Sarah Smeaton

Sarah Smeaton – Editor

Specialist in Romance, Crime Thrillers, YA, Paranormal, LGBTQ+ and Historical. Former Senior Editor at Bonnier with 11+ years' experience.

Overview

Literature is my passion. I'm 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.


Having over 11 years’ editorial experience for the likes of Bonnier Publishing and several best-selling authors, I am able to work quickly and efficiently to help authors make their novels be the best they can be.


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!).

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

Bind (The Donovan Dynasty Book 1)

Cartwright, Sierra

Proofreading
No Deadly Medicine: A fast-paced, action-packed crime thriller (A Verity Spencer crime thriller Book 1)

Martin, Trudey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Academy: Making of a Ruler (The Eagle King's Academy Book 1)

C.C. Monö

“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
The Ultimatum: Volume 1 (Dominion)

Katy Swann

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
Birds of Prey (Shifter Chronicles Book 1)

Smith, Crissy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Deep Down

M. Blake, Amanda

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Strand of Faith (Choices and Consequences Book 1)

Rachel J Bonner

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
Made with Reedsy
The Box: Puppets and Puppeteers (The Eagle King's Academy Book 2)

C.C. Monö

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
Made with Reedsy
Thread of Hope (Choices and Consequences Book 2)

Rachel J Bonner

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
Rasputin's Kiss (1) (Investigating Love)

Somerton, LM

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Drift

Blake, Amanda M.

Developmental Editing
Thorns (The Thorns Series 1)

Amanda Blake

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
Longest Night (Nocturnal Creatures 1)

Aurelia T. Evans

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
Fistful of Lies (What's his Passion?)

Helena Maeve

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
It was a Thursday

Carol Lynne

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
The Troubled Knight: Volume 3 (The Misbegotten Misses)

Elle Q. Sabine

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Lady in Waiting

Lady Victoria Hervey

Copy Editing
The Edge of Brilliance

Susan Traugh

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
Now You See Me (What's Her Secret?)

Pamela L. Todd

Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Sarah has 36 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Elaine D.

Elaine D.

Apr, 2024

Sarah was an INCREDIBLE editor, especially for my first book! She gave such amazing feedback where she not only offered suggestions but WHY. I loved working with her and I hope we can collaborate on future projects!
Horyun S.

Horyun S.

Apr, 2024

She has a keen eye for picking up on things that I may have missed or overlooked, and she explains the reasons behind her suggestions clearly and insightfully. Sarah is not only responsive but also exceptionally easy to communicate with. Her attention to detail and friendly approach truly set her apart.
Heather C.

Heather C.

Mar, 2024

Sarah was a pleasure to work with and I would hire her again!
Alistair J.

Alistair J.

Mar, 2024

An incredibly valuable experience working with Sarah. After having authored eight books in different technical areas, I wanted to explore more creative writing with a romantic novel. I have no problem with the discipline of writing, although I tend not to be a great 'planner' but allow inspiration to determine my subject/plot development. Sarah was complimentary in her review but went straight ...
Read more
Julie F.

Julie F.

Mar, 2024

As a new author, Sarah's developmental edit was so helpful. She taught me so much and was patient doing it. Would highly recommend her for a developmental edit, especially if you are new to writing!

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