Victoria Hughes-Williams

Victoria Hughes-Williams – Editor

Experienced editor, previously at Pan Macmillan and HarperCollins. Passionate reader of crime, thrillers, romance and historical fiction

Overview

Over the last fifteen years, I've edited and published countless titles for Big Five publishers and Reedsy clients. At Pan Macmillan, I published Sunday Times bestsellers Danielle Steel, Lucy Diamond, Karen Swan, and Andrew Gross. While at HarperCollins, I was privileged to work on Cecelia Ahern, Lindsey Kelk, and Philippa Gregory's books.


Having established excellent publisher relationships, I currently work with HarperCollins, Pan Macmillan, Bonnier, Orion, Corsair, alongside digital pioneers Bookouture, Canelo and Aria. My areas of expertise encompass crime thriller, suspense, historical, fantasy, romance and contemporary fiction.


As a former Senior Commissioning Editor, I am well-versed in creating eye-catching titles to position your book and establishing the all-important hook within your story. Advising on the latest trends in commercial fiction while offering considered critique and bespoke mentoring, I will ensure your story shines.


Reedsy clients have enjoyed tremendous success, Call of the Wrens was acquired in a six-figure deal with HarperCollins, Michael Reit publishes internationally. Donovan Cook, recently signed a multi-book contract with Boldwood after we collaborated on his first trilogy. India Rigg's Love, Loss and Little White Lies started as a Reedsy collaboration and was later acquired by HodderStudio.


I look forward to hearing more about your book!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Historical Fiction Mystery & Crime Romance Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Copy-editing – Publishing Training Centre
  • Proofreading – Publishing Training Centre

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2018 — Present

Having commissioned for Pan Macmillan, HarperCollins and Constable and Robinson, my editorial experience is extensive. Alongside working with authors on Reedsy, I work with publishers including HarperCollins, Orion,
Bonnier, Bookouture, Corsair, Aria, Canelo and Pan Macmillan.

Pan Macmillan

Oct, 2014 — Jan, 2018 (over 3 years)

Senior Commissioning Editor, working on brand authors including Danielle Steel, Lucy Diamond and Karen Swan.

Constable & Robinson

Mar, 2011 — Sep, 2014 (over 3 years)

HarperCollins

Feb, 2007 — Feb, 2011 (about 4 years)

Portfolio

Unburied

Heather C.

‘The police. They’re digging in the scrapyard.’ Cal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people’s stories on his true crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister’s disappearance – now he might finally get to tell Margot... read more
The Vow

Debbie H.

Everything was perfect. And then her fiance disappeared... Two weeks before her wedding, a stranger stops Amy in the street and warns her she’s in danger. Then that night, Matt, her fiancé, doesn’t come home. Desperate, Amy calls the police – but when Matt fai... read more
I'll begin with the war, when everything changed for us. In 1943, our comfortable family life came to an abrupt end, thanks to Hitler.During the Nazi occupation of Athens, Daphne, a young Greek Jewish artist, finds her life suddenly under threat. She's in love... read more
The Cast

Danielle S.

The Cast is an irresistible celebration of the strength of women, finding the courage to persevere through the drama of heartbreak and joy, by the world's favourite storyteller, Danielle Steel. Kait Whittier's popular magazine column is followed by fans across... read more
‘O!M!G! This just blew me away.... Gripping, compelling... I could not put this down... Be prepared to be amazed... 5 very excited stars.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Both of them loved him. One of them killed him . . . Louise has had to watch her husband, Andre... read more
Cloaked strangers and danger abound... Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are coming to the end of another busy half term as dinner ladies at Summerview Secondary school. The school is abuzz with chatter about the upcoming break, the local harvest festival, ... read more
Essex, February, 1991. The weather is biting cold. Everyone would rather be somewhere warmer, which is why it's a big surprise when a wanted drug smuggler, Bruce Hopkins, risks a return to his old haunts in Colchester after a decade long exile on the Costa del... read more
'A triumph!' Abigail Mann'All kinds of wonderful' Sarah Bonner'Moves you to tears and makes you laugh' Chloe Timms'Painfully relatable' Amy LavelleTHE FUNNIEST NOVEL YOU'LL EVER READ ABOUT GRIEFMilly Dayton became a widow at 26. Two years later, she's got the ... read more
The Call of the Wrens introduces the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe carrying secrets on their shoulders.An orphan who spent her youth without a true home, Marion Hoxton found in the Great War something other than destru... read more
With glamorous locations and heart-breaking twists, Christmas in the Snow by Karen Swan is all you need for a truly decadent Christmas holiday. The perfect gift – even if it's just to yourself.No secret stays buried forever . . .In London, the snow is falling ... read more
Storm

Brigid K.

"This book will take your breath away." --Kim Harrington, author of Clarity and PerceptionBecca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys--all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from... read more
The One Man

Andrew G.

'An overwhelming, immersive, suspenseful success.' - Lee ChildAuschwitz, 1944. Alfred Mendl's days are numbered. But he has little left to live for – his family were torn away from him, his life's work burned in front of his eyes – until a glimmer of hope aris... read more
Norman Cartwright, an eighty-six-year-old man living in the small seaside town of Clacton, Essex, has kept his cross-dressing a secret his entire life. A trucker by trade, his lipstick and wigs were donned only in the lonely confines of his lorry, as he sat in... read more
All orders shipped promptly within 24 hours, books are picked, packed and dispatched from the UK. We are committed to providing the highest standard of customer service. We always provide an image of the actual book you will receive.
'A beautifully written tale of enduring love' When you’re meant to be together forever, you want forever to start today.Zoe and Ed were made for each other. After meeting at college and having a whirlwind romance, their lives travel on separate, parallel paths... read more
The Sunday Times bestseller returns for a sixth book! Alfie and his mischievous kitten George are back for more adventures – this time with a puppy in tow…At Christmas time we all need a friend…Alfie and his kitten, George, have always known that a human is fo... read more
Wildflower Bay

Rachael L.

Berlin, 1938It’s no longer safe here.When the Jewish families of Berlin start disappearing in nightly raids, 21-year-old Jacob Kagan knows it’s only a matter of time before the trucks come for him. Along with his family and best friend, he flees the country he... read more

Victoria has 54 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Molly Y.

Molly Y.

Sep, 2023

Working with Victoria was amazing. She gave me incredible feedback and it was exactly what I was looking for!
Victoria H.

Victoria H.

Sep, 2023

Working with Victoria was a pleasure. She provided a brilliant assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of my novel. Most importantly, she provided actionable insights that really helped me move the story along, as well as line edits. She was also generous in responding to my follow-up questions. I would definitely work with her again.
Charlie S.

Charlie S.

Aug, 2023

It was a pleasure working with Victoria. She provided insights and ideas that I think will improve the story. She provided an editorial letter that identified things that worked well in the story and touched on major items that needed improvement. She also edited the entire manuscript reinforcing comments in the letter. Victoria took the time to answer all my questions and offered suggestions f...
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Natalie G.

Natalie G.

Jun, 2023

I loved working with Victoria. She got back to me fast and with clear ideas how to make the opening of my novel stand out. She was professional, insightful and very kind. I will look forward to working with her again. I would 100% recommend Victoria :)
Fred M.

Fred M.

May, 2023

Victoria brought a new perspective to my understanding of my book, unexpected after 2+ years of revisions and edits. It changed my approach to how I want the main characters to develop and interact. I chose her for her experience in understanding the commercial potential of the work, but I was surprised by her ability to 'see through' the writing to get at the essential human nature of my princ...
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