I also work across several other freelance strands in writer development and publishing. If you would like to discuss working with me in any of these areas, please get in touch. 

Please note: Unfortunately I don’t currently have capacity to offer free work in these areas, but I’m very happy to discuss reasonable fees and flexible payment options.  

Authenticity Reader 

As an authenticity reader, I can bring lived experience from an LGBTQ+ and disabled perspective in my assessment of a manuscript. I am happy to look at specific extracts or characters, or a manuscript in full if wider context is needed. 

I provided feedback on LGBTQ+ and disability representation, as well as the arts community at the heart of Nadine Aisha Jassat’s brilliant middle grade novel, The Hidden Story of Estie Noor (Hachette), nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2025. 

‘I really valued being able to work with Lynsey as an authenticity reader on my second novel. Lynsey read across a variety of different themes in the book, and provided encouraging and insightful feedback. Outside of this, her contributions to literature and Scotland’s literary community are so appreciated, I’ll be coming back to her for book recommendations and authenticity reads for sure! ‘

Nadine Aisha Jassat, author of The Hidden Story of Estie Noor 

Submissions Reader 

I have worked as a reader for several years,  including the Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards for New Writing North (production companies included Rollem and Bonafide). In 2025, a writer I shortlisted ended up winning the award (Tania Ferreyra for Bonefide). 

I also have extensive experience of assessing applications and chairing judging panels in my role at Scottish Book Trust. Most recently, I took part in the judging panel for the New Writers Awards Fiction and Narrative Non-Fiction category 2026.  

In 2026, I joined the team of readers for New Writing North’s Tempest Prize, supporting queer voices from across the north as part of the Northern Writers Awards. 

‘Lynsey is a professional, insightful, and dedicated specialist who has worked as reader for New Writing North across different strands of our talent development programme. I value Lynsey’s range of expertise, which includes YA, fiction and writing for TV, and their understanding of the need to work for better representation across our sector. Lynsey’s always a joy to work with and has a track record of supporting writers with the utmost care and understanding.‘

Will Mackie, Senior Programme Manager (Talent Development) & Programme Leader (MA Publishing) for New Writing North