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 bestsellers by Cecelia Ahern, Lindsey Kelk, Harriet Evans, Lauren Weisberger and Philippa Gregory.


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 (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (SA) 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 Critchlow

‘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 ... read more
Developmental Editing
An Island Promise

Patricia Wilson

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 Gree... read more
Developmental Editing
The Vow

Debbie Howells

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, do... read more
Developmental Editing
The Cast

Danielle Steel

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
One in Three

Tess Stimson

‘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... read more
Developmental Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
'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 GRI... read more
Developmental Editing
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 ho... read more
Developmental Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing
Storm

Brigid Kemmerer

"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-boyf... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The One Man

Andrew Gross

'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 li... read more
Developmental Editing
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 wig... read more
Developmental Editing
The Woolworths Girls

Elaine Everest

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 i... read more
Developmental Editing
Before You Go

Clare Swatman

'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... read more
Developmental Editing
Two Doors Down

Spellman, Elle

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
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 frien... read more
Developmental Editing
Wildflower Bay

Rachael Lucas

Developmental Editing
Beyond the Tracks

Michael Reit

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... read more
Developmental Editing

Victoria has 59 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

rebecca K.

rebecca K.

Apr, 2024

Victoria was helpful and a pleasure to work with. She excels in trimming unnecessary content.
Antony R.

Antony R.

Apr, 2024

Working with Victoria has been a real pleasure from start to finish, from being extremely patient following my initial query, to answering my questions after her developmental edit report. Her wealth of experience was clear from the outset and she has challenged me throughout the process (exactly as I needed and wanted), ultimately supporting me to produce a better output. I found Victoria incr...
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Karolyn N.

Karolyn N.

Dec, 2023

Victoria has a very light touch, finding a way to affect change in my writing almost indirectly. This is my first time choosing a developmental editor, and working with her just felt right. I liked her feedback, it didn’t send me reeling into depths of negativity, and I’m excited about the direction my book is headed. Her suggestions were loose and open ended, but stimulating all the same. Coll...
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Ann G.

Ann G.

Nov, 2023

I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Victoria on my current WIP and to receive her helpful editorial feedback, insightful suggestions, and encouraging input on ways to cut unnecessary or repetitive information and to improve pacing and character development. I was very much lost in the weeds while tackling my umpteenth draft, and with Victoria as a skilled and encouraging g...
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Victoria H.

Victoria H.

Oct, 2023

This is my second time working with Victoria. She gave me really valuable insight into my pitch package and helped me get it into really good shape to send to agents. Her line edit of my first three chapters was excellent. Will definitely work with Victoria again on my next book!

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