Mia Colleran - Editor
Mia is a freelance editor specialising in fiction and memoir with experience at HarperCollins Publishers and a New York literary agency.
She was an editor at 4th Estate for three years in London where she honed her editorial abilities over countless manuscripts (both non-fiction and fiction). Books Mia has worked on include A Cook’s Book by Nigel Slater, Easy Wins by Anna Jones, Good Girls by Hadley Freeman, and The Secret of Cooking by Bee Wilson.
Mia is passionate about helping authors find their voice. She particularly likes to work with debut authors on this and helps them to work out the big questions that inform their writing. She helps authors to find their voice by proposing writing exercises, suggesting literary influences and probing at the seams a story. Mia also has experience pitching books for acquisition in house and therefore can recommend comparable titles to help place a work in progress, something that is especially valuable for authors seeking the traditional publishing route.
She has lots of hands-on experience working with authors from debuts to Sunday Times bestsellers, and she has interviewed many at book festivals. She has also worked as a freelance book reviewer for The Paris Review, Guardian, Irish Times, and others, and therefore is experienced at accurately distilling a book down to the bare bones and identifying what makes good writing truly stand out.
Before working as an editor she was an award-winning bookseller for several years and she was also the recipient of the Marian Keyes Young Writer Award.
WHY WE LOVE MIA
Mia Colleran’s experience within the industry makes her advice for authors invaluable. Throughout her career, Mia has worked in various roles across the industry, from agenting in the US, reviewer, bookseller, and typesetting manuscripts, to desk editing at major publishing houses. During her time with 4th Estate, Mia worked with a range of writers at different stages of their careers, from debuts to bestselling authors. She has hands-on experience working with authors on major rewrites and lighter-scale proofreads. Mia has developed a love for working with authors and a passion for editing which she’d love to share with writers to help you and your manuscript succeed.
WHAT MIA SAYS ABOUT EDITING
I can help you to find the voice in your writing by offering developmental edits and manuscript assessments. I also have extensive experience proofreading. I can help you work out how to pitch your idea and what books are good comps when speaking with editors and agents.
I’m interested in projects related to literary fiction, food writing or non-fiction about literature, among other genres. You can expect a friendly, encouraging and professional manner from me, clear delivery dates and a positive attitude. I’m passionate about working with debut authors and always love to read new stories. Please get in touch if you would like to work together.
