Sarah Bauer

Sarah Bauer – Editor

I've got 15 years of experience from HarperCollins, Bonnier, Hodder & Orion. I specialise in crime/thrillers, romance & women's fiction

Overview

If you're looking for an expert opinion on your writing, I'd love to help.

I've been lucky enough to work at some of the best commercial publishers such as Orion, HarperCollins and Bonnier Books UK. I've worked with a wide range of authors, including (but not limited to!): Lia Louis, Lynda La Plante, Lex Croucher, Louise Pentland, Simon McCleave, J.M. Hall, Heather Morris and Fiona Gibson.

It is my favourite thing to work closely with authors to get the most out of their writing. Whether you're looking to increase the pace, have a plot issue you can't quite untangle, are at the point where you can't see the wood for the trees or are ready to take the next step of submitting your writing, I'd be thrilled to work with you.

I also have a range of experience and deep knowledge of book retailers, market and industry, having acquired and published many first-time novelists and bestsellers over the years. I know what agents, publishers and readers are looking for and I'm very happy to put this to good use in helping you craft the perfect pitch for your novel. I've worked closely with book marketing and publicity experts and have great industry contacts.

If there's anything you'd like to know, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Testimonials:

"Sarah is an excellent editor, she’s very caring and supportive and will always go that extra mile for you. She knows exactly what the public want to read and will work tirelessly with you to ensure your book is the very best it can be. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her and I would 100% recommend her." Rosie Goodwin, bestselling author of over 35 novels

"Writing my first novel was a daunting prospect at first, so I was lucky to work with Sarah. From our first conversations I knew she understood what I wanted to achieve and how I wanted to work. Patient, kind, funny, intelligent, generous and hardworking, Sarah was a total joy and the resulting book was everything I’d hoped for and remains one of my proudest achievements." Michael Ball, bestselling author of The Empire

"Sarah is a fantastic editor. She's hugely experienced with an excellent understanding of the commercial publishing market, and is equally brilliant on the big picture developmental edits as the closer line edits. She's also one of the loveliest people in publishing, always insightful, enthusiastic and encouraging, which makes her a dream to work with. When my books are with Sarah, I always know they're in safe and caring hands" Freya Sampson, author of The Last Library

"Sarah is a brilliantly insightful and creative editor – she’s helped shaped so many of my favourite novels, and most importantly, is a pleasure to work with, taking into account both the market needs, but also the author’s vision. A dream partner for any writer!" Hayley Steed, Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit UK

Services
Fiction
Chick Lit Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Cozy Mysteries Historical Fiction Historical Romance Psychological Thriller Romantic Comedy
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Avon

Jul, 2023 — May, 2024 (10 months)
Helping shape Avon's bestselling publishing. Providing editorial assessment on submissions from agents and open submissions to select the best commercial prospects for publication. Working closely with authors on all stages of their edits - from submission through to publication across many genres including romance, crime, thriller, cozy crime, reading group, historical and saga. Providing feedback on book pitches. Briefing book covers and working closely with the design team to ensure every book was the whole package. Writing cover copy and blurbs for online retailers. Working with wonderful authors such as J.M. Hall, Fiona Gibson, Mandy Robotham and Emma Cowell

Zaffre, Bonnier Books UK

Nov, 2016 — Jun, 2023 (over 6 years)
Acquiring, editing and publishing Commercial Women’s Fiction list, including Reading Group fiction, Romance and Saga and overseeing the editorial management processes. Working on the translated fiction list and with authors such as Wilbur Smith, Lynda La Plante and Heather Morris.

Orion Publishing Group

Aug, 2015 — Oct, 2016 (about 1 year)
Editorial Management of the Orion fiction list with authors including Michael Connelly, Justin Cronin, Anthony Horowitz, Linwood Barclay, Erica James and Veronica Henry.

Portfolio

What Happens in the Dark

Kia Abdullah

HarperCollins Publishers

Don’t miss the brand-new gripping thriller and courtroom drama full of twists and turns that will keep you up at night! ‘An impeccable blend of courtroom drama, mystery thriller and social com... read more
Developmental Editing
Bestselling phenomenon Simon McCleave is back with another Anglesey-set gripping, crime thriller full of twists that will keep you guessing until the last page. Pre-order now!When a seventeen-... read more
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Better Left Unsent

Lia Louis

Bonnier Zaffre Ltd.

'Laugh-out-loud, heartwarming tale' BETH O'LEARY'Pure romance magic' CHRISTINA LAUREN 'Beyond wonderful, so funny, so sweet' LINDSEY KELK Millie Chandler is known at work as the nice reception... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Reputation

Lex Croucher

Bonnier Books UK

It is a truth universally acknowledged that girls just wanna have fun'If Bridgerton and Fleabag had a book baby, it would be Reputation. I inhaled it in one sitting' Sarra Manning'I had so muc... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Finding Mr Perfectly Fine

Tasneem Abdur-Rashid

Bonnier Zaffre Ltd.

Last week I turned 29. Along with the usual homemade Victoria sponge, helium balloon and Selfridges gift vouchers, my Mum's birthday present to me was the threat that if I'm not engaged by my ... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The Shelf

Helly Acton

Bonnier Books UK

***A Radio 2 Book Club Pick***'Utter PERFECTION!' Marian Keyes'Fun, fresh and thought-provoking' Lindsey Kelk'A witty, life-affirming page-turner' Woman & Home'Fun, thought-provoking and unapo... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
What the Focaccia

Ginger Jones

Bonnier Zaffre Ltd.

Escape to Italy with the brand-new romcom from the author of You Had Me at HalloumiWhen Ramona's dream to launch a size-inclusive fashion line comes crashing down she decides it is time for a ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
You Had Me at Halloumi

Ginger Jones

Bonnier Zaffre Ltd.

When it comes to love, its feta late than never . . .Freya Butterly has always dreamed of being a Head Chef but despite running every service at the Mediterranean restaurant, she still doesn't... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Secrets of Primrose Square

Claudia Carroll

Zaffre Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
The Women of Primrose Square

Carroll, Claudia

Zaffre

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Below The Big Blue Sky

McPartlin, Anna

Zaffre

Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Talk Bookish to Me

Kate Bromley

Harlequin Audio

Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Wilde Women (Robin Wilde Book 3)

Pentland, Louise

Zaffre

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
The Lost for Words Bookshop: A Novel

Butland, Stephanie

St. Martin's Press

Proofreading
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae

Butland, Stephanie

St. Martin's Griffin

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Live a Little

Reiss, Madeleine

Zaffre

Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
The Cleaner

Elisabeth Herrmann

Bonnier Publishing Fiction Ltd.

An unforgettable heroine. An unforgiveable past. For fans of Child 44, The Lives of Others, and Stasi Child, The Cleaner is a gripping thriller that will chill and intrigue as the sins of the ... read more
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Wilde Women

Louise Pentland

Bonnier Zaffre Ltd.

'If you've ever felt like the only person in the world who isn't perfect . . . this is what you need to read' Daisy BuchananMeet Robin Wilde: mum, newly-appointed official girlfriend, make-up ... read more
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
The Last Library

Freya Sampson

Zaffre

Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Hope Nicely's Lessons for Life

Caroline Day

Bonnier Books UK

'Touching, tender . . . filled with wonderful humour' Sarah Haywood'A very special book' Katie FfordeThe Sunday Times bestselling novel, perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine... read more
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
One Enchanted Evening

Anton Du Beke

Bonnier Publishing Fiction Ltd.

The Sunday Times bestseller!'Downton with dance, perfect!' Santa MontefiorePrepare to be swept off your feet by the romantic and irresistible debut novel from Anton Du BekeLondon, 1936.Inside ... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
A Maiden's Voyage

Rosie Goodwin

Bonnier Zaffre Ltd.

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Blessed Child; perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Katie Flynn and Catherine Cookson. 'Goodwin is a master of her craft. The perfect book for a col... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Couple

Helly Acton

Bonnier Books UK

'A romcom with a difference' Sarra Manning'Funny and clever. I loved every single line' Lucy VineMillie lives in a society where being single is the norm. She's happy, she's successful and she... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching

Sarah has 14 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Annie M.

Annie M.

Jun, 2025

Pinned
Sarah was so brilliant as my writing coach so I, naturally wanted her to be my developmental editor and once again I am so happy. I just got my assessment and edits back and am so excited to get stuck in and make my story shine. Sarah’s guidance, words of wisdom and sense of humour are so motivat...
Read more
Sarah B.
Annie, it is such a joy working with you. Thank you so much for your kind words. I can't believe that I first started book coaching you, you'd barely written a word and now I have to the honour of ...
Read more
Laura J.

Laura J.

Mar, 2025

Pinned
Sarah has been an absolute queen! She reviewed and edited my query letter and synopsis with such gusto and kindness, her edits were very valuable and informative. Not only has Sarah filled the brief but she has kept in contact with me on my publishing journey, which I cannot express enough thanks...
Read more
Sarah B.
Wow, thank you Laura! It was lovely working with you and I also hope to work with you again. Best of luck with your writing.
Jonathan Y.

Jonathan Y.

Sep, 2024

Pinned
Sarah did a fantastic job editing my work. Her communication throughout the process was excellent. Her edit was detailed and full of advice on how to improve my work. I have learnt so much from her and feel much more confident going forward. I would not hesitate to use her again and would recomm...
Read more
Sarah B.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jonathan. I really enjoyed working with you and wish you the best of luck with your novel.
Annie M.

Annie M.

Oct, 2025

Sarah has been with me from the start of my book writing journey - as my writing coach, developmental editor, editorial assessor and she is just brilliant, (see previous reviews for how brilliant she is), so naturally I wanted her to review my query letter now that I'm ready to approach agents a...
Read more
Sarah B.
Annie it has been such a joy to work with you and watch you develop as a writer. Thank you for letting me play a (small) role in your journey and I am so thrilled you're now sending the book out to...
Read more
Tim A.

Tim A.

Oct, 2025

Sarah reviewed a 40K word novella and produced a report that was both encouraging and constructive with detailed suggestions for improvements. I would hire Sarah again, and may ask her to look at the MS a second time after I've made revisions.
Sarah B.
Tim, thanks so much for your lovely review. I really enjoyed working on your novella and am pleased the notes were helpful. I wish you the best of luck with your writing going forward.

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