Sarah Ridding

Sarah Ridding – Editor

Senior Editor with 13+ years' experience. Specialist in Romance, Thrillers, YA, LGBTQ+ and Historical for both new and established authors.

Overview

Literature is my passion. Having over 13 years’ editorial experience for the likes of Bonnier Publishing, Ylva Publishing and several best-selling indie authors, I am able to work quickly and efficiently to help authors make their novels be the best they can be. I'm now a full-time freelance editor who has worked across most genres from Thrillers and Paranormal to LGBTQ+ and YA, with Romance and Erotic Romance being my specialism.

You are the driver – I’m just helping you read the map. I believe one of the most important factors in the editing process is the relationship between editor and author, which is why I can honestly say I’ve never left a project without the author being 100% happy.

I live in the UK with my husband and very energetic toddler, so there's never a dull day in our household! In my spare time, I love nothing more than trips to the seaside, a spot of yoga and getting stuck into the gardening (and of course settling down with a good book and cup of tea!).

Testimonials:

"Working with Sarah was a joy. A complete professional, Sarah was full of helpful suggestions about how I could improve and polish my writing. I learned so much from her during our collaboration. I would not hesitate to work with her again or to recommend her to someone else."

"Sarah was such a delight to work with on my first ever book. The comments, support and encouragement I received was amazing. I really appreciate Sarah’s feedback and kindness. Fully recommend!"

I never use AI in any of my work in any shape or form.

Services
Fiction
Chick Lit Contemporary Romance Historical Romance LGBTQ Fiction Paranormal Romance Psychological Thriller Romantic Suspense Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (SA) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • BA (Hons) English Literature with Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2016 — Present
I offer a variety of services specially tailored to each individual author. The services I specialise in are developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading and editorial assessments as well as formatting and advice on how to navigate the publishing world. I have a wide range of authors I collaborate with, including first-time authors and well-established writers.

Totally Entwined Group (Bonnier Publishing)

Jun, 2012 — Sep, 2016 (over 4 years)
• Managed a team of eleven editors for an extremely fast-paced, digital-first publishing house • Edited manuscripts for our top-tier authors • Signed off on all manuscripts before publication • Formatted eBooks and print books, making eBook versions and print files • Assessed new submissions from authors • Attended author events and book fairs to represent the publishing house • Liaised with Marketing and PR departments to effectively promote books

Portfolio

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Rosings Cottage: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Leigh, Cassandra B.

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
“I want you to remember something, Mr Hallman. At The Academy, you’re always evaluated. Even when you least expect it.”Axel is an imposter. A liar.He has no interest in ruling the world and ye... read more
Copy Editing
Once a submissive, always a submissive, right? Maybe she needs a little reminder. Frankie Hamilton is stunned when her husband, Jake, gives her an ultimatum-either she goes with him to a count... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
When DC loved Iowa

Winter, Lee

Ylva Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
A Girl Named Joy (A Girl Series)

Jefferies, Kara

6 Dogs Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
A Labour of Love

Bloom, Elle

Elle Bloom

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Pack Alpha (Were Chronicles Book 1)

Smith, Crissy

Totally Bound Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Come Back to Us: Elladine Fire Series

Daniels, Finley

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Deep Down

M. Blake, Amanda

Developmental Editing
A girl. A monk. An unthinkable sacrifice.When the choice is between love and life, how can anyone decide? An incredibly entertaining and compelling story… I could not put this one down - Jessi... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Fast-paced. Thrilling. Impossible to put down. A few years after Sarah Wangai vanished, Hayato Sano graduated from the Eagle King’s Academy. Two days later, he disappeared.Axel faces his great... read more
Copy Editing
An enthralling sequel to the compelling Strand of Faith.What if your secrets are so dangerous they could destroy the one you love? Is honesty always the best policy?Leonie may have run away bu... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Needing (Voices)

Masters, Sarah

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Drift

Blake, Amanda M.

Developmental Editing
Once upon a time, the woodsman rescued Red Riding Hood,Hansel and Gretel cooked the gingerbread witch,And Cinderella snagged her prince with a discarded glass slipper.But Sleeping Beauty still... read more
Developmental Editing
For when devil offers a winter rose,If rose turns red, he’ll bleed your soul.In the realm of the Crimson Kingdom, the demon king descends from his dark, dangerous castle on Longest Night to ta... read more
Developmental Editing
If you wanted to, how would you kill your lover? Freshly sacked from his professorship, Reuben could do without a month-long holiday on his boyfriend's private island. But he may as well enjoy... read more
Proofreading
Proofreading
Something Shattered

Bailey Bradford

Something Shattered by Bailey BradfordWhen something inside him is shattered by an act of violence, Caleb Tomas doesn’t think he can ever be whole again.Police Officer Jesse Martin has lived i... read more
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Lady in Waiting

Lady Victoria Hervey

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Gabriel’s Angel

Caroline MacCallum

When destiny gets it wrong, a lifetime of true love hangs in the balance.Gabriel Black doesn’t want to believe he’s been dumped, but when the texts, calls and sweetly scented letters from his ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Sarah has 53 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Timothy W.

Timothy W.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
Working with Sarah on Death of a Cigarette was one of the most affirming and constructive creative collaborations I’ve experienced. From the very first page, she treated the manuscript with care, insight, and a deep respect for its themes. Her feedback was clear, encouraging, and always anch...
Read more
Alistair J.

Alistair J.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
With the first volume of my trilogy I was keen to get Sarah involved in the second which I had ready in first draft. Her's were the first eyes to have seen it and I was interested in her reaction. I had each chapter and finally the whole book reviewed by a specialist AI system. Sarah's critique w...
Read more
Hazel B.

Hazel B.

Aug, 2024

Pinned
Sarah was an absolute pro from start to finish. Very helpful and accommodating in the early stages to ensure the project stayed within a very tight budget, so that she could edit both this and the main novel I've commissioned her for. I really wanted consistency in the editing, but unlike the ful...
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Malinda D.

Malinda D.

Nov, 2025

Overall, the quality of the review was incredibly good. I ordered a query and synopsis review. As a note, she suggested using Dear [Mr/Ms Surname] at the beginning of the query, which is now outdated, and agents prefer to just use their names to prevent misgendering anyone. Some other advice co...
Read more
Sarah R.
Thanks for your review Malinda, and I will absolutely bear in mind the feedback regarding Mr/Mrs. My advice was to do your research and find out the name of the agent/submissions editor so you coul...
Read more
Laura J.

Laura J.

Mar, 2025

Sarah was such a delight to work with on my first ever book. The comments, support and encouragement I received was amazing. I really appreciate Sarah’s feedback and kindness. Fully recommend!

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