Richard Roper – Jericho Writers
Jericho Writers
167-169 Great Portland street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF
UK: +44 (0)330 043 0150
US: +1 (646) 974 9060
Richard Roper

Richard Roper - Editor

Richard is an author and experienced editor, having worked as a senior commissioning editor for non-fiction at Headline (part of Hachette UK), where he published several Sunday Times bestsellers.

His debut, Something to Live For (commercial reading group fiction), was published by Orion (UK) and Penguin (US), and has sold in twenty languages. His second novel, When We Were Young, came out in 2021, followed by his third, This Disaster Loves You, in 2024.

As an editor at Headline, he worked mainly in biography and narrative non-fiction. He has published memoirs by comedians James Acaster, Miles Jupp, Katy Wix, and Joel Dommett. He has also worked with the likes of Dave Davies of The Kinks, sports stars Steven Gerrard and Andy Murray, brands like Downton Abbey, and quirky narratives such as A Tomb With a View by Peter Ross.

Find Richard on Twitter here: @richardroper

Testimonials

'Richard's editorial assessment of my manuscript was exactly what I hoped it would be and more. It was apparent that he read my work carefully and put a lot of thought and enthusiasm into his feedback. It's solutions-oriented, which I love. Rather than just telling me what wasn't working, he offered specific ideas for improvements where needed, and sometimes even multiple ideas/options to get my own creative wheels turning. The assessment was encouraging and kind, the type of feedback that has you itching to go back to work instead of feeling like maybe you're just not cut out for this whole writing thing. Totally professional, willing to answer additional questions, I could go on and on — hire Richard, you won't regret it!'

- Evan P

Richard was absolutely great to work with. Working with him has, without a doubt, improved my manuscript. His proofread has helped squash errors and inconsistencies that had somehow been missed after countless readthroughs! He really did go the extra mile for me and was also happy to offer advice to me as a new author that has proved invaluable. <br /> <br /> I wouldn't hesitate to work with Richard again in the future and would encourage others to as well!

- Ollie S

'Richard provided an excellent service, with very useful feedback tailored well to the piece I sent. It's given me some great food for thought, and I can see it improving the story. Highly recommended!'

- Alex E

'I reached out to him for an editorial assessment and I found his methods very workable. He was very clear to set expectations at the onset which I appreciated. After getting his feedback we continued to discuss the project and I returned to him for more services at a later stage in the genesis of my book. Undoubtedly felt that his contribution has made it a much stronger work, and I am thankful to have found reedsy and him specifically. I will definitely work with him again, and things are looking promising for the book, for which I have him to thank.'

- Juan L

WHY WE LOVE RICHARD

Richard gives the perspective of a publisher, an author, and an editor. His knowledge of the publishing business make his insight on marketability and commercial appeal invaluable. Richard is thorough, upbeat, and incisive in his reports. Whether you’re writing nonfiction or commercial fiction, you’ll be in safe hands with him.

WHAT RICHARD SAYS ABOUT EDITING

As someone with a foot in both camps as author and editor, I am experienced at all stages of the publishing process. As an editor, I’ve always enjoyed helping writers solve the puzzle of how to make a book work. Now that I’m also an author, I know how important it is to put empathy and kindness, as well as constructive criticism, at the heart of feedback.

My fiction journey was far from straightforward. Having had my work rejected by agents and publishers, I know how hard it is to keep going. Now that I’ve got there, I really do relish the opportunity to help others get over the line – whether that’s assessing manuscripts or polishing things up with a line edit.

In fiction, my taste is on the commercial side. I particularly enjoy ‘reading group’ books, romcoms, comedies (especially dark ones), and anything a bit quirky. For non-fiction, I work right across the spectrum: from memoir to travel writing, sport, music, journalistic narratives, true crime, and anything in between.

Genres Richard specialises in

Fiction
Contemporary
Women’s
Comic/satire
Short Stories & novellas
Non-Fiction
Memoir/autobiography
Other Narrative Non-fiction
Subject-led Non-fiction

Richard's published books

Something to Live For

Something to Live For

When We Were Young

When We Were Young

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