Bonnie Hearn Hill

Bonnie Hearn Hill – Editor

From memoir and self-help to crime, business, and women's fiction, I can help you find your vision and your voice. Outstanding references.

Overview

I've worked on numerous books, including New York Times bestsellers. I love what I do and believe that passion is reflected in the quality of my work. I am also a novelist and share my picks on a monthly Central California TV book segment.

I start with a free telephone consultation, where we discuss what your book needs and how I would edit it. If we move forward, I will send you sections of the book, usually thirds, and you have a chance to review and discuss the edits and changes with me.

My experience as a traditionally published author helps me assist clients with their publishing goals. I can speak realistically and honestly about writing for publication because it's my life. Let's talk about your vision and how I can help you.

"You were a true pleasure to work with–always attentive to my concerns, diligent in your follow through, unflappable in the face of any deadline."

Peter Borland

Senior Editor

Atria Books/Simon & Schuster

"In my twenty years college administration and teaching, I have never come across any editor or writer who is more capable than Bonnie. She is an outstanding instructor and a sensitive editor."

Professor John Brantingham

Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Self-Help & Self-Improvement True Crime Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (US) English (US)
Awards
  • First place, essay on writing, The Writer Magazine, 2019
  • First place, genre short story, Writer's Digest Magazine, 2019
  • Killer Nashville, first place, nonfiction (client book)
  • Recipient Harlequin Creator Fund, novel, 2019
  • 2026 Pushcart Prize nominee for an essay
Certifications
  • UC Berkeley, Professional Sequence in Editing certificate (4.0 GPA)
  • MFA Creative Writing, Antioch University

Work experience

Advantage Media/Forbes Books

Nov, 2017 — Present
Have ghostwritten books on investments, wealth management, and written book outlines for books on health and entrepreneurs.

Self-employed

Apr, 2004 — Present
I've worked on true crime, fictional crime, and memoirs (with or without crime). I also love working with authors of prescriptive nonfiction on books that can change lives. My nonfiction book proposals have helped sell numerous books.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
From Chaos to Calm: A Six-Step Strategy to Break Through Anxiety

Kiekhaefer LCSW, Tamara

Post Hill Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Buried Secrets: Looking for Frank and Ida

Hanson, Anne

New England Books, LLC

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Made with Reedsy
Prison Rap

Hall Jr, Arthur Lee

Booklocker.com

Copy Editing Query Letter Review
Made with Reedsy
Snake Eyes: Murder in A Southern Town

Martin, Bitty

Prometheus

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid is the haunting story of a young girl, Tanya Kach, lost in the cracks of the system, forced to spend more than a decade as the prisoner of her middle school's secur... read more
Developmental Editing
Brian Cuban was living a lie. With a famous last name and a successful career as a lawyer, Brian was able to hide his clinical depression and alcohol and cocaine addictions—for a while. Today,... read more
Developmental Editing
Gail. Hannah. Bridget. Lizzy. Flavia. Each of them has a shameful secret, and each is about to find out that she is not alone… Gail, a prominent Boston judge, keeps receiving letters from her ... read more
Developmental Editing
When Fred Fruehan's son Freddy is kidnapped at age fourteen, Fred puts his life on hold and vows to find him. Freddy escapes his captors but not the horror of those thirty-five days. Off The G... read more
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 8.4 million Americans alive today have suffered from or currently suffer from cancer. Newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones ar... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
For the first time, the life and mind of Anders Behring Breivik, the most unexpected of mass murderers, is examined and set in the context of wider criminal psychology.*Winner of the 2016 Silv... read more
Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
The premier guide to combining verbal and nonverbal communication to gain confidence, establish credibility and make lasting impressions Yes—a small word, but the key to opening doors both pro... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Query Letter Review

Bonnie has 20 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Amal M.

Amal M.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
Of the first four editors who answered my query on Reedsy for a developmental editor to help me with my memoir, Bonnie was the only one who took the time to read my sample chapter and respond in a way that revealed that she understood the spirit of the entire work. Her criticism was consistently...
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Michael B.

Michael B.

Dec, 2025

Bonnie is fantastic. Honest and genuine. She allows your work to shine without being too harsh or demeaning. Loved working with her and would recommend her to anyone looking to enhance their writing.
Terry H.

Terry H.

May, 2024

Bonnie has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She worked quickly and efficiently and provided incredibly solid feedback and guidance. Her industry knowledge and familiarity with narrative nonfiction was a huge plus for me. I feel so much better positioned and prepared for literary agent outr...
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Kristine C.

Kristine C.

Apr, 2024

Bonnie is an incredibly talented writer and communicator, a master of editing, and a generous teacher. I hired her as my editor, and she became my mentor and friend. My book describes emotionally charged experiences, and Bonnie handled the delicate topics with professionalism and compassion. She ...
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Amy Lou G.

Amy Lou G.

Sep, 2023

I could not have found a better editor to help me with my first book. I love working with Bonnie. She is amazing and I am learning so much from her! She loves what she does and is passionate about every aspect of writing and helping others to succeed. She cares about the projects she takes on. Sh...
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