I’m Emma Smith, a non-fiction editor working with publishers, agents and authors on brilliant books.

About Me

I am an editor and book consultant specialising in non-fiction, with over 13 years of experience in ‘Big Five’ publishing houses. During my time at Penguin Random House and Hachette, I led an imprint and had the joy of working with authors across bestselling memoir, comedy, nature, history, science, music and much more.

I love books with big heart and a spark of entertainment, or writing that opens up new worlds of understanding and inspiration. I have published No.1 Sunday Times bestsellers, award-winning campaigners, world-leading experts, renowned historians, comedy superstars, CIA agents, poets, books that became major feature films and TV dramas and memoir nominated for top literary prizes. 

In March 2026, I swapped the corporate publishing world for freelancing, and am now working closely with publishers, literary agents and talent managers across the industry. As a sensitive, sharp and thoughtful editor with a commercial eye, my role is to make a book shine for its audience. Please get in touch to find out what I can do for your project; I offer book doctoring, project editing, structural editing, idea development, ghostwriting and editorial consultancy.

I live in Bristol with my partner and young children. 

DLIBYH.jpg
one life.jpg
stone lands.jpg
POWER IN YOU.jpg
3dads.jpg
tree almanac.jpg
fishing life.jpg
fierce fairytales.jpg
myfavmurder.jpg
vbw.jpg
Rot.jpg
rough patch.jpg
making a psychopath.jpg
piano player.jpg
ordnance survey.jpg
skint estate.jpg
grime kids.jpg

  • 'I was SO lucky to have Emma as my editor. She played a huge role in shaping STONE LANDS, from her insightful and wise editorial suggestions to her vision for the illustrations and the beautiful book package. She was hugely supportive through the whole process and it was an absolute delight to work with her.'

    Fiona Robertson, author of Stone Lands

  • 'Emma is a thoughtful and encouraging editor who possesses an excellent creative instinct for making science and nature meaningful to readers. I have hugely valued her editorial vision and insights across our many projects together.'

    Dr Gabriel Hemery, author

  • 'I loved working with Emma on my memoir. She has a rare ability to strike the (tricky) balance between being authoritative and collaborative in equal measure, making me feel secure in her editorial judgement but also free to share my ideas knowing they would be taken on board. The whole process felt joyful and creative and I know her expert guidance made the book better.'

    Kathy Slack, author of Rough Patch

  • 'Working with Emma on THREE DADS WALKING was a real pleasure. Emma helped us turn our original draft into the finished book, bringing thoughtful editorial guidance, encouragement and a genuine understanding of what we were trying to achieve. She asked the right questions, challenged us constructively and helped us refine our writing while ensuring our voices and the heart of our story remained intact. We really valued her support throughout the process and would happily recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled, thoughtful and supportive editor.'

    Andy Airey, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen, authors of Three Dads Walking: 300 Miles of Hope

Get in touch