Rikhi Ubhi, Editor in Boston, MA, USA

Overview

Hi, I'm Rikhi - a senior publisher professional with over eighteen years' experience in developing authors to bestselling and breakout success. I have worked on or published over fifty Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers throughout my career so far.

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

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 manuscript reviewer, book coach, query letter reader 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

Founder

Self-employed

Feb, 2026 — Present

Publishing for the new era: creator-first, tech-forward, story-rooted. I work with authors and creators to uncover and develop their books. I utilize my almost twenty years of bestselling publishing experience into bringing a data-driven, commercial-first approach to independent authors, offering literary strategy, book coaching, manuscript and query letter review.

Head of Publishing

Flight Story / Penguin Random House

Sep, 2024 — Jan, 2026 (over 1 year)

I launched, led, and scaled Flight Books in partnership with Penguin Random House, achieving imprint profitability in year one and delivering Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers. I worked with authors including bestselling entrepreneurs and creators Steven Bartlett and Codie Sanchez; leading scientists including neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart, toxicologist Dr Yvonne Burkhart and sleep expert Dr Cheri Mah; as well as self-development writers including George Mack and Vanessa Van Edwards. Now, I bring that same data-driven, commercial-first approach to independent authors, offering literary strategy, book coaching, manuscript and query letter review.

Editorial Director

Heligo Books / Bonnier Books UK

Apr, 2021 — Aug, 2024 (over 3 years)

Previously, as the Founding Publisher of Bonnier Books UK’s Heligo Books, I spearheaded the launch and scaling of their business and smart-thinking imprint. By acquiring compelling non-fiction for business leaders and curious readers, I attracted multiple Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling authors and delivered new bestselling titles within the imprint's first year. I worked with and developed authors including bestselling entrepreneur John Littlejohn MBE, ex-CIA Rupal Patel, former LEGO CEO Bali Padda, and FT Business Book of the Year longlisted writer Saabira Chaudhuri, alongside acclaimed writers such as Adam Alter, Brad Stulberg, and Maura Guillen.

Co-owner & Director

Zed Books

Apr, 2017 — Aug, 2020 (over 3 years)

I was instrumental in driving revenue growth and increasing turnover through publishing strategy, business development, top tier marketing & PR, acquisitions and commissioning.