Heidi Shoham - Editor

Editor with 14+ years experience with NYT/USA Today bestselling authors. Line editor at Harlequin, a division of HarperCollins.

Overview

I've worked as an editor for multiple publishing houses as well as indie authors. I have a BA in English Language and Literature and have edited over 400 titles, many of which have hit The New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

I offer developmental and content edits, where I focus on issues like plot/structure, character development, world building, dialogue, pacing, redundancy, continuity and consistency, and point of view. If needed, I can also help authors brainstorm possible solutions. I offer copy edits, where I look at grammar, punctuation, and spelling. I check there are no inconsistencies, repetition, or ambiguity. I look out for overused words, phrases, patterns, autonomous body parts, dangling modifiers, and all the grammar and style issues that can clog up your story or jolt the reader’s eye. I also provide manuscript and query evaluations, and I’m experienced writing blurbs/back cover copy.

I specialize in romance (all heat levels and all subgenres), but I’ve also edited other genres. There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting to work with an author to bring a great story into the world!

I am currently accepting new clients.

Acknowledgments:

“I've worked with Heidi on the edits for two dozen published titles, and I can say with confidence she has made me a better writer.” ~ Cat Johnson, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

“Once Heidi has done her magic, I feel completely confident sending my story out into the world. She makes every book better!” ~ Erin Nicholas, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

“If you’re looking for a professional, reliable, efficient editor with a great eye for detail, look no further. Heidi’s one of the best. Working with her has made me a better writer. I highly recommend Heidi.” ~ N.J. Walters, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

"Heidi Shoham is an extremely talented editor! We've worked together on many of my books, and she makes every one of them better. I highly recommend her!" ~ Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author

"I've worked with Heidi on multiple projects and her edits are quick, comprehensive and always make the book better!" ~ Sarah M. Anderson, RITA award winning author

“I trust Heidi beyond question, have faith that she is helping me craft and write the best book I can, and willingly put my career in her hands. She has this amazing ability to see to the heart of my characters. I can’t fathom what I would do without her.” ~ Lexxie Couper

“Heidi is fast, sharp, and straightforward. She is thorough and meticulous, yet knows how to balance writing technicalities with author voice. She has the ability to look at the story as a whole, as well as sentence by sentence. Her suggestions make my work better.” ~ Jenna Bayley-Burke

“Heidi has a total grasp of my writing and knows how to take my words and make them sing. She is always very careful not to change my voice and her edits continue to make my books winners. I highly recommend her to everyone.” ~ Desiree Holt, USA Today Bestselling Author

“From working with Heidi over multiple books, I’ve found her to be prompt, professional, and thorough. I've learned more about pacing and sentence structure from Heidi than any craft book or writing course. I gladly recommended her to other authors.” ~ Laura Trentham

"I love working with Heidi. She's easy to work with. Is able to pinpoint what needs work and throws in smiles and praise when she likes something, too. She definitely helped make my writing better. I highly recommend her." ~ Natasha Moore

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Languages

English (AUS)

English (SA)

English (UK)

English (US)

Fiction

Fantasy

Historical Fiction

Humor & Comedy

LGBTQ Fiction

Paranormal Romance

Romance

Science Fiction

Young Adult

Certifications

BA English Language and Literature

Work experience

Freelance Editor

Self-employed

September, 2006 – Present (about 16 years)

I provide comprehensive developmental, content, and copy edits to authors who self-publish. I focus on the story as a whole, as well as look at it line by line, to make sure it all works.
I work with authors to get the very best version of their stories ready for readers, all while keeping the author's voice intact.

I also work with some authors developing ideas and outlines and write back-cover copy/blurbs.

Line editor

Harlequin, a division of HarperCollins

April, 2020 – Present (over 2 years)

* Provide substantive/line edits, checking for consistency from scene to scene (GMCs, actions, descriptions, etc.).
* Edit to improve paragraph structure, scene structure, and transitions.
* Revise repetitive words/phrases/structures.
* Check dialogue is authentic, believable, and flows.
* Tighten wordy sentences.
* Check for readability, pacing, clarity, and consistency.

Editorial Director and Senior Editor

Entangled Publishing

April, 2016 – August, 2018 (over 2 years)

* Reviewed submissions, prepared and presented acquisition proposals to the acquisition board, provided developmental, content/line edits.
* Developed and maintained the vision and quality of the imprints through controlled acquisitions and QA of every book published on the line.
* Collaborated with the authors, marketing, art, and administrative departments. taking manuscript from acquisition to publication.
* Wrote back cover copy and worked with various departments to design the best marketing tools and metadata.
* Managed the imprint’s production editor and publicist as well the day-to-day editorial operations, including writing outlines for spec projects and approving all acquisition proposals for the imprint before they were brought to the acquisitions board.

Senior Editor

Samhain Publishing

June, 2006 – March, 2016 (over 9 years)

* Reviewed submissions, acquired manuscripts, provided content/line edits, reviewed copy edits and galleys, took the manuscript from acquisition to publication.
* Wrote back cover copy and tip sheets, coordinated between the author and the marketing and art departments to develop a comprehensive marketing package.
* Developed anthologies, including recruiting specific authors, promoting interest within the writing community, considering submissions, acquisition and editing the anthology.

Portfolio (35 selected works)

Drakon's Promise (Blood of the Drakon Book 1)

N.J. Walters

Darius Varkas is a drakon. He's neither human nor dragon.He's both.He's also the target of an ancient order who want to capture all drakons for their blood. When fresh, a drakon's blood can cure any illness and prolong a human's life, and the Knights will stop at nothing to get it.When librarian Sarah Anderson stumbles across a rare book belonging to the Knights of the Dragon, she's quickly th... read more

Branded

Candace Havens

"I was hooked from the first page. It sizzles with sexy tension, and Cole is HOT!" - Jennifer Blackwood, USA Today bestselling authorI have my hands full taking care of my little sister and covering for my uncle as ranch foreman. The last thing I need is a Texas princess like Callie Llewellyn getting up in my business and messing with my head. All I can think of is getting up close and persona... read more

Compromising Positions (Invested in Love Series Book 1)

Jenna Bayley-Burke

When CEO David Strong is strong-armed into demonstrating Kama Sutra yoga poses for a couples class—which is as awkward as it sounds—he’s put in one compromising position after another. On top of that, the co-instructor gets him all worked up, and she’s totally off-limits. At least she should be.Sophie DelFino has fantasized about David for over a decade. If only he weren’t so uptight and didn’... read more

Drakon's Plunder (Blood of the Drakon Book 3)

N.J. Walters

Life is not going well for archaeologist Sam Bellamy. She’s stuck in the middle of the ocean on a salvage boat with people who want her dead. It wasn’t her gift for being able to sense objects of power that got her here, rather her need to make a secret society called the Knights of the Dragon pay for killing her mentor. Sam doesn’t believe in dragons, but the Knights do, and if she can get on... read more

The Highlander's Hellion (The Sutherland Legacy Book 3)

Eliza Knight

From the bestselling author of the Stolen Bride Series comes a brand new and exciting family saga! For fans of Scottish historical romance, the Sutherland Legacy propels you into the Highlands with tales of daring adventure, irresistible heroes and passion!Lady Greer was a hellion from the moment she could walk. So, when the young woman is forbidden by her father, the Earl of Sutherland, to sa... read more

Getting Out of Hand (Sapphire Falls)

Erin Nicholas

Genius scientist Mason Riley can cure world hunger, impress the media and piss off the Vice President of the United States all before breakfast. But he’s not sure he can get through his high school class reunion.Until he meets the new girl in town.Mason sure doesn’t look—or kiss—like a genius scientist geek. Passion like this with a guy who travels the world and parties at the White House shou... read more

Unridden: A Smoking Hot Cowboy Romance (Studs in Spurs Book 1)

Cat Johnson

When two country boys meet a city girl, everyone is in for a wild ride...Slade and Mustang are living the high life on the professional bull-riding circuit. The prize money is big, the bulls are rank and the women are willing. But something is missing. Romance writer Jenna Block’s agent thinks a cowboy book will jumpstart her career. A born New Yorker, Jenna doesn’t do cowboys. Not on paper an... read more

The Impatient Lord: A Qurilixen World Novel (Dragon Lords Book 8)

Michelle M. Pillow

Dragon Shapeshifter Sci Fi Paranormal RomanceThe original Dragon Lords series by NYT Bestselling Author, Michelle M. Pillow.An unlucky bride... Riona Grey lives life on her own terms, traveling wherever the next spaceship is flying and doing what she must to get by. When her luck turns sour, she finds herself on a bridal ship heading to a marriage ceremony. A planet of alpha male shifters seek... read more

The Stubborn Billionaire (The Muse Series Book 1)

Lexxie Couper

I’m going to ruin Sienna Roberts.Ruthless? Maybe. But it’s what’s put me on top. And it’s what’s going to help me get revenge on the woman who put my family through hell.My plan has been in play for months. She has no idea I’m the mysterious benefactor commissioning her artwork, or that the downfall in store for her will be the end of her career.But there’s something I didn’t plan for—the way ... read more

Drakon's Prey (Blood of the Drakon Book 2)

