You know your subject. I know how publishers think.

Constructive editorial and strategic advice for aspiring nonfiction writers from a former agent and published author.

Hello! I'm Virginia Lloyd. I help doctors, psychologists, academics, attorneys, and other experts turn their knowledge and ideas into serious nonfiction books with a place in the market.

Whether you're still shaping your book idea, developing a proposal, or trying to understand why your agent submission isn't attracting interest, I can help you determine what the book needs to become—and the smartest way to move it forward.

My clients are fascinating, highly skilled, and passionate people. They typically have credentials and qualifications and impressive resumes. They have professional experience and recognized expertise. But that doesn't mean they know how to turn their idea into a viable book proposal or manuscript.

They understand that subject expertise or professional credentials don't necessarily guarantee the interest of publishing decision-makers. And they've reached a point where they want a specific kind of guide to help them reach their publishing goal.

They ask themselves:

• I've been developing my idea and I have some draft material, but what structure should my book take?
• I've written a few chapters and thought I knew where I was going, but now I feel stuck and don't know what to do.
• There are a few different directions I could take with my project, but who can give me the constructive feedback I need? 
• Will my project appeal to literary agents and book publishers?
• What else do I need to do to strengthen my chances of securing a book deal?

I’m a former literary agent and the author of two traditionally published nonfiction books. 

I’ve worked in-house as an editor (Picador / Macmillan) and I’ve worked as a freelance developmental editor for most of the Big 5 publishing houses.

I understand that it's frustrating to be a professional in your field but not to understand how to get a book published.

My constructive editorial feedback and customized strategic advice provide a level of personal engagement with your project that a group workshop or online course cannot.

You'll receive commercial and constructive feedback that will make the difference between languishing in the slushpile and getting a literary agent's attention.

Here's a partial list of traditionally published books I've helped bring into the world.

Check out what my clients say about working with me.