Reviews of My Book Editing

Please take a moment to assess the following client reviews and comments about my book editing to help you determine the value and quality that I can contribute to your project. This selection includes published and forthcoming titles and manuscripts on submission. You’ll also find more reviews on my services pages.

Working with hundreds of authors and 28 trade publishers and imprints over the years (including three of the Big Five: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster), I’ve drawn heavily from this high-quality talent well. Along with my editorial expertise, I apply my publishing insights and insider experience to each and every new manuscript. These reviews of my book editing highlight my ability to make meaningful improvements.

Whether you are a high-caliber bestselling author, a Big Five or boutique publisher, a break-through emerging writer, a veteran or newbie indie author, or someone who wants to improve their writing no matter the medium, I am dedicated to bringing out the best in your project. As you read these reviews of my book editing, be confident that you and your manuscript will be treated with the same care as remarked upon below.

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster has been the primary copy editor of my work for the past 31 years and my publications owe a great deal to her services. She is meticulously thorough and thoroughly professional.”

“Many thanks are due to...Heather Sangster of Strong Finish, the demon copy editor who picks every nit, including those yet unhatched.”~Acknowledgements,
The Testaments

~ Margaret Atwood

Internationally bestselling, multi-award-winning author

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster’s insights, care, famous timelines, and other tightly woven nets, destined to catch even the most pesky of inconsistencies, bring final lustre to the books she works on.”

~ The late Ellen Seligman

Legendary publisher and fiction editor,
McClelland & Stewart

Rated 5 out of 5

“I worked with Heather Sangster at McClelland & Stewart from 1992 until I retired from the company in 2007. During those years she was copy editor to the best authors in the land. I know that she was, to use the language of grammar, ‘superlative...of the highest degree.’ She was also a delight to have as a colleague. I think it is very appropriate that her company name uses the words strong finish.”

~ Douglas Gibson

Editor and publisher, Douglas Gibson Books;
former president and publisher, McClelland & Stewart;
author of, among others, Great Scots: Celebrating Canadian Writers with Links to Scotland

Rated 5 out of 5

“An invaluable in-depth understanding of the entire publishing process.”

~ Lynn Henry

Publishing director, Knopf Canada;
former publisher, House of Anansi

Rated 5 out of 5

“Professional, dependable, astute, and enthusiastic.”

~ Pamela Murray

Senior editor, former managing editor,
Random House

Rated 5 out of 5

“Invaluable, patient, and dedicated during the unusually intense delivery of my book.”

~ Noah Richler

Journalist, broadcaster, and bestselling, award-winning author of This Is My Country, What’s Yours? and What We Talk About When We Talk About War

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster is a prodigiously gifted editor. She has an instinct for understanding what writers are seeking to achieve and the knowledge to ferret out any inconsistencies or ambiguities that could stand in the way of writers reaching their goal. Heather is ever patient and always pleasant. She is, in every way, an excellent colleague.”

~ Gail Bowen

Award-winning author of the
Joanne Kilbourn Shreve Mysteries

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster is a highly professional editor with a gimlet eye for detail and a large and distinguished clientele. She transformed my manuscript.”

~ Hilary Brown

Groundbreaking journalist and
author, War Tourist: Memoirs of a Foreign Correspondent

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather brought my novel to its absolutely perfect conclusion by making a brilliant suggestion about the last act. It was a moment of magic that sometimes occurs between writers and editors.”

~ Linda Spalding

Bestselling, award-winning author of
The Purchase and A Reckoning

Rated 5 out of 5

“The greatest comfort and joy in a writer’s life is having Heather Sangster agree to work on your book.”

~ Robert A. Duncan

Award-winning writer and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker, author of Fifty-One: A Rant, among others

Rated 5 out of 5

“I am in such good hands....I want to thank you for the care and time you have taken with your feedback [in Edit 1]. It’s a pleasure to read your thoughts and insights—something not always true of notes. So far I am excited by what you have revealed and contributed.”

“Thank you again for your excellent work on Edit 2….I can already see how your second pass subtly yet significantly elevates the book….Your notes, revisions, and ideas continue to improve what I had, in ways both subtle and far-reaching—I’m getting excited to release the novel to the world.”

~ Ian Ginn

Producer, screenwriter, co-creator & showrunner of the Netflix series Keizersvrouwen / Women of the Night, and author of SERUM 8: Amsterdam 2045

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather has a deeply intuitive sense of writers’ voices and intentions. She has lent her clear and precise editing eyes to my memoir, fiction, and an anthology of other contributors’ writing, always with prompt and respectful communication. Even while writing this testimonial, I know she will fix my terrible commas and be kind about it. Heather’s grounded and calm style is an asset to any author.”

~ Julie Devaney

My Leaky Body and Mess: The Hospital Anthology

Rated 5 out of 5

“For the past 15 years Heather has been the editor of my 6 historical fiction novels about Upper Canada’s first secret agent in the War of 1812. She recently edited Robin & Marion: In the Beginning and took it to a whole new level. Heather has made my novels superior throughout. It was money well spent. I can’t thank her enough.”

~ Tom Taylor

Author of the award-winning series beginning with Brock’s Agent

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather at Strong Finish would always be my first choice as editing partner for any writer looking to improve his or her professionalism. I have an English degree and copy-editing training myself, so I can be quite critical of a person’s command of grammar, style, and expression, but I can safely say that every edit Heather suggests is completely justified and only makes the finished product stronger. When Heather edited my teen novel Girl Reinvented, she maintained my voice and authenticity while encouraging me to question both larger questions of content and minor hiccups with sentence structure and word choice. I endorse Heather’s work without hesitation.”

~ Ann Moore

Girl Reinvented

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster has an exceptional talent for pairing concise copy-editing skills with an uncanny ability for comprehending the true scope of a novel. This is a tremendous asset for the writer wanting to uncover every aspect of their writing, expose all the rough edges so they can be sanded down for a finer reading experience. For those looking for an editor with a discerning eye, and a flare for the literary, look no further. Heather’s inspired editorial contribution helped shape my work into the novel that caught my publisher’s attention.”

~ Pamela Korgemagi

The Hunter and the Old Woman

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather is a remarkable talent. She has such a keen eye for detail and an innate understanding of voice, character, and narrative. Heather treated my work as if it was her own and I couldn’t imagine placing it in any other hands.”

~ Karen McBride

Crow Winter

Rated 4 out of 5

“It was wonderful to work with you and I appreciated very much your keen insights. Let’s do it again sometime!”

~ Lisa Rochon

Bestselling novelist and award-winning architecture critic

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather copy-edited an essay for me that needed a quick turnaround. She was professional, her edits were consistent and clear, and my work was much stronger for her deft and intelligent touch. She also went over and above and made a few content-related comments that brought my writing to the place it needed to be for publication. I’m so grateful.”

~ Jessica Hiemstra

The Thinking Heart

Rated 5 out of 5

“As I was working on The Way It Works—the only book I’ve ever written—the publisher at M&S kept telling me of the crucial role a copy editor plays and promised to retain the services of one of the best in the business for me. When I saw the product of Heather Sangster’s work, I realized just how right he was on both counts.”

~ Eddie Goldenberg

Lawyer, senior policy advisor, and author of The Way It Works

Rated 5 out of 5

“Professional and fastidious…devoted to understanding our organization’s mission and our hopes for each piece of material we produce, which allows us to present our work to the community and to the country in the most meaningful and effective way.”

~ Alison Faulknor

Former managing director, Dominion Institute

Rated 5 out of 5

“In our conversations and emails, Heather treated me in a professional manner, greatly encouraging for an as-yet unpublished writer. Her evaluation report was perceptive, her in-manuscript annotations incisive. She showed a deep understanding of and appreciation for my characters and was infallibly kind in referencing my writing foibles. In our online meeting, she proved a true collaborator, and I left the meeting with a clear roadmap to lift my story to a whole new plane. I’d work with Heather again in a heartbeat.”

~ Barbara Bell

The Possibility Suite

Rated 5 out of 5

“We went to Heather on Margaret Atwood’s strong recommendation and she was so right. Working with her has been a delight, with just the right amount of challenge and enormous wisdom. Our unique grandfather–granddaughter collaboration has its own joys and challenges, and Heather has been just the right partner, taking our almost finished product (maybe eighth draft) and pushing us to make us even better—as well as showing an immense attention to detail, even checking Latin translations. Then when our agent said it needed shortening from 123k words to 85k, she edited the abridged version and helped us improve it even further.

Anyone who is fortunate enough to secure her service should do so.”

~ Nicholas Beale and Miranda McLaughlin

The Three Justices

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster is meticulous, insightful, and clearly a master of her craft. She’s professional and does excellent work. She asked the right questions, pushed back when needed, and helped me find the best version of what I was trying to say. A true partner from start to finish.”

~ Alison Beder Solway

Award-winning author of the memoir The Miles We Run

Rated 4 out of 5

“Thanks for the great work