"I would highly recommend Hayley Webster as an editor! I found her notes on my novel to be brilliant, useful, imaginative and encouraging. Hayley gave me a clear plan and timeline for her work, she delivered her notes exactly on time and we had a Zoom soon after. I very much hope to work with her again in the future.”   

Brenda Gilhooly, writer, comedian, performer.

“I’d highly recommend Hayley for developmental editing. The combination of the written developmental report and the follow up Zoom means that as a writer you have time to absorb her advice then discuss ways you might implement it face to face. This was super important to me as I felt she gave me actionable advice with examples of what I might do, which led to a deeper and more relevant discussion on our Zoom.

Hayley starts with the big picture recommendations, then telescopes down into the next level of importance, ending up with the myriad of smaller edits I could consider to strengthen my worldbuilding and character development. Again, viewing my story world in this way meant I was able to tackle the most important issues first and build a solid edit plan for the rest.

The proof of this approach is that my newly edited MS gained me a great agent!”

Lindsey Armstrong, author

Hayley is an editor, and author, of supreme talent. She offered me alternative perspectives when I'd stalled writing my manuscript which contained very sensitive issues for one of the characters, which Hayley handled with the utmost respect. I was unsure how to progress at the time, but Hayley's insight enabled me to reframe the narrative. Her advice was invaluable, it was a joy communicating with Hayley online, and I can't thank her enough for the support she offered.

Mel Frances, author of 'The Improbable Three'

“Hayley is the ideal editor for new and experienced writers alike: she understands the challenges and what you are aiming for, has brilliant, insightful suggestions and most importantly, is wonderfully supportive. She knows the market and what agents and acquiring editors are looking for, and respects your writing's uniqueness, taking care to help you craft it so it's the best it can be.”

Cat Kerwick, author.

“Hayley’s feedback has been invaluable during my editing process. Her assessment provided insights and posed questions which helped me to really think about and refine my characters and my structure, especially those vital opening chapters which I was struggling to make really work for me. I was able to flesh out particularly sticky areas with her during our Zoom session, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Hayley’s feedback, both written and verbal, was provided in a very constructive and encouraging way which has helped me to maintain my confidence and belief in my work when I’ve needed it most. I would definitely love to work with Hayley again.”

Suzanne Doeer, author.

“Hayley was a brilliant mentor and gave me a HUGE boost in the early stages of my picture book writing. She helped me understand the importance of meter in my rhyming stories and where possible improvements could be made. She helped me to polish my stories to the best they could possibly be, taking me through the editing process (which was very new to me). She also reviewed my cover letter and helped me to get it ‘submission-ready’. Hayley was always incredibly constructive and considerate and she really helped me to feel confident and motivated about my writing.”

Jude Campanella, author.

"Hayley has edited all of the books in my Applemore series, and is by far the most intuitive editor I’ve ever worked with. She’s able to look at the first draft of a novel and see what I’m trying to say, often before I’ve even worked it out myself - her edit notes are thoughtful, comprehensive and encouraging. I can’t recommend her highly enough!"

Rachael Lucas, author.

"Hayley has an exceptional knack for zoning in on the truly important things. Her feedback was so insightful and she gave really clear and workable suggestions for changes that could be made. My work was vastly improved after Hayley’s input. I especially appreciated how encouraging Hayley was, I felt understood and empowered."

Alice Broadway, author.

"If you're struggling with a manuscript at any stage in your career and aren't sure whether to show it to your agent, or any agent, or you're just not sure if it's working yet, or you know it isn't but you're not sure why, I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND book doctor Hayley Webster."

Jo Unwin, former literary agent at JULA.

“I would highly recommend Hayley Webster as a mentor and editor.

Hayley has read all my manuscripts with great care and made thoughtful, creative suggestions on how to improve. She highlights both strengths and weaknesses in the text and come up with helpful solutions to make a book stand out.

My first book Cielo was published in 2022 through an independent publishing house, SpellBound Books. Hayley's insight and industry knowledge has given me the tools to make a book ready for the market/publication.

I am writing several new books and wouldn’t hesitate to seek Hayley's input again. She completely ‘gets’ my characters and storylines and where I am going with the plot and themes.”

Jane Markland, author

“ I'm a very cautious writer, and letting someone read my work for the first time is the very worst part of the writing process for me. Usually, I don't even share snippets until I'm well into the later drafts, and it was no different for Awakened. Hayley was my very first reader for the manuscript, when I was still incredibly uncertain of whether there was really a cohesive book in there, but her developmental edits and feedback gave me the confidence to start submitting to agents for the first time — and I'm sure that without her suggestions Awakened wouldn't have found a home so quickly.

Hayley's approach to editing is kind, warm, but also exceptionally thorough. She read the manuscript multiple times, making different notes throughout, and her ability to understand the heart of the book and then work out how it might be better expressed is second-to-none. The report I received was detailed without being overwhelming, and married positivity with careful critique in a way that encouraged deeper thought, and also optimism about what the story could become. Being able to discuss the comments on Zoom with someone who was passionate about making the book as good as it could be helped the changes flow very naturally, and working with Hayley was a gentle preparation for working with other editors later. I can't recommend her highly enough!

Laura Elliott, writer

is a disabled writer and journalist, originally from Scunthorpe. Her work has been published by The Guardian, ByLine Times, Boudicca Press, Monstrous Regiment, Hachette Kids, and others. She lives in Sheffield with her partner, James, and their two feline overseers, Catticus Finch and Hercule Purrot. Her debut horror novel, Awakened, will be published by Angry Robot Books in June 2025.

"Hayley Webster has been an absolute God-send. Before I found her, I worked with a well-known developmental editor who had published a book on writing and YA novels. Unfortunately, this editor was condescending, urging me to gut my work and reshape it into something that aligned with her personal idea of a good story, not my own. But when I sent my first literary novel to Hayley, I was blown away by the difference.

Hayley immediately saw the "heart" of my story and understood the message I was trying to convey. Instead of dismantling it, she pointed out what elevated it and made it shine. Her approach was transformative, turning me from feeling crushed under heavy criticism into someone who felt supported, encouraged, and excited about my writing journey. Thanks to her guidance, I successfully published my first series—The Pioneer Ranch Saga—which garnered magnificent reviews, and she's now helping me craft my second series—The American Riviera—soon to be published.

What truly sets Hayley apart is the praise for my books from editorial reviewers at BlueInk, Publishers' Weekly BookLife, The Western Book Review, Foreword Clarion, Readers’ Favorite, and others. These professional reviewers highlighted exactly what Hayley had pointed out and nurtured in my work. Her criticisms are always valid, necessary, and, most importantly, delivered with kindness. She is exceptionally bright, analytical, and supportive.

The Zoom meetings she offers are enriching, providing a space to discuss possibilities and delve deeper into the craft. Hayley trusts her authors to navigate their own dilemmas and weave their own plots. However, her insightful recommendations always guide the process in a way that preserves the author's voice and intentions. For someone so keen and astute, she is remarkably sensitive and honest when suggesting improvements—all while ensuring that every writer stays true to their unique voice.

I cannot recommend Hayley Webster highly enough, and I would never trust anyone else with my work.”

Samar Reine, author and Professor of Economics, Southwest, USA