Laura Wilkinson

Laura has published seven novels for adults (two under a pseudonym) and numerous short stories. Her contemporary fiction is published by Headline Accent and Legend Times. Her novel, Public Battles, Private Wars, was a Welsh Books Council Book of the month and Skin Deep was long listed for Not the Booker prize. Her latest novel That Night in New York published in September 2024. See her work here. 

Alongside writing, she tutors on the MA and MFA at West Dean College and runs workshops on craft. She has spoken at literary events nationwide. Over the past eleven years she’s worked as a developmental editor and mentor, coaching writers to competition shortlistings and publication.

There’s almost nothing better than helping a writer find their voice and develop a compelling story, whether they wish to be published or not.  While everyone’s journey is unique, because I am a novelist, I have personal insight into and understanding of the pleasures and pains of authoring. My interests include: manuscript assessment; substantive editing; developmental mentoring from early draft through to finished submission package in women’s fiction, romance, psychological thrillers and historical.

To buy Skin Deep from Amazon click here (affiliate link)

Testimonials

I treated myself to editorial advice from Laura for my birthday and I can honestly say this was the best birthday treat I’ve ever had. Laura engaged passionately with the materials I sent her and I felt that she was strongly committed to my writing and to helping me succeed. She was very direct about where she saw I needed to improve (for me it was mainly about the structure of my story) but she was also very encouraging about my writing which has given me great motivation. I am taking her advice fully to heart and I can already see how much better my novel is as a result. I would strongly recommend Laura to any writers out there – and don’t wait until your birthday!”  Anna Rowland

Laura has concentrated my mind on character and plot, and where I was wobbling about both, she has made me see what is necessary to firm things up.  She has been very positive about my work, but also sensibly critical. That too has been encouraging because she has shown me what needs to be worked on.  In my case, the main character, who is not memorable yet.  She has also asked the right questions to make me fashion the book into something that holds together.”  Sylvia Howe

Laura’s coaching has been extremely helpful in getting my bottom in gear and getting words on the page! I haven’t been this committed to my novel in a long time. Laura’s feedback has been really encouraging; she gives clear, thoughtful edits and explains her feedback well on our calls. She’s also super specific and gives me really good advice on what to try or consider when I’m facing a particularly challenging scene or narrative issue. And it goes without saying Laura is just a very nice, kind and patient person, and for me, she has really gotten the balance right in terms of being really kind about my work (which is always encouraging to hear!) but never holding back when there is constructive criticism to be given that could really improve my craft.

Each time I’ve left a call with her, I’ve felt clearer on what I needed to do and motivated to actually do it. It has really been such a valuable experience for me – I have to say there was a part of me that was still quite sceptical about it all when I booked, but I’m so glad I made the investment.

Thanks for creating a great programme with wonderful coaches like Laura. Remee Patel