Heather Rubert – Editor

Got cyborgs? How about superheroes or dinosaurs? As an editor specializing in sci-fi & fantasy books, I’m thrilled by anything to do with wizards, astronauts, and other fantastical mayhem. Though content edits are my jam, I also have extensive experience completing copy edits and going over query letters.

Between publishing and freelancing, I have six years of experience with MG, YA, and adult fiction, working primarily with first-time authors. Some of these writers have self-published, and others have gone the traditional route; either way, I’m here to help you navigate the world of publishing by making your work market-ready.

As your editor, I will be your first and biggest advocate. I’ll collaborate with you to make your work the best it can be, with professional insights on everything from character development to dialogue tags to comma usage. With my background as an acquisitions editor, I can also offer insights into queries, pitches, and what makes books sellable.

Here’s what to expect from the developmental editing process:

--First, you’ll send me a double-spaced Word document of your manuscript.

--Next, I’ll send it back filled with lots of comments about sentences that sing, dialogue tags that need work, plot twists I didn’t see coming, and more.

--Along with the returned document, I’ll pass along a sheet of content or style recommendations, typically the 3 or 4 changes that take highest priority.

--Once you've had a chance to review my notes and recommendations, we'll spend about an hour chatting about your manuscript and discussing any questions you may have.

Here's what to expect from the copy editing process:

--First, you'll send me a double-spaced Word document of you manuscript.

--Next, I'll spend 2-3 weeks going over your manuscript and adjusting sentences that could flow better, removing unnecessary dialogue tags, and making other sentence-level changes.

--Along with your edited manuscript, I'll send you back a style sheet explaining the top 3-4 most recurring style changes I made and explain why, helping you be an even better writer.

I can’t wait to work with you on your manuscript!