Come and find me at The Margins
If you've arrived at The Studio Blog looking for editorial writing, thank you — and welcome. This space is still here, and the posts remain available to read. But my current writing on editing, reading, and the craft of working with words now lives somewhere new: at The Margins, my Substack.
I started The Margins earlier this year because I wanted a more considered space than a service blog could hold. It's where I write about the parts of editorial life that don't quite fit into shorter posts, alongside pieces on literature that has struck me, occasional personal essays, and a monthly newsletter that gathers thoughts from the month behind me.
Some editions are close readings of books that have stayed with me. Some are reflections on the editorial life; the moments of care and doubt, the questions that stay with me after a project ends. Some are more personal: about writing, memory, and the odd shape a reading life takes over time. The monthly newsletter arrives on the last Friday of each month; other pieces appear when they're ready.
It's free to read. Recent pieces have included a warm-up essay on marginalia and a longer reflection on the books I was told, at fourteen, I shouldn't be reading. If any of that sounds like your kind of writing, I'd be glad to have you there.
You can subscribe here: The Margins
If you'd rather something a little quicker and more frequent, I also post on LinkedIn three times per week: small reflections on editing, writing, and the working life of a literary editor.
Whatever brought you here, I'm glad you came. The archive below remains available for anyone who'd like to read the older posts.
— Laura
The Right Time to Seek Feedback (It’s Earlier Than You Think)
Not sure when to seek feedback on your manuscript? Many writers wait too long. Here’s why earlier feedback can bring clarity, direction, and confidence.
What to do with a finished draft (before you start editing)
Finished your first draft? Before you start editing, learn why stepping back matters, and how to approach your manuscript with clarity and perspective.
What Editors Look For Before the Line Edits Begin
Line editing comes later. First, editors look at structure, voice, and the reader’s experience. Here’s what happens before the red pen appears.
The Messy Middle: Why Most Writers Get Stuck Here
Most writers struggle in the middle of a draft. Learn why the “messy middle” happens, what it means, and how to keep your manuscript moving forward.
What My Clients Taught Me last Year
A reflective look back on what editing clients taught me in 2025: about courage, clarity, collaboration, and the deep emotional labour of this work.
I Reclaimed the Em Dash: On AI, Shame, and the Right to Write Well
Is it time to reclaim the em dash? In an era where AI shapes reader expectations, this post explores the quiet pressure to include mistakes to ‘prove’ you’re human, and why clarity, not shame, should guide how we write and edit today.
Editing Fantasy & Sci‑Fi: Building Worlds That Work
Fantasy or sci‑fi manuscript underway? Learn how careful editing balances world‑building, internal logic, character, pace and voice so your story lands without losing its magic.
How to Edit Historical Fiction (Without Losing the Past)
Bring the past to life without losing your voice. Discover how a thoughtful editor helps historical fiction writers balance research, story structure, emotional truth, and period authenticity, without over-polishing the soul out of your work.
Memoir Writing: Finding the Line Between Honesty and Overshare
Writing memoir is an act of courage, but how much is too much? Discover how to strike the right balance between truth and overshare, with insights from an editor who works with memoir writers.
How to Edit Literary Fiction (Without Killing Its Soul)
Literary fiction doesn’t follow rules, but it still needs editing. Here’s how to sharpen your prose, deepen your themes, and honour your voice.
What Kind of Writer Are You? Why Genre Matters (and When It Doesn’t)
Starting a new blog series for writers across genres, this post explores why understanding your genre helps, and why it’s okay to blur the lines. For writers, memoirists, and creatives ready to grow.
Your Words, Your Way: Reclaiming Creativity in Midlife
Lost your creative spark? This warm, hopeful blog explores how midlife can be the perfect time to return to writing, on your terms. Reconnect with your voice, your way.
What Does ‘Finding Your Voice’ Actually Mean?
Struggling to find your voice as a writer? This post explores what ‘voice’ really means, and why your voice matters more than you think.
Fresh Page: What Good Copy Can Do for Your Autumn Goals
Turn the page this September with copy that helps you refocus, realign, and move forward. Here’s how thoughtful editing can support your goals this season - from business to creative writing.
Back to the Draft: How September Can Reboot Your Writing
September brings fresh air and clearer focus - the perfect moment to return to your writing. Whether you’ve taken a break or just need a gentle nudge, here’s why this season can bring your best work to life.
The FAQ Files: How Do I Know If My Writing Is ‘Good Enough’ to Hire an Editor?
Wondering if your writing is too rough for an editor? It’s not. Discover why editors work best with honest drafts, and how getting help sooner can bring out your voice, not silence it.
Writing Without a Map: 5 Motivation Boosts for Fiction Writers
Lost your way with your story? You’re not alone. Writing fiction isn’t a straight line: it’s a winding path, full of stops and restarts. In this post, I share five gentle, practical tips to help you find your creative rhythm again - without pressure, guilt, or perfection.
What It’s Like to Work With an Editor
Curious what it’s like to work with an editor? Discover how I approach editing with care, clarity, and collaboration - preserving your voice, not replacing it.
Building LFP Editorial Studio: Why I Wanted Something That Was Mine
Discover how I built LFP Editorial Studio from the ground up, balancing skill, ambition, and heart to create a freelance editing business that feels truly mine.