Niki Foreman (she/her/AuDHD) is an accomplished editor with decades of experience in the global book-publishing industry, and a staunch, lived-experience advocate for authentic portrayals of marginalised communities in literature, bringing a wealth of editorial expertise and an understanding of inclusion and accessibility to her work. After working in-house and freelance for a variety of publishing houses in the UK and Australia, including Penguin Random House, Walker Books, Dorling Kindersley and Hardie Grant, Niki has vast experience working on fiction and non-fiction manuscripts for both children and adults, providing quality editorial services and consultation for every stage of a manuscript.

Scope of work offered:

Authenticity reads for neurodivergent characters and voices
Niki is an AuDHD female who identifies as neurodivergent and offers help and guidance on writing and portraying disability and neurodivergence, and avoiding stereotypes. Niki’s advice and guidance is based on her own lived experience as an autistic female with ADHD, and as a carer for a disabled family member. Her advocacy work and special interest in respectful and authentic representation of marginalised communities in children’s literature ensure her comments are on the mark for current language preferences and authentic, nuanced portrayals.

Inclusive language assessments
With an understanding of the ever-evolving nature of language, Niki offers advice on avoiding harmful and triggering vocabulary and phrasing, especially around ableist and disablist language, for manuscripts at all stages of the editorial process.

Manuscript assessments
For early-stage manuscripts seeking direction and actionable recommendations, a manuscript assessment identifies strengths, gaps, and opportunities for development, looking at structure, voice, pacing, and positioning before deeper editing begins.

Developmental edits
A big-picture edit that identifies what is missing from a manuscript to ensure flow and cohesion in the over-arching story and content.

Structural edits
Focusing on strengthening structure, sequencing and narrative cohesion, structural edits assess how the manuscript works as a whole, offering advice to refine narrative flow and ensure character arcs and thematic motifs and storylines are cohesive and complete in fictional manuscripts, while focusing on subject balance and thematic clarity in non-fiction manuscripts.

Line edits
A close, sentence-level edit for clarity, flow, and voice that refines language, removes repetition and tightens the narrative while preserving the author’s voice. Line edits focus on readability, rhythm, and consistency.

Copyedits
A technical edit to ensure accuracy of language and consistency of detail while also ensuring grammar, punctuation, and spelling align with the agreed style guide.

Proofreads
A final pass to check for typos and formatting errors for pre-publication confidence, proofreads check the typeset pages to ensure consistency and correctness before publication.

A staunch advocate for real and practical inclusion, Niki brings passion and thought-provoking content to every event she speaks at. Offering the perfect mix of personal experience and social commentary, Niki cultivates safe spaces for practical and affirming learning, and facilitates conversations about inclusion and diversity.

Niki is a late-diagnosed AuDHD female who supports the Social Model of Disability that gives equal access to all. She is an ally to, and always learning from, others who identify as marginalised.

Past speaking events have included:
LitUp Conference 2026, State Library of NSW
Speaking to 200 librarians in person about diversity and inclusion, and the role of picture books in providing safe metaphors to speak about tricky topics.

Children’s Book Council of Australia Notables Awards
A fast and furious discussion of the story behind the story, and the important messaging that exists within the book, for the launch of The Umbrella.

Educational online course for the Australian Society of Authors
An engaging and informative class for authors, writers, and editors about inclusive language and identifying ableist vocabulary and phrases, with an introduction to the Social Model of Disability and Disability Pride.

As a children’s author and advocate for diversity and inclusion, Niki offers stimulating school visits for all ages around her picture book, The Umbrella, and inclusive language. All of Niki’s talks are bespoke and adaptable, engaging and fun.

Primary schools
Niki’s school visits provide students with an understanding of how picture books are created and the importance of visuals in storytelling, as well as giving students a safe framework and language for thinking and conversing about diversity and belonging. With engaging book readings and audience participation, Niki’s talks spark conversations around inclusion and belonging, neurodiversity and mental health, inclusive language and fitting in.

High schools
A firm believer in the importance of picture books for older children and adults, Niki offers talks and workshops for high-school students on storytelling using both words and pictures, narratives and visuals, focusing on the interaction between them in the reading of a story, and encouraging visual literacy.

Join me for a fun and engaging reading of my picture book, The Umbrella; questions are always encouraged and welcomed. Learn about the book-creation process, create your own umbrella craft, and maybe even get a signed copy.