Dexter works on
By purchasing any of these products, you'll have the opportunity to express your interest in working with Dexter.
Manuscript Assessment
Developmental Editing
Agent Submission Pack assessment
Post-editorial guidance
Line-editing
Copy-editing
Proof-reading
Short Stories
Opening Section Review
Dexter's published books
