Heidi S.

Heidi S. – Editor

15+ years editing fiction. Edits for HarperCollins & indie authors. Specializes in developmental edits, line edits, plotting & coaching.

Overview

Are you looking for an experienced fiction editor? Someone who knows all about story structure, character development, and GMCs? I have a BA in English language and literature, and I've worked on multiple NY Times and USA Today bestselling books. I have a collaborative style, and my goal is to help authors get the very best version of their story ready for readers.


A developmental edit from me is comprised of:

~ a detailed evaluation of what's currently working and what aspects need more attention. I focus on plot/structure, character development/arcs, GMCs, world building, dialogue, pacing, consistency, and POV.

~ a chapter breakdown with notes regarding what issues are showing up where.

~ comprehensive notes made in the manuscript.


I'm available to answer any questions and brainstorm solutions if needed. We can do this via email, a call, or a video chat — whatever you're comfortable with.


I also offer plotting sessions.

Do you have an idea or an outline but need help making sure all the building blocks of a solid story are there? Need a roadmap or a little direction figuring out a plot point? We can go over what you have and flesh out a detailed outline for you to work with.



Testimonials


“Heidi is an incredible developmental and line editor. I’ve worked with her on all of my books, including my debut, and I can’t believe how lucky I got finding her. Working with Heidi is like getting a degree in writing and storytelling. She understands story structure and character development on a very deep level. What I love most about her is that she doesn’t hold back when it comes to feedback. If something is wrong with the story, she’ll tell you (very nicely), and then she’ll help you work through it. Her feedback is a critical part of my process, and I can confidently say that it’s made my books 10 times better.”

~ Gabrielle Sands


“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.”

~ 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


“Heidi knows how to take my words and make them sing, and she's always careful not to change my voice.”

~ Desiree Holt, USA Today Bestselling Author

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Dark Romance Fantasy Science Fiction Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS) English (SA) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • BA English Language and Literature

Work experience

HarperCollins

Apr, 2020 — Present

* Provide line edits for multiple imprints at Harlequin Enterprises.
* Check 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.

Self-employed

Sep, 2006 — Present

I offer three standard editing packages — developmental, line, and copy edits. I can also tailor a combination of editing packages to suit an author's needs.

I work with authors to get the best version of their stories ready for readers, all while respecting the author's voice.

Entangled Publishing

Apr, 2016 — Aug, 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.

Portfolio

Dangerous Ranch Threat

Kirst, Karen

Love Inspired Suspense

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
When He Desires: A Dark Mafia Romance (Fallen God Book 1)

Sands, Gabrielle

GSands Publishing, Inc.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Baby Rescue Mission

Childs, Lisa

Inspirational The Protectors Collection

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
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... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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... 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 co... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
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 cu... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 b... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 start... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 num... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 se... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 a... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Heidi has 5 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

danielle O.

danielle O.

Aug, 2024

Pinned
Heidi was fabulous, everything about the experience was professional and collaborative. She delivered on time, and the quality surpassed my expectations. I highly recommend. I will work with her again.
Alicia S.

Alicia S.

Nov, 2024

Heidi was a great asset to starting my writing career, providing knowledge and guidance on problem areas. I look forward to working with her in the future.
danielle O.

danielle O.

Nov, 2024

Heidi is the best, I have grateful to have found her. We are on book four and I am thrilled, she is my girl for all my editing needs.
danielle O.

danielle O.

Nov, 2024

always a pleasure, very knowledgeable and collaborative. A joy to work with.
danielle O.

danielle O.

Sep, 2024

Always a pleasure, concise, professional and knowledgeable. Heidi delivers on time and with the utmost respect to your work.

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