Editing the magical, mysterious and downright macabre (and everything in between) in middle grade and YA fiction
Editing the magical, mysterious and downright macabre (and everything in between) in middle grade and YA fiction
Let’s get your book ready to unleash
on those young readers
Hello and welcome!
I’m so happy you’re here. I can tell you’re going to be one of my favourite people because you’ve slogged through multiple drafts, cried into your gin, wondered whose idea this book was anyway and made it to the other side. Plus you were brave enough to write a story for young people – a demanding audience who deserve the very best. But most importantly, you’re so serious about your writing that you want to hire an editor to get it to the next level.
I think I love you.
And I want you to love your book. To be completely, utterly, hearts-for-eyes smitten about your story. So I’ll help you make your characters unforgettable, your scenes full of drama, your setting vivid and your dialogue snappy. I’ll look at anything that might pull readers out of the story and distract them from the world you’ve built so they can stay captivated right to the last full stop. Let’s get this book ready for young readers.
Hello and welcome!
I’m so happy you’re here. I can tell you’re going to be one of my favourite people because you’ve slogged through multiple drafts, cried into your gin, wondered whose idea this book was anyway and made it to the other side. Plus you were brave enough to write a story for young people – a demanding audience who deserve the very best. But most importantly, you’re so serious about your writing that you want to hire an editor to get it to the next level.
I think I love you.
And I want you to love your book. To be completely, utterly, hearts-for-eyes smitten about your story. So I’ll help you make your characters unforgettable, your scenes full of drama, your setting vivid and your dialogue snappy. I’ll look at anything that might pull readers out of the story and distract them from the world you’ve built so they can stay captivated right to the last full stop. Let’s get this book ready for young readers.
Let’s get your book ready to unleash on the world
Hello and welcome!
I’m so pleased you’re here. I can already tell you’re going to be one of my favourite people, because you’ve slogged through multiple drafts, cried into your gin, wondered whose idea this book was anyway, and made it to the other side. Plus you were brave enough to write a story for young people – a demanding audience who deserve the very best. But most importantly, you’re so serious about your novel and your craft that you want to hire an editor to get it to the next level.
I think I love you.
And I want you to love your book. To be completely, utterly, hearts-for-eyes smitten about your story. So I’ll help you make your characters unforgettable, your scenes full of drama, your setting vivid and your dialogue snappy. I’ll look at anything that might pull readers out of the story and distract them from the world you’ve built so they can stay captivated right to the last full stop. Let’s get this book ready for young readers.
Let’s get your book ready to unleash on the world
Hello and welcome!
I’m so pleased you’re here. I can already tell you’re going to be one of my favourite people, because you’ve slogged through multiple drafts, cried into your gin, wondered whose idea this book was anyway, and made it to the other side. Plus you were brave enough to write a story for young people – a demanding audience who deserve the very best. But most importantly, you’re so serious about your novel and your craft that you want to hire an editor to get it to the next level.
I think I love you.
And I want you to love your book. To be completely, utterly, hearts-for-eyes smitten about your story. So I’ll help you make your characters unforgettable, your scenes full of drama, your setting vivid and your dialogue snappy. I’ll look at anything that might pull readers out of the story and distract them from the world you’ve built so they can stay captivated right to the last full stop. Let’s get this book ready for young readers.
How close are you to your writing goals?
2. Ready to write
1. Ready to learn
3. Ready for feedback
4. Ready to publish
How close are you to your writing goals?
Prep stage
I’ve got a story idea and I’m ready to start writing or planning in more detail. I need inspiration, tips and support to help me begin my novel.
Start here
Writing stage
I’ve got a work-in-progress and I want specific tips, resources, editorial feedback or coaching to help me get to a finished draft.
Start here
Revision stage
I have a finished draft and I’m ready for feedback on all or some of my manuscript or ongoing coaching to help me revise my story.
Start here
Submission stage
I’m ready to self-publish my book or query literary agents. I need help with a submission package or guidance on processing agent feedback.
Start hereHow close are you to your writing goals?
Prep stage
I’ve got a story idea and I’m ready to start writing or planning. I need inspiration, tips and support to help me begin my novel.
Start hereWriting stage
I’ve got a work-in-progress and I want specific tips, resources, editorial feedback or coaching to help me get to a finished draft.
Start hereRevision stage
I have a finished draft and I’m ready for feedback on all or some of my manuscript or ongoing coaching to help me revise my story.
Start hereSubmission stage
I’m ready to self-publish my book or query agents. I need help with a submission package or processing agent feedback.
Start hereThe Den: Author Resource Library
Author Resource Library
About Writer and the Wolf
About Siobhán and Writer and the Wolf
Hi! I’m Siobhán O’Brien Holmes and I’m a developmental editor of middle grade and YA fiction. Although there’s a special place in my heart for stories with a dark or spooky side, I work with all genres, including contemporary, historical, romance, science fiction, horror, fantasy and mystery!
I focus on the big-picture story elements of your manuscript like character, plot and pacing and I offer critiques and developmental edits.
What I do and who I do it for
Hi! I’m Siobhán O’Brien Holmes and I’m a developmental editor of middle grade and YA fiction. Although there’s a special place in my heart for stories with a dark or spooky side, I work with all genres, including contemporary, historical, romance, science fiction, horror, fantasy and mystery!
I focus on the big-picture story elements of your manuscript, like character, plot and pacing, and offer manuscript critiques and developmental edits.
Watch my welcome video or head to the about page to find out more about me!
What I do and who I do it for
Hi! I’m Siobhán O’Brien Holmes and I’m a developmental editor of middle grade and YA fiction. Although there’s a special place in my heart for stories with a dark or spooky side, I work with all genres, including contemporary, historical, romance, science fiction, horror, fantasy and mystery!
I focus on the big-picture story elements of your manuscript, like character, plot and pacing, and offer manuscript critiques and developmental edits.
Watch my welcome video or head to the about page to find out more about me!
Children’s book expertise
I’ve got an MA in Children’s Literature from Roehampton University, lots of specialised training in editing children’s fiction, and a lifelong geeky love of children’s books.
Tactful and supportive
I’m a delicate flower who hates criticism so my feedback is always thoughtful, sensitive and encouraging. I’ll give my honest opinion about what’s not working but it won’t make you cry.
Knowledge of the craft
I have an MA in Novel Writing and studied fiction editing and writing craft with the big guns (CIEP, PTC and EFA). I’m also a Professional member of the CIEP and have passed their editorial test.
Who I am and what I do
Hi! I’m Siobhán O’Brien Holmes and I’m a developmental editor of middle grade and YA fiction. Although there’s a special place in my heart for stories with a dark or spooky side, I work with all genres, including contemporary, historical, romance, science fiction, horror, fantasy and mystery!
I focus on the big-picture story elements of your manuscript, like character, plot and pacing, and offer manuscript critiques and developmental edits.
Watch my welcome video or head to the about page to find out more about me!
‘The story has been truly seen for the first time’
I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the hard work you have done on my edit. I am absolutely thrilled with it; the attention to detail and depth with which you went into the manuscript left me speechless. The hashtag system is so handy and the book map made so many things clear for me.
I feel like the story has been truly seen for the first time. I will recommend your work without hesitation.
Aisling White | YA
‘The best editing I’ve ever received’
Siobhan is absolutely brilliant! I’m trying not to sound too gushy but her work truly is astonishing — the best editing I have ever received. Siobhan is a master editor at every level, from word to idea. She is a consummate craftsperson and expert researcher.
She is efficient and generous, bright and fun — an absolute joy to work with. I have never felt so quickly understood and supported by an editor.
Sara Cassidy | Children’s author
INBOX MAGIC
Sign up for monthly news, recommendations and fairy dust for middle grade and YA authors, plus receive a free PDF booklet of my favourite writing craft books I think you'll love
Stay informed and protected on your publishing journey! Check out these free guides:
