Katie Seaman

Katie Seaman – Editor

Commercial Fiction Editor with 10 years’ experience at HarperCollins and Penguin. Here to make your manuscript shine and polish your pitch.

Overview

Do you need to build your confidence and help turning your idea into a book through book coaching?


Do you need a trusted editor to help add some polish to your manuscript with a developmental edit so it shines?


Or do you want a query letter review from an industry expert who knows what agents and publishers are looking for?


I'm a collaborative and insightful editor specializing in commercial genres including romance, historical, crime and thriller, and literary fiction. I always enjoy a book that's a little bit quirky, that has a magical element or a strong emotional hook, so if that sounds like your book then I'd love to work with you.


I'm keen to help support you on your writing journey whatever stage you're at. I have a decade of experience working at major publishing houses including Penguin Random House and HarperCollins so understand the current climate and what it takes to stand out from the crowd which will help polish your query letter before approaching literary agents. I've also been a mentor on the Write Now scheme so am experienced at coaching first-time writers through the writing journey, from turning that idea into words on a page, creating writing routines or honing writing craft.


I believe that the relationship between a writer and editor should be a collaborative partnership. I'm hard-working and committed to achieving the best possible result for your work. I'm here to give encouragement, advice and support, delivering editorial feedback sensitively. I'm friendly and flexible in my approach so always happy to discuss your project and agree on a clear brief before we decide to move forward.


I love a good story and I can't wait to read yours.


*****

This is what published authors and literary agents have said about working with me:


'Katie is one of the most insightful editors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I've felt that my writing was in trusted, safe hands. She sees the essence of my novels and then devises a plan to draw that essence out, allowing my voice to shine brighter. She is also a brilliant cheerleader, giving you confidence at the point you need it most!' M. A. KUZNIAR


'Working with Katie on my debut novel was a life-changing experience. I loved how supportive and patient she was and one of Katie's greatest strengths as an editor is her willingness to bounce ideas off authors and her ability in empowering authors to follow their instincts. I highly recommend Katie's services.' STACEY THOMAS


'Katie is like a Fairy Godmother when it comes to helping authors, whether it be turning a vague idea into a workable plot or bringing to life a scene that was lacking those vital ingredients. She gives generous support and offers invaluable advice.' MICHELLE RAWLINS

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Trailblazer Award 2018

Work experience

HarperCollins

Sep, 2019 — Aug, 2023 (almost 4 years)

- Acquired and edited a range of award-winning and bestselling commercial fiction including from magical realist romantasy MIDNIGHT IN EVERWOOD by M. A. Kuzniar, literary historical fiction THE REVELS by Stacey Thomas to romantic comedy DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jesse Sutanto.
- Mentored first-time writers and coached them through the publication process from completing a first draft to landing an agent and publishing deal.

Penguin Random House

Sep, 2017 — Sep, 2019 (about 2 years)

- Acquired and edited bestselling commercial fiction as well as being part of the publishing teams behind Sunday Times Number One bestseller HOW TO BE FAMOUS by Caitlin Moran, Kindle bestseller THE PASSENGERS by John Marrs and the popular WINTERNIGHT TRILOGY by Katherine Arden.
- Mentored on the WriteNow programme, coaching my mentee through all aspects of publishing from working closely together editorially on her manuscript to helping her approach agents which led to securing a publishing deal.

Orion Publishing Group

Oct, 2015 — Aug, 2017 (almost 2 years)

- Acquired romantic comedy HOT MESS by Lucy Vine which was a bestseller and the company's bestselling debut of 2017. I was awarded a Trailblazer Award, a top industry award in recognition for my innovative publishing.
- Part of the publishing team behind Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling authors including Michael Connelly, Linwood Barclay, Erica James and Veronica Henry.

Portfolio

Open Minded

Chloe Seager

‘Funny, smart and fresh’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A unique and very different take on the traditional RomCom . . . I adored Fliss and her relationship with Ash’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ * * * What if T... read more
Developmental Editing
The Revels

Stacey Thomas

The stage is set and the witch-hunt is about to begin... ‘I am no witch. I have not sold my soul to the devil for powers. What I am has never openly been whispered of, yet it is enough that pe... read more
Developmental Editing
The new must-read cozy crime mystery from the bestselling author of Dial A For Aunties Put the kettle on, there’s a mystery brewing... Tea-shop owner. Matchmaker. Detective? Sixty-year-old sel... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
In the darkness of night, magic awaits... Nottingham, 1906 Marietta Stelle longs to be a ballerina but, as Christmas draws nearer, her dancing days are numbered – she must marry and take up he... read more
Developmental Editing
Hot Mess

Lucy Vine

The eBook Number One bestseller The hottest book of the summer. A sassy, laugh out loud beach read everyone is talking about *****Hot Mess [n.] - someone attractive, who is often in disarray.H... read more
Developmental Editing
‘An enchanting new twist on a classic tale’ Elodie Harper When the snow falls, she will be free... The invitations always arrive the same way – without warning, appearing around the city on th... read more
Developmental Editing
A razor-sharp, bleakly funny exploration of mental health crises, the societal pressures on young women, and toxic sexual and romantic relationships from one of the most exciting new literary ... read more
Developmental Editing
The Pick Up

Hannah Doyle

A laugh-out-loud romcom in 2024 perfect for fans of Catherine Walsh and Elena Armas Committing to a fake romance is easy. It’s keeping it fake that’s the problem ... 'A truly original and memo... read more
Developmental Editing
How to be Famous

Caitlin Moran

The Sunday Times bestselling Richard & Judy Book Club favourite'Being Moran, the jokes and one-liners fizz and crackle off the page' Richard's Review'As usual, Moran writes fearlessly, openly,... read more
Developmental Editing
Nineteen Steps

Millie Bobby Brown

The debut novel from global star Millie Bobby Brown Love blooms in the darkest days... London, 1942. Despite the raging war, spirited 18-year-old Nellie Morris lives a quiet life in the tight-... read more
Developmental Editing
Ginger and Me

Elissa Soave

‘Funny, touching and wise, I loved it’ Kit de Waal, bestselling author of My Name Is Leon Wendy is lonely but coping.All nineteen-year-old Wendy wants is to drive the 255 bus around Uddingston... read more
Developmental Editing

Katie has 30 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Stephanie D.

Stephanie D.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
Working with Katie was a DREAM! She was so kind and so gentle with my manuscript and collaborating with her live over a call was amazing. She had fantastic insights into things and really helped my flesh out some issues that I was having some trouble with. Katie really knows her stuff and she is a great asset when it comes to helping you tweak you manuscript in a way that makes it more attracti...
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Katie S.
Thank you for your amazing feedback. I’ve really enjoyed working with you, being so impressed by your imagination and desire to develop your storytelling. Best of luck and excited to see how the se...
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Emma C.

Emma C.

Feb, 2024

Pinned
I loved working with Katie! From the first sample edits she gave me, I was impressed with Katie's thoughtfulness and attention to detail. She was very responsive and communicative and delivered the work on time. Most importantly, she truly understood my manuscript. She saw everything that I was trying to do and was enthusiastic about what was working. All of her edits came from a place of helpi...
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Katie S.
Emma, thanks so much for your very kind review. I'm thrilled to get such brilliant feedback and it's been a joy to work with you. I've been very impressed by your willingness to take suggestions on...
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Samantha S.

Samantha S.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
This was my second time working with Katie and I wanted to leave a second review because I can't emphasize enough how amazing she is! Katie provides concise, meaningful feedback which always hits the spot - she seems to know exactly what needs to be done and it immediately makes sense. My work, my confidence etc have all improved through collaborating with her and I just wish I had found her so...
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Katie S.
It's been an absolute pleasure working with you. I've been so impressed by your hard work and willingness to take feedback on board and how both your manuscript and confidence in your work has deve...
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Robert G.

Robert G.

Jul, 2024

I am a first-time writer and needed someone knowledgeable and experienced to help me navigate my first draft. Katie was superb. She was very helpful, giving me useful tips and offering good advice. My story is all the better for it. Katie is professional. Everything was done smoothly and well.
Katie S.
Thanks so much for your kind feedback. I really enjoyed our coaching sessions and glad that these could give you a strong foundation and confidence to approach the first draft. Best of luck!
Maddy R.

Maddy R.

Jul, 2024

Katie was brilliant to work with and I really cannot recommend her services highly enough. She had both great suggestions for the overall narrative, whilst also highlighting very helpful tweaks to wording etc which was helpful as, at this stage, the manuscript was so familiar to me I was unable to spot where the changing up of a sentence could have a real impact. Ultimately, the thing I found m...
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Katie S.
Thanks for your very kind review. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and am so pleased you got a lot out of the process, including gaining confidence. Best of luck!

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