Emily Kitchin

An Inspiring Editor

Previously HarperCollins

Before joining The Novelry, Emily Kitchin was an Editorial Director at HQ, a division of HarperCollins and home to authors including Adele Parks, Linwood Barclay, Sarah Morgan, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Erica James.  

Emily Kitchin began her publishing career as the assistant to two literary agents at the literary agency A P Watt, before pursuing her passion for all things editorial and moving to Headline Publishing and then Hodder & Stoughton. She later became Editorial Director at HQ where she curated a list of commercial fiction titles, including Murder on the Dance Floor, the debut cosy-crime novel from Strictly Come Dancing’s Head Judge Shirley Ballas writing with Sheila McClure, which went on to be one of the top-selling debuts of 2023, and Ashley Poston’s rom-com The Dead Romantics, a New York Times bestseller and social-media hit. In her previous roles Emily worked with bestselling authors such as Holly Bourne, Jennifer L. Armentrout, YouTuber Oli White, Amy Engel, Katie Marsh, Sarah Maine, Elin Hilderbrand, Emily Giffin and Leia Stone, amongst many others.

Over her fifteen-year publishing career, including twelve years in editorial departments, Emily has built up a reputation as a caring and collaborative editor with a passion for commercial fiction and a determination to champion her authors tirelessly. Emily loves the editing process and is known throughout the industry to be incredibly thorough, always with the goal of inspiring the authors she works with to achieve their vision. To her, the editorial process is a two-way conversation where an author feels fully supported and guided by their editor, and she prides herself on developing open and trusting long-term relationships with her authors.  

A ‘fully committed’ editor 

‘Emily Kitchin has such a keen editorial eye. She’ll know exactly what needs to change in a manuscript to make it sing, while also preserving everything that’s important about it to you as an author. Her enthusiasm and passion is so contagious that she’s more of a mentor—giving you that essential self-belief you need to keep tinkering with your work until it’s perfect. I feel so lucky to have worked with her.’ – Holly Bourne

‘Emily’s editorial insight is invaluable. She deftly combines her insider’s knowledge of what makes a bestseller with an impressive understanding of structure and creative storytelling. She is diligent, thoughtful and fully committed to helping authors create a manuscript that will catch the eye of publishers and agents. Hands-down the very best editor I have ever worked with. You will work hard, but it will be worth it!’ – Sheila McClure

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