Susannah Butler

At university, I studied English Literature and History at the University of Glasgow, with a year abroad at University of Wisconsin–Madison. I consistently found that the creative writing classes were where I excelled. I loved offering constructive feedback to my peers, and receiving feedback to enhance my writing. I used skills I developed here to write for my university publications, including working as Deputy Culture Editor for the Glasgow Guardian. I balanced my studies with interning at DC Publishing and the Publishing Bureau where I wrote, edited, and proofread news articles and materials for businesses. 

 

After graduating in 2018, I went on to study for a Publishing MA at UCL. This experience enhanced my knowledge of the publishing industry more broadly. During my time in London, I worked with various publishing houses including Murdoch Books, HarperCollins (HQ and Mills and Boon), and Persephone Books where I worked on a range of fiction and non-fiction titles. 

 

I received my postgraduate degree in 2019 and embarked on my first freelance role as a Publishing Assistant for Lolli Editions. Here I proofread various contemporary fiction titles including The Employees: A workplace novel of the 22nd century by Olga Ravn, Marble by Amalie Smith, and Tools for Extinction edited by Denise Rose Hansen. 

 

In 2021 I started as Assistant Editor for Literary Studies at Edinburgh University Press. Here I project managed titles from peer review to production stage, quickly progressing to Senior Assistant Editor. From 2021–2022 I was also Conference Co-chair for the Society of Young Publishers, Scotland. 

 

At the end of 2022, I moved to the South Coast of England, starting a new role at Newgen KnowledgeWorks as Academic Commissioning Editor. Here I worked exclusively for Lived Places Publishing (LPP), commissiong ethnographic course readings for undergraduate students in the Social Sciences, with a focus on identity and place. I continue to commission for LPP in a freelance capacity. To date I have commissioned over 100 titles and have initiated multiple series. 

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Since embarking on my freelance journey, I have worked with multiple independent writers and publishers including Penguin Random House, Bonnier Books, Bloomsbury, Hachette, and HarperCollins. 

 

As a freelance editor, I am lucky enough to work remotely, and continue to work with clients globally. Outside of work, you can find me sampling the best cafes in Glasgow, exploring the Scottish courtryside, finding a new running route, or embarking on my latest knitting project. 

I would love to discuss how we can work together.

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