An open planner sits on a wooden desk in front of a beige coffee mug and a desktop computer.

Siân Heap
Editorial Services

See how my editorial services can help you shape your story in a way that is joyful and rewarding (and maintains your author voice!).

A dark purple highlighter squiggle

Manuscript Assessment 

What is it?

A manuscript assessment evaluates the overall shape of your novel. It will detail the strengths and weaknesses of your novel and give you advice for next steps so you can go into your revisions with confidence.

Who is it for?

  • Writers who have finished a first draft and want initial feedback on how to revise it effectively without the investment of a full developmental edit

  • Seasoned authors who are confident in their craft but want the feedback from a sharp set of editorial eyes 

  • Authors who are struggling to decipher rejections from agents after their full manuscript has been requested

I need a manuscript assessment

    • A written report of approximately 4–6 pages which covers the broad strokes of your manuscript, focusing on the plot, structure, character and pacing 

    • Clear explanations of what is and isn’t working, with suggestions of how to address these issues

    • Manuscript assessments prices start from £0.013 per word. 

    • Follow up calls and second-round revision reads can be added to this service for an additional cost.

    • A manuscript assessment usually takes 2-3 weeks, depending on my schedule.

    • Faster turnarounds are sometimes possible but a rush fee will apply.

Developmental edit

What is it?

A developmental edit is a full, detailed edit of your novel including comments and suggested rewrites using Track Changes in Microsoft Word. It is also known as structural editing. 

Who is it for? 

  • Anyone who has completed a novel and is looking to self-publish or submit to agents

  • Authors looking for a deep analysis and understanding of their work, and how it could be improved to ensure the best reader experience possible

  • Beginner authors who need additional support and examples of what to change and how 

  • Anybody who is looking to improve their craft and wants the additional depth that manuscript comments offers

I need a developmental edit

    • I’ll edit your novel using Track Changes in Word and use comments to make queries and highlight what you’re doing well. 

    • You will also receive a detailed editorial report of approximately 10-12 pages covering the key components of the novel which will elaborate on my manuscript comments and reference specific aspects of the novel with clear suggestions for rewrites. This usually includes plot, structure, pacing, character, tone and setting.

    • A 60 minute video call (or an email exchange if you prefer!) is included in this service to ensure that we can talk through the suggestions I’ve made and how you might implement them.

    • Developmental edit prices start from £0.020 per word. 

    • Additional follow up calls and second-round revision reads can be added to this service for an additional cost.

    • A developmental edit usually takes 4-6 weeks, depending on my schedule.

    • Faster turnarounds are sometimes possible but a rush fee will apply.

  • “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

  • "Siân is a meticulous and inspiring editor whose outstanding work has always elevated my manuscripts. She has an amazing eye for detail and the commercial elements of a story."

    Sarah Ward

  • "Siân is a brilliant editor. She's great at pinpointing the strengths and weaknesses of a manuscript and giving detailed feedback on how to make the best things shine and resolve the issues. Working with Siân made me feel really confident that I was telling the best story I could – she really understood what I wanted to do and helped me get there."

    Anna Britton

  • “I had the pleasure of working with Siân for my first novel with Joffe Books. Her ability to hone in on the elements that create tension and suspense allowed me to take my novel to the next level. She is also very easy to work with, answering questions and adding to a safe environment where creativity can thrive. I’m beyond thrilled with the product we created together, and anyone would be lucky to work with her.”

    S. C. Shannon

Query Package Review 

What is it?

An effective query package is vital for grabbing the attention of authors and agents. I’ll review your query letter, synopsis and the first 10,000 words of your manuscript to ensure they’re in top shape. 

Who is it for?

  • Authors who have a completed manuscript and a draft of their query letter and synopsis

  • Anybody who is submitting to agents or directly to publishers and wants to ensure they’re in the best possible position

I need a query package review

  • My query review package is £200. 

    • My turnaround time is approximately 2 weeks, depending on my schedule. 

    • Faster turnarounds may be possible but a rush fee will apply.

Pitch support 

What is it?

This is a wide-ranging service that can be anything you need support with, from blurb writing to consultation and advice on the market and positioning.

Who is it for?

  • Anyone who would like a fresh pair of eyes to help nail their pitch, especially those submitting to agents or self-publishing

I need pitch support

  • Please get in touch to discuss your project for further information on costs. Pitch support can be done on a project basis as an hourly consultation rate and will depend on what assistance you require.

  • This will vary from project to project so please get in touch to discuss what you need!

Book cover of 'The Birthday Girl' by Sarah Ward, featuring a stormy landscape with a castle and seagulls. Text reads: 'They're here to unwind. She's here to kill. An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller.'
Book cover of 'Black Water Rising' by Sean Watkin, featuring a city skyline and reflective water.
Book cover of 'The Dinner Lady Detectives' by Hannah Hendy featuring a quaint village illustration.
Book cover for 'The Ex' by Alex Sinclair. Shows two houses facing each other at sunset with silhouettes of two people inside, one in each house, standing at windows. Title in large colorful letters with birds flying across the sky, and tagline 'She's
Cover of the book "Shot in the Dark" by Anna Britton featuring a silhouette of a person walking through a dark, eerie forest with tall trees. Text includes praise from Jo Callaghan and the tagline: 'Three bullets. Five suspects. No alibis.'
Book cover of 'The Nothing Month' by Cat Miller, featuring black clock hands on an orange background with phrases 'No contact,' 'Thirty days off-grid,' and 'No way to call for help.'
Book cover of 'The Husband' by Darren O'Sullivan featuring a silhouette of a man holding a baby, standing in an open doorway, with a teddy bear on the ground.

Meet the editor!

Hi! I’m Siân, a fiction editor and publishing consultant with extensive experience editing bestsellers. 

I’m passionate about making the editing process joyful and rewarding, and helping authors find their voice.

Get to know more about me
Smiling woman with glasses and earrings sitting at a restaurant table.
Dusky pink highlighter squiggle embellishment
Book cover for "Dark Road Home" by Sheila Bugler, featuring a scenic road leading to a house with dramatic skies, and text 'Deadly secrets live in dying towns'."
Book cover of 'Hers to Have and to Hold' by June Francis featuring a woman in vintage clothing with a street and houses in the background, plus a plane and a lamp post.
Cover of 'Old Evils' by Alex Walters, a DI Annie Delamere novel, featuring a dark night snowy scene with an illuminated house and street lamp.
Book cover for 'Win or Die' by Darren O'Sullivan featuring a shattered glass design with a bloodstain, black background, and yellow and white text.
Cover of "What the Dead Want" by MJ Lee featuring a silhouette of a man walking down a street at night, with cars parked on either side and street lamps illuminating the scene.
"Death Rites" book cover by Sarah Ward, featuring torn red rope on a yellow background with blurb by Michael Wood.
Book cover of "Anything for You" by Sophie McKenzie, featuring a close-up of a woman's face with long hair and blue eyes, with the title in bold pink letters and an accompanying quote about love.

Let’s work together!