Louise Walters

Louise Walters – Editor

I'm an author and editor, specialising in literary fiction, women's fiction, psychological thrillers, and urban fantasy.

Overview

I ran my own indie press, Louise Walters Books, from 2017 to 2023. I edited, proof-read, and published fifteen books by eight authors at my press. I am a freelance editor and a novelist. My books have been both trade and independently published. My passion is literary fiction, and I also work on women's fiction (both upmarket and commercial), psychological thrillers, historical fiction, and urban fantasy.


I am a hard marker, but my philosophy is that it's only tough but constructive criticism that helps a writer. If something isn't working, I will always point that out, alongside providing specific and actionable ideas to help fix the issue. I also love to point out what is working.


My approach to editing is to start from the ground and work up: I'm a structure nerd, so if your structure is wobbly, we will start there. Solid structure is essential because it enables most of the other story-telling elements to fall into place. I also look for a clear protagonist with a clear goal. Having said that, I do love experimental fiction, and I'm always supportive of a writer who is trying to do something different in their work.


Having our writing critiqued or edited can be daunting. I understand all the feelings an edit can unleash... everything from elation to despair. Anger is common! But it's usually fleeting, and along with my reports I always provide advice on how to respond to an edit or critique. The feelings can be surprising, so do be prepared for that.


I love editing fiction and narrative non-fiction, and I'll be able to help you wherever you are in your writing career. There is nothing more satisfying than working on a first draft, helping to set a writer on the path to a more polished piece of work. Equally I love working on those more polished pieces, perhaps providing a final edit before the work is submitted to agents.


Please get in touch if you are interested in working with me. I'm looking forward to working with you.



"Louise is a first-rate editor, passionate and professional, ensuring that the books she edits end up the best they can be. We've had some lively debates... but Louise's suggested changes are always logical and clear. I have worked with her throughout my Wilde Investigations series and I trust her implicitly. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her editorial services."​


Laura Laakso, author of Fallible Justice, published in the UK by Bloodhound Books in 2024.


Louise Walters has been my editor since I wrote my first book. Four of my books became Amazon bestsellers and have thousands of five-star reviews. I could never have achieved this without Louise’s exceptional input. The key to finding the perfect editor boils down to trust. I have complete faith in Louise to help me make my stories the best they can be. I will be forever grateful our paths crossed.

A J Campbell, Bookoutre author and self-publisher of psychological thrillers.


Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Historical Mysteries Historical Romance Literary Fiction Psychological Thriller Urban Fantasy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (AUS) English (NZ) English (SA) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2017 — Present

I edited, proof-read, and published fifteen books at my indie press, which I set up in 2017. I closed my press in 2023, and I now work full time as a freelance editor.

I was the original publisher of Laura Laakso's urban fantasy series Wilde Investigations, and I continue to work with Laura as her editor. The series is now published by Bloodhound Books.

I've worked editorially with authors A J Campbell, Victoria Scott, and L M West, and mentored Louise Jensen at the start of her career.

Portfolio

Fallible Justice (Wilde Investigations)

Laakso, Laura

Bloodhound Books

Developmental Editing
Patience

Scott, Victoria

Head of Zeus

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Book Coaching
We Are Family

Walters, Louise

Louise Walters Books

The Road to California

Walters, Louise

Louise Walters Books

The Hermit

Walters, Louise

Louise Walters Books

A Life Between Us

Walters, Louise

Louise Walters Books

Developmental Editing
Roots of Corruption (Wilde Investigations)

Laakso, Laura

Bloodhound Books

Developmental Editing
Echo Murder (Wilde Investigations)

Laakso, Laura

Bloodhound Books

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment

Louise has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jeanne J.

Jeanne J.

Jun, 2024

Pinned
Excellent. Louise brought up very good points; I knew I had to resolve them. She made suggestions that I considered more than developmental editing, which was great. I would highly recommend her.
Louise W.
Thank you, Jeanne. It was a pleasure to work on your novel. Very good luck with it!
Nicole P.

Nicole P.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
My experience with Louise was absolutely wonderful. She completely exceeded my expectations in every way. She gave me ever so much to think about with her feedback: praising the good and pointing out what she felt could use improvement. This was a surprise to me as I had previously thought that an editor was only going to point out mistakes and errors - it was such a lovely surprise to see that...
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Louise W.
Nicole, thanks so much for this. I'm glad my work was helpful. Your novel is extraordinary, so there was a lot to discuss! Very good luck with it, and thanks for the opportunity to read and work on...
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Camille P.

Camille P.

Sep, 2024

I've enjoyed my collaboration with Louise. She is professional, brings high quality, and gave me more than what I expected beforehand.
Louise W.
Thank you, Camille. And very good luck with your novel!
Josephine N.

Josephine N.

Aug, 2024

Good afternoon, I really enjoyed my collaboration with Louise Walters regarding a query letter. She helped me realise what was important to put into the query letter, and what to leave out. I will use her advice going forward as I try to get my book 'out there'. It can be a bit of a stumbling block when you're not sure is the fault with your query letter, or is it your hook with the book, or...
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Louise W.
Thanks so much, Josephine. I'm happy to have helped. Very good luck with your agent querying x
Alice V.

Alice V.

Jul, 2024

Louise was very responsive and flexible. She gave constructive feedback as well as highlighted positive aspects of my writing.
Louise W.
Thank you, Alice. I very much enjoyed working on your novel. Looking forward to reading the finished book!

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