Victoria Zackheim

Victoria Zackheim – Editor

I edit fiction and nonfiction. Anne Perry, Caroline Leavitt, Robb Forman Dew are among my clients. I do not edit sci-fi or fantasy novels.

Overview

I'm an editor of both fiction and nonfiction. Over the past five years, I've edited ten novels and five novellas for international bestseller Anne Perry. Other clients have included National Book Award winner Robb Forman Dew (memoir) and Caroline Leavitt (Days of Wonder, 2024). I reviewed books for the San Francisco Chronicle, and am the creator and editor of seven anthologies, including the international bestseller, The Other Woman, with such contributing authors as Jane Smiley, Jeffery Deaver, Caroline Leavitt, Joyce Maynard, and Malachy McCourt. I teach Personal Essay in the UCLA Extension Writers Program. Please note that I do not edit sci-fi or fantasy novels. I love working hands-on with writers, so let's get your project moving!

Services
Fiction
Anthologies Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Historical Fiction Historical Mysteries Literary Fiction Thriller & Suspense
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • San Francisco Library Laureate

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2002 — Present

Extensive experience with fiction and non-fiction.
Plot/character collaborator and editor for mystery writer Anne Perry (her last fifteen books).
Edited the memoir of National Book Award recipient Robb Forman Dew.
Edited Is This Tomorrow, a novel of NY Times bestseller Caroline Leavitt.
As a novelist, I understand the challenge of organizing scenes and developing plot and characters.
As an anthologist. I created and edited seven, each one a collection of personal essays written by seasoned witers (Jane Smiley, Jeffrey Deaver, Joyce Maynard, Malachy McCourt, etc.). The Other Woman was an international bestseller.

Victoria has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Paul N.

Paul N.

Dec, 2024

My experience working with Victoria was, without exaggeration, more enriching than a masterclass in creative writing. She taught me what MFAs often overlook: how to avoid overwriting, excessive descriptors, and distractions that pull readers away from the heart of the story. Her critiques are honest and her edits are thorough. I couldn’t have asked for a better editor. Victoria is the best of t...
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Victoria Z.
The gratitude and respect are mutual! Paul is the dream client for any editor.
Donna D.

Donna D.

Nov, 2024

Victoria was professional, and easy to work with. She helped straighten out timeline and POV issues that I had missed. To any writer who thinks they're finished, try working with an editor. You'll be surprised at what a good editor can do for you. Victoria Z. was amazing, and I'm grateful to have found her on Reedsy. - Donna Darling
Victoria Z.
Donna, thank you for the lovely review. It was a pleasure working with you.
Martin G.

Martin G.

Aug, 2024

Very helpful
Toni T.

Toni T.

Jul, 2024

Although my project was small, Victoria attended to it immediately. She asked questions and made sure she understood what the intent was and got the revised work back to me quickly. I appreciated her thoroughness and know that you will too!
Olivia K.

Olivia K.

Jan, 2024

What a relief. I was looking for someone with experience and expertise and in the end went with my gut when I asked for Victoria’s help. It was important to me to work with someone who wouldn’t give me false praise, only straight up advice. Victoria did a comprehensive line edit, with suggested changes to strengthen plot and character. Her edits provided clarity and I was learning from her sug...
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Victoria Z.
Thank you for the kind words, Olivia. It was a pleasure working with you. I wish you and your novel the very best!

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