Heather Sangster

I’m an accomplished publishing professional who has been in long-time service (since 1988) to 28 trade publishers and imprints (including three of the Big Five: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster), prominent authors, businesses, and emerging talent across the globe. 

I’ve been Margaret Atwood’s primary copy editor and proofreader for 31 years, most recently for our 22nd title together: her 2025 New York Times best-selling memoir, Book of Lives.

Contributing my editorial services to 1000+ titles so far, I’m grateful to play a part in my clients’ achievements: 70 best-sellers, 154 awards, and counting. And I’ve drawn heavily from this high-quality talent well.
Along with my editorial expertise, I’ll apply veteran insight and insider experience to your manuscript.

I’ve honed my technical expertise in multiple industries (legal, educational, academic, and trade publishing; advertising), mediums (newspapers, magazines, books), genres, and in-house and freelance roles. I’m also co-founder of Strong Finish Editorial Design. We’ve been providing decades-long ongoing editorial support to publishers and businesses while helping emerging writers produce professional manuscripts ready for agents / publishers / self-publishing since 2006. You’re doing something right when heads of publishing houses and internationally best-selling authors refer their friends and colleagues to you through the decades.

This breadth of experience makes it possible for me to catch errors, weaknesses, and gaps others wouldn’t or, in contrast, to bend or break the rules when necessary to bring out the best in your writing.

Knowing what works is key. I combine classic principles, contemporary sensibilities, insider expertise, and just the right touch for a signature service with measurably superior results.

Plus, I’m easy to work with. With respect, patience, and warmth, I’ll collaborate with you to refine your writing because your book matters to you, and it matters to me, and I’ll help make sure it matters to your audience.

Please visit my website for more details: strongfinish.net

I look forward to discussing your publishing project with you.