Services available for:
Bespoke Mentoring | Full Manuscript Review | How Strong Is Your Book Idea? | Opening Chapters
Sara Starbuck has spent twenty five years working in UK trade book publishing. She has had experience as a commissioning editor, desk editor and development editor, and also as an author’s agent. She currently works as a freelance book editor, proofreader and writer, specialising in all fiction, YA and children’s books. Sara is the author of nine published works so far, including the non-fiction memoir Breakfast Epiphanies (Atlantic Books, 2006); the children’s adventure novels, The Dread Pirate Fleur and the Ruby Heart (Random House, 2009) and its sequel, The Dread Pirate Fleur and The Hangman’s Noose (Random House, 2010); The Fairythorn Tales series under the pseudonym, Lara Faraway (Templar Publishing, 2013); two non-fiction books for children, Lions (Hachette Publishing Group /Born Free Foundation, 2015) and Leopards (Hachette Publishing Group/Born Free Foundation, 2016); and adult non fiction, Pig Wrestling, ghost writer (Penguin 2019).
Sara is passionate about storytelling and working with writers. She has a keen eye for a good story and the ability to hone it..
Testimonials:
"I have been blessed with having Sara as my editor. We had a great chat, bounced ideas, and she really got me thinking of upping my game. The result is a re-write, but this version really has more depth; and I am enjoying the new ride." – Marc McGowan, W&A Opening Chapters client
"Sara Starbuck was a source of encouragement at a time when I was looking for fresh advice and a boost of confidence with my novel, Not Alone. Her advice was warm and nurturing, whilst also balanced and sharp, and it helped me lift the next draft of the story. I went on to submit to agents some time after this and finally found my agent." – Sarah K. Jackson, author of Not Alone
“I learned more from Sara's edit on my first draft than I did in two years on a Creative Writing MA. Incisive, intelligent and creative editing that absolutely lifts a piece of writing.” – Jane Brittan, author of The Edge of Me
“Sara has the most attuned editorial eye I’ve ever come across. She notices gems no matter how deeply hidden and can coax the very best out of people with her gentle and encouraging hand. Her talent as a writer herself has, I think, a lot to do with this.” – Jodie Hodges, Literary Agent, United Agents
“I’ve worked with Sara as an author and as a proofreader, she has been a delight in every respect. Talented, reliable, responsive and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the publishing industry, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her services.” – Felicity Johnston, Commissioning Editor, Orion Children’s Books
“Sara Starbuck commissioned my first novels at Hodder & Stougton and I couldn't have wished for a better editor. Hugely insightful, sensitive and warm, she cares passionately about her writers and their work. She helped me become a much better writer and - some thirteen years and eleven books later - she is still my go-to person for advice on all things writing and publishing and the first person I recommend to other writers seeking editorial guidance. Massively experienced, highly respected within the publishing industry AND a lovely person, what more could any writer ask for?” – Siobhan Curham, author of Dear Dylan, the Shipwrecked Series, True Face and The Moonlight Dreamers
“I highly recommend Sara to any aspiring writer. Sara understands not only the mechanics of story writing, plot construction, and character development but also makes an effort to understand the motivations of the author behind the story. I could not have asked for a better editor. Her thoughtful analysis of my manuscript made me fall in love with it all over again, and helped me identify precisely the spots that need more work.” – Sadie Noni, W&A Full Manuscript Review client