Sian Heap, Editor in London, UK

Overview

I specialise in commercial fiction, with a particular focus on crime, mystery and suspense but I have a wealth of experience working across everything from mind-bending suspense to sweeping historical sagas and a passion for romance. I have extensive experience working directly with authors to improve their manuscripts and I have a strong track record of publishing successful, bestselling authors.

Working with authors on their manuscripts is my favourite part of the publishing process. I can provide developmental edits to help make your manuscript the best it can be; I can review your query package for agents to ensure that you're putting yourself and your novel in the best light for agents and publishers; help you brainstorm and plan a novel you've got an idea for or develop copy for your novel. Whether you’re looking to secure an agent and a traditional publishing deal, or self-publish your manuscript, I am here to ensure your vision for your novel is fulfilled to the best it can be. I can help you on your journey to publish your book, providing support and encouragement in a friendly and collaborative way.

I have a wealth of experience acquiring commercial fiction and working with leading literary agents – I know what agents and editors are looking for in submissions and how to make your book stand out, and how to set yourself up for publishing success.

Testimonials:

‘Siân was my editor during my time at Canelo and I couldn’t have asked for a better one! Her developmental editing on my first book, (and the ones that followed!), were so helpful. She was instrumental in The Dinner Lady Detectives becoming the series it is. It never would have happened without Siân and her endless hard work. If you are looking for an editor with bags of talent and who is also a lovely person then Siân is your go-to!’ – Hannah Hendy, author of The Dinner Lady Detectives

Services

Developmental Editing

Editorial Assessment

Query Letter Review

Fiction

LGBTQ Fiction Mystery & Crime Psychological Thriller

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Certifications

University of St Andrews - Modern History & English Literature, MA (Hons)
Oxford Brookes University - Publishing Media, MA

Work experience

Senior Commissioning Editor

Joffe Books

Jul, 2024 — Present

- Commissioning crime, thriller and suspense resulting in multiple Kindle Top 100 Bestsellers directly from authors and from established literary agents - Guiding authors and agents through the publication process from acquisition to publication day and beyond - Providing detailed structural notes and feedback on manuscripts - Utilising market knowledge to acquire, brief covers and write engaging blurbs for a commercial digital readership

Commissioning Editor

Canelo

Apr, 2019 — Jul, 2024 (over 5 years)

- Commissioned and published both established and debut authors in the commercial fiction, specialising in the crime and thriller genres - Structurally edited titles, wrote copy, briefed covers, read direct and agented submissions, optimised book metadata and created publication strategies - Worked closely with authors and agents, both domestically and internationally