Rikhi Ubhi, Editor in Boston, MA, USA

Overview

Hi, I'm Rikhi - a senior publisher professional with over fifteen years' experience in developing authors to bestselling and breakout success.

I have worked across the Big Five as well as independent houses, and have launched, led and scaled multiple literary imprints, such as Heligo Books at Bonnier Books UK and, most recently, Flight Books with Penguin Random House and podcaster Steven Bartlett.

My particular focus is non-fiction, specifically in the areas of business, memoir, smart-thinking, self-development and self-help. In short, any sort of writing that helps readers live, work or be better.

Due to my work developing Flight Books, I have an additional unique expertise in working closely with creators: credible personalities and expert voices who have an existing following online. These include Sunday Times-bestseller Steven Bartlett and NYT-bestselling author Codie Sanchez.

Get in touch with me if you are a looking for an energetic, empathetic and creative development editor, book coach, manuscript reviewer or literary strategist who has the skills, the eye and the expertise to build your book from the ground up, or to help elevate your concept to new heights.

Services

Developmental Editing

Editorial Assessment

Query Letter Review

Book Coaching

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Health & Wellbeing Self-Help & Self-Improvement

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Head of Publishing

Flight Books (with Penguin Random House and Steven Bartlett)

Sep, 2024 — Mar, 2026 (over 1 year)

Flight Books is a data-driven publishing imprint launched as a joint venture between Steven Bartlett’s Flight Studio and Penguin Random House. After launching, leading and scaling the imprint in this leadership and key editorial role, I developed a creator-focused publishing program from the ground up, merging traditional publishing practices with modern media strategies. Along the way I worked with, signing up and developed multiple renowned voices – including international bestsellers Steven Bartlett and Codie Sanchez, expert practitioners including Dr Cheri Mah and Dr Yvonne Burkart, and well-followed creators like Jaspreet Singh and Jordan Schwarzenberger – and achieved Sunday Times and NYT bestselling success.

Development Editor and Literary Strategist

Self-employed

Mar, 2026 — Present

As Founder and Director of a creator-first, tech-forward, story-rooted publishing venture, I offer editorial development, literary consultancy and publishing strategy to authors and publishers alike. This includes development editing, manuscript and query letter review, book coaching, and strategic consulting. I operate across both the new creator universe and established major publishing.

Editorial Director

Heligo Books at Bonnier Books UK

Mar, 2021 — Dec, 2023 (almost 3 years)

As Editorial Director at Bonnier Books UK, I built and launched Heligo Books – the company's dedicated business, big ideas and smart-thinking publishing imprint. Appointed to the role in March 2021, I spearheaded the entire creation, strategy and launch of Heligo Books. I worked with and developed authors including Sunday Times-bestselling author Dr Ashley Ward, NYT-bestsellers Adam Alter and Brad Stulberg, Financial Times Business Book long-listed Saabira Chaudhuri, and international Amazon bestsellers including as Rupal Patel and Captain Brett Crozier.

Co-Owner and Director

Zed Books

Apr, 2017 — Oct, 2020 (over 3 years)

Achieved top-tier PR and marketing whilst building networks within groups and communities typically overlooked in standard book publishing. Led internally on business planning and company-wide strategy, and contributed to acquisitions and commissioning.