Victoria Heath Silk

Victoria Heath Silk – Editor

Professional editor specialising in contemporary fiction and short stories. 17+ years of experience as a writer and editor.

Overview

* Currently on maternity leave, until May 2022 *
For over seventeen years I have worked as an editor and writer. My specialisms are in literary and contemporary fiction, and short stories – for 8 years I was the Editor for international short story journal Thresholds.

I currently freelance as an Editorial Director for an independent British publisher, and copy-edit for various publishers, as well as working with unpublished / self-published writers – offering developmental editing, copy-editing, manuscript assessments, and advice on query letters and synopses.

DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING & COPY-EDITING
Working with authors to create the best manuscript we possibly can is something I adore. I'm an innately curious person, with a pernickety, ordered side – great for guiding you through broader developmental issues, and even better for finding the finer uneven points in a copy-edit. I'm also quite nice, and easy to get on with, which helps when we're working so closely together on something you've poured your heart into!

EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT
Providing detailed and constructive advice on your manuscript – whether it's a collection of short stories, a novel, or your personal memoir. This includes written feedback and editorial suggestions on plot, structure, characterisation, viewpoint and language – in the form of a 2,000-4,000 word report.

QUERY LETTERS & SYNOPSIS WRITING
Having the right opening letter to approach a publisher / agent is absolutely vital. Believe me, I see hundreds of the things (it's amazing how many people still address letters 'Dear Sirs' when writing to a publisher renowned for its feminist list). I'll give you thorough advice on the content of your covering letter, and can also help with your synopsis, if needed, too. For short stories, novels and memoirs.

If you're unsure which type of editorial service would best suit your manuscript, please do ask and I'll run through an outline of the differences.
Services
Fiction
Anthologies Comics & Graphic Novels Contemporary Fiction LGBTQ Fiction Literary Fiction Short Story Thriller & Suspense
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Kate Betts Memorial Prize (creative writing), 2012
Certifications
  • MA Creative Writing, distinction, University of Chichester
  • BA Advertising, copywriting, Buckinghamshire Chilterns University

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2012 — Present

Available for developmental editing, copy-editing, manuscript assessments and internal book design.

As well as working with private clients (both unpublished and emerging), and independent publishing companies (Creative Future, New Writing South, KUP, Virgin, Amex), I've worked with UK indie publisher Myriad Editions for around nine years, initially providing manuscript assessments and reading, progressing into developmental editing, copy-editing and typesetting. I'm now Myriad's Editorial Director, working with their award-winning authors, such as Tyler Keevil, Lisa Blower, Hannah Vincent, Elaine Chiew, among others.

Myriad Editions

Mar, 2013 — Aug, 2013 (5 months)

A brief span in the offices of UK literary and non-fiction publisher Myriad Editions. Since then, I have worked regularly for Myriad as a freelance editor and typesetter, on short story collections and contemporary novels, also providing manuscript reading and assessments.

Thresholds

Jul, 2011 — Sep, 2018 (about 7 years)

Seven years as the Editor (and seasoned copy-editor) of this international short story journal.

Self-employed

Jan, 2006 — Dec, 2011 (almost 6 years)

Writer and editor in the advertising industry, working for some of the world's best-known brands on a vast array of projects, from radio ads to full-length content, and everything in between. ​​

Portfolio

The Bread the Devil Knead

Allen-Agostini, Lisa

The Day I Fell Off My Island

Bailey-Smith, Yvonne

Coma

Slattery, Zara

Biscuits (assorted)

Robins, Jenny

Pondweed

Blower, Lisa

Blackwood

Eaton, Hannah

Crumbs (Spotlight)

Ana Tewson-Božić

‘This dazzling series shows that if the barriers can be vaulted there is true beauty to be had from the lesser-walked streets of literature. These works are both nourishing and inspiring, and a gift to any reader.’ —Kerry HudsonWritten in the winding-down stag... read more
‘This dazzling series shows that if the barriers can be vaulted there is true beauty to be had from the lesser-walked streets of literature. These works are both nourishing and inspiring, and a gift to any reader.’ —Kerry HudsonA chance break in a West End the... read more
‘This dazzling series shows that if the barriers can be vaulted there is true beauty to be had from the lesser-walked streets of literature. These works are both nourishing and inspiring, and a gift to any reader.’ —Kerry HudsonA gripping tale of post-natal de... read more
Set in different cities around the world, Elaine Chiew’s award-winning stories travel into the heart of the Singaporean and Malaysian Chinese diasporas to explore the lives of those torn between cultures and juggling divided selves.In the title story, four wri... read more
These fierce, funny and feminist short stories shine with everyday heroines at work and at play. Ordinary lives are transformed as women try to be themselves while clowning around for others.Captured in familiar situations as well as in flights of fancy, the w... read more

Victoria has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lucy W.

Lucy W.

Feb, 2022

I specifically chose Vicki for her in depth experience as a short story editor. Vicki did a developmental edit on my debut collection. It has been an extremely valuable experience having her feedback on the individual stories and the collection as a whole. To have someone who can grasp the detail of a story, its intricacies and layers AND also spot problems and give enough of a steer for me to ...
Read more
Victoria H.
Thank you, Lucy, it’s been such a pleasure to work with you on your fabulous collection. Good luck!
Denise I.

Denise I.

Feb, 2022

My only frustration is in not having ongoing access should questions arise concerning the stories Victoria reviewed due to her current leave of absence. For this reason, I feel the monetary value was a bit steep for the lack of follow-up available. In all other respects, Victoria is a real professional whose feedback is reinvigorating my editing process and helping me focus on weaknesses.
Lucy W.

Lucy W.

Nov, 2021

Victoria has made a significant difference to my work from the title, to plot pacing, to tightening up my writing. The development edit has been an important learning experience for me which I can immediately take forward into my other writing. Her expert feedback is direct and precise but always balanced with giving me the final decision as the writer. I would definitely work with Victoria ag...
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Jay C.

Jay C.

Oct, 2021

Working with Victoria Heath Silk is the best thing I've ever done for my writing. I enthusiastically recommend her services to everyone. Whether you think you need a developmental editor or not, you do, and you should work with Victoria. Victoria is precise and detailed, communicating clearly and leaving no stone unturned in her edits. With passionate, warm, and encouraging feedback, Victoria...
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Jay C.

Jay C.

Aug, 2021

I am incredibly happy with Victoria’s work and recommend her very highly. Collaborating as my developmental editor, Victoria’s advice, edits, notes and guidance are absolutely worth their weight in gold. From the start and throughout the editing process, Victoria has been encouraging and warmly enthusiastic about my project. At every step of the way she has been communicative and clear — as...
Read more
Victoria H.
Thanks so much for these lovely words, Jay, and good luck with your collection!

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