About me

Hello and welcome to Empress Editing! I'm Heather.

I'm a writer, editor, and proofreader based in Melbourne, Victoria.

I'm fueled by coffee, snacks, and naps.

Mostly I work with indie authors in Australia and New Zealand. If you're further afield and write in Australian/UK English, I'm more than happy to work with you too!

I have a deep love for fantasy, romantasy and romance fiction - which is why I've chosen to specialise in these genres. That said, I'm developing a bit of a thing for sci-fi at the moment, so I might add that into the mix soon.

I've been a writer my whole life.

Professionally, I started editing and proofreading in the legal world around 20 years ago. Let me just say, legal documents are not quite as much fun to edit as epic fantasy!

Since then, I've wandered a long and zig-zagging path through multiple corporate careers (thanks ADHD - if you know, you know!) and eventually landed on project management.

A few years ago, I started copywriting on the side. This morphed into corporate copyediting, which morphed into fiction copyediting, which has now morphed into a total obsession with words and world-building. So here I am :)

I'm a member of the Institute of Professional Editors (Australia) and undertake regular professional development and skills updates with them.

Welcome to the Editing Empire!

My editorial approach is:

• Story-led: seeking narrative clarity and cohesion

• Immersive: attentive to worldbuilding, tone, and consistency

• Thoughtful and precise: focused on meaningful, actionable feedback

• Collaborative: always respecting the author's voice and creative intent

Fantasy and romantasy require careful attention to both story and world. Internal logic, emotional continuity, and reader immersion matter deeply.

My work is shaped by an understanding of these genre-specific demands and a lifelong love for romance, romantasy and fantasy stories.

My Approach

My Promise

I specialise in editorial support for fantasy and romantasy authors.

I work with writers who are building complex worlds, layered characters, and stories that resonate emotionally with readers— and who want an editor who understands the demands of immersive fiction.

A Note to Authors

I know it can feel scary and vulnerable handing over your work for editing.

My goal is to provide clear, respectful guidance that supports your confidence as well as your manuscript.

Frequently asked questions

What genres do you work with?

I specialise in fantasy and romantasy, including secondary-world fantasy, romantic fantasy, and speculative fiction with strong romantic elements.

Do you edit outside these genres?

I occasionally take on adjacent speculative projects, but my primary focus is fantasy and romantasy. If you’re unsure whether your manuscript is a good fit, feel free to get in touch.

How much does it cost?

Pricing varies depending on your manuscript and the service required. I offer a variety of options to fit your needs and budget. Please contact me for more information.

Will you change my voice?

No. My goal is to support and strengthen your voice, not replace it. All edits and suggestions are made with your narrative style and intentions in mind.

How can I contact you?

You can reach me by using the contact form link - I'm always happy to chat about your project and how we might best work together.

What’s the difference between line editing and copy editing?

Line editing focuses on clarity, flow, and voice at the sentence level, while copy editing addresses grammar, punctuation, and consistency. I offer these as a combined service.

Do you offer sample edits?

Absolutely! I’m happy to review a short excerpt and advise on the most appropriate service. This helps ensure we’re a good fit before moving forward.

How far in advance should I book?

Availability varies - generally, I book projects about a month in advance, but I recommend booking as far in advance as you can, particularly for longer manuscripts (80k+ words).

Do you use Generative AI?

No! I do not use Generative AI in any part of my editing process. I also have a strict "No-AI" policy and choose not to work with authors who use Generative AI in their writing, or for generating or procuring artwork.

Heather gave me really helpful feedback. I feel much more prepared to move forward with my book now.

Lara M.

Amazing eye for detail, picked up things I never would have found.

B.T.

★★★★★

★★★★★