Victoria Lee - Editor
Victoria’s career spans both writing and publishing.
Her career began as a secretary in the children’s books department at Hodder and Stoughton. She moved to Methuen, which merged with Heinemann as part of Reed Elsevier. She became an editor, eventually specialising in picture books. She went freelance in 2000 and has since been involved in all sorts of writing projects.
Victoria’s wide experience of writing and editing includes children’s picture books through to teen fiction, education and teachers’ books, academic writing, and general fiction and non-fiction. She has worked for publishing houses, universities and individuals. She advises and mentors authors, sometimes over many years. She has been with Jericho Writers since it formed as the Writers’ Workshop. Children’s books, especially picture books, remain her passion.
Even though her editing background is in traditional publishing, Victoria is very interested in the self-publishing route as it provides opportunities to ‘do things differently’. She is also keen on writing for the pure joy of it.
WHY WE LOVE VICTORIA
Victoria is a children’s book specialist and brings a wealth of experience as both a writer and a publisher. Victoria’s market insights for both traditional and independent routes are incredibly valuable.
WHAT VICTORIA SAYS ABOUT EDITING
Sometimes, a story or certain lines in a book seem to reach out and touch the soul. Even in a picture book (or perhaps more so in a picture book). Writing can be transformative, for the writer and the reader. Helping an author develop an idea into something that just works is like a puzzle – challenging but immensely satisfying.
When I am working with an author, I try to draw out what she or he wants to say. My aim is that the author creates his or her story so that it is the best it can be. It is the author’s work and not mine, so I try to guide rather than direct or be too heavy-handed. Having said that, there are certain requirements in writing and I am firm that these are followed. So, I am sensitive but also sensible.
I am happy for an author to come back with revisions and I always try to help as much as possible, even over an extended period of time.