N.J. Walters

Valeriya Azarov turned her back on the family business to write and illustrate children’s books. But with a sister who leads the Knights of the Dragons, it’s impossible to get away from the secret society whose mission is to destroy and enslave dragons. When information falls into her hands along with the opportunity to save at least one of the ancient creatures, she can’t turn away any longer... read more

Drakon's Past (Blood of the Drakon Book 4)

N.J. Walters

Constance Owens has a gift for finding unique items in the most unlikely places, which comes in handy since she buys and sells artifacts and antiques for a living. When she purchases a set of four dragon statues, she has no idea just how unique they are, or that finding them will thrust her into a world of secret societies, men who think nothing of kidnapping and murder to get what they want, ... read more

Drakon Unchained (Blood of the Drakon Book 5)

N.J. Walters

Victoria Marshall is living a lie. She works for a member of the Knights of the Dragon, a secret society that traps and uses dragons for their own gain. As a child, she made an unlikely friend—a drakon. He went missing, and she’s spent the past twenty years searching for him. The only thing distracting her from her mission is Luther Henderson, her boss’s new head of security.Luther is also liv... read more

All I Want Is You

Candace Havens

Hawke Vance will do whatever it takes to protect the family business, even if it means protecting it from his own father, a man who’s just gotten hitched in Vegas to wife number nine. Growing up seeing how much chaos wedded bliss creates, Hawke’s sworn never to fall into the matrimony trap. But to get the all-important controlling shares of the company, he does need a wife.Being caught skinny ... read more

Back in the Rancher's Arms

Elsie Davis

Dylan Hunter has always loved the girl next door. Part of loving her meant making sure she left their small town to study to become a veterinarian. He just never expected it to take this long for her to come home. His hands are full raising his younger brother and bringing his ranch through the drought, but one look at Kayla and his feelings are back full force.Kayla Anderson’s not prepared to... read more

Not My First Rodeo 2 Boxed Set

Donna Alward, Jenna Bayley-Burke, Sarah M. Anderson

In Donna Alward’s Seducing the Sheriff, Cassidy’s first foray into online dating is an unqualified disaster. Witness to a bank robbery, she’s now in danger. Sexy sheriff Joe Lawson is willing do whatever it takes to protect her, even if that means hiding her away in his secluded mountain cabin. In Roping the Rancher by Sarah M. Anderson, all Tommy knows is girls his own age don’t do it for him... read more

Not My First Rodeo Boxed Set

Jenna Bayley-Burke, Donna Alward, Sarah M. Anderson

These cowboys all have a little experience under their belt buckles and they’re gonna to put their hearts on the line one more time. In Donna Alward’s Nothing like a Cowboy, Brett isn't interested in another run at love, but when he's matched with Melly by an online dating site, he seriously considers getting back in the saddle. In Something About a Cowboy by Sarah M. Anderson, Mack is furious... read more

Autumn Allure (Pine Point Book 4)

Allie Boniface

Bartender Nate Hunter enjoys the single life in his small-town, but i and easy goes out the window when a dying ex-girlfriend tracks him down to tell him he has a daughter he never knew existed. Nate doesn't know the first thing about being a father, but one look at Autumn, and he's a goner, so he agrees to take care of her until her aunt returns at Christmas.No-nonsense librarian Maxine Abbot... read more

Spring Secrets (Pine Point Book 3)

Allie Boniface

Sienna Cruz is writing a dissertation about small towns and their secrets and scandals. Luckily, she has just the town to do her research in. She left Pine Point at age fifteen, after her mother’s untimely death. She’s come back to Pine Point now to take a job teaching special needs kids—at least that’s what she’s told everyone.After eight years on the West Coast, Mike Springer has come home t... read more

Winter's Wonder (Pine Point Book 2)

Allie Boniface

Zane Andrews has returned to Pine Point after eight long years. He’s not the bad boy he was when he left all those years ago. He’s reformed. Nowadays, he works security in a gated community and spends his time turning away the bored housewives who flirt shamelessly with him. His life is good, simple and good. The only thorn in his side is the stray dog overturning garbage cans and scaring resi... read more

The Bookworm and the Beast

Charlee James

When quiet, bookish Izzy Simon accepts a two-week assignment as an assistant for an author of children’s books, it seems like the perfect way for her to make some much-needed extra money, but the grumpy author claims he doesn’t want or need her services. He might be as handsome as a storybook prince, but his prickly personality and resistance to all things Christmas are sure to make for a chil... read more

The July Guy (The Men of Lakeside Book 1)

Natasha Moore

Art professor Anita Delgado spends eleven months of the year working. July is her month to cut loose, paint, and pick a guy to make the summer memorable. But this year she isn’t in a tropical location with an exotic man like she'd planned. She’s stuck in small-town USA dealing with a lake house she doesn’t want, inherited from a grandmother she never knew. A summer fling might be the only thin... read more

Adventures in Online Dating

Julie Particka

For Alexa McIntyre, the answer to everything comes down to numbers. Three sons. One divorce. One great life...except her boys are getting older and they really need a man around. Enter the number twenty, as in after twenty minutes with someone she knows whether or not she wants them in her life. So, she hatches a plan to meet any man who remotely strikes her interest—for a twenty-minute date a... read more

One Night with a Millionaire (Daring Divorcees Book 1)

Shannyn Schroeder

Over-forty, single mom Tess Howland's life is all about caring for other people. Indulging in a one night stand is just what she needs. She doesn't expect to meet anyone she would introduce to her kids, especially not some rich playboy who acts like a big kid himself. Even if he keeps giving her the best sex of her life.Millionaire Miles Prescott can't get the sexy nurse he met at a fundraisin... read more

Without Words (Under the Pier Book 1)

Delancey Stewart

After an accident in the line of duty, firefighter Roberto DeRosa’s life is turned upside down. His career fighting fires is over, and he’s left with an uncertain future and an injury that makes communicating difficult for him. The only time words flow easily is when they’re lyrics and he has a guitar in his hands. Talking to women is definitely out, especially if they have bright blue eyes th... read more

Without Promises (Under the Pier Book 2)

Delancey Stewart

Trent McNeil was a classic trust-fund kid until he watched a team of firefighters save his family home. From that moment on, he rebelled against the path his parents were determined to keep him on. Now a San Diego firefighter, he knows he'll eventually be expected to take over the family empire. But until that day, his only plan is to have fun and enjoy life.After a childhood of upset and unce... read more

Just One Spark

Jenna Bayley-Burke

Hannah Daniels reads steamy romance novels to forget her last trip on the love roller coaster shredded her heart and tossed it like confetti. Her instincts about men stink, but at work they’re on point. Only her busy schedule means she reads whenever she can make time. Like at the laundromat while sitting on top of a washing machine. Don’t judge. Firefighter Mason McNally has searched his whol... read more

The Billionaire's Reluctant Fiancée (Invested in Love Series Book 5)

Jenna Bayley-Burke

After her father’s untimely death, the only things Lily Harris is left with are debt and scandal—and her late father’s business partner, Jake Tolliver, looking over her shoulder. Lily isn’t interested in being another one of Jake’s many conquests, no matter how attractive he is, or how convincing he might be. She just needs to keep reminding herself she’ll get burned if she makes a deal with t... read more

The Billionaire's Runaway Fiancée (Invested in Love Series Book 2)

Jenna Bayley-Burke

Robyn Tindall’s new boss has a penchant for running off new personal assistants before lunch, but she’s not about to let herself be fired by the billionaire with a bad attitude, no matter how good he looks. She’s determined to be indispensable and unflappable, until he surprises her with a crazy proposal.Curtis Frye is impressed with his new assistant’s dedication and decides she could be the ... read more

The Billionaire's Private Scandal (Invested in Love Series Book 3)

Jenna Bayley-Burke

Megan Carlton’s secret affair with financier Brandon Knight ended when he pulled off a hostile takeover of her family’s hotel empire and then kissed another woman. Broke and alone, Megan starts a new life and learns to stand on her own, then Brandon finds her serving coffee and surviving on tips and tries to pull her back into her old life and his arms. She thought she was over him, and she ce... read more

The Billionaire's Holiday Engagement (Invested in Love Series Book 4)

Jenna Bayley-Burke

Venture capitalist Cameron Price is a workaholic and great at his job, but his boss is convinced Cam needs a more balanced life. A wife on his arm would prove Cam’s the right man to take over the company. When a gorgeous caterer cooks up the perfect event and catches Cam’s eye, he proposes an innovative arrangement they’ll both benefit from. Lauren Brody knows Cam’s plan is crazy, but pretendi... read more

Lust in Translation

Jenna Bayley-Burke

Jaime Cruz has a to-do list a mile long. She needs to get back to her hometown, find a new teaching position and a place to live, and ensure all the preparations for her sister’s big wedding go off perfectly. Good thing she’s organized and has a strict itinerary. But when her ride across country insists she have fun along the way, her plans and schedule go out the window…literarily and figurat... read more

The Boss

Melissa Schroeder

Sick of the spy game, former CIA operative Vic Walker takes time off from his security firm to figure out just what he wants out of life. But peace and quiet isn’t in the cards with a former business partner and ex-lover like MacKenzie Donovan. Mac doesn’t like asking for help from anyone, but this latest case has her in a little over her head. She crashes back into Vic’s life with the CIA, th... read more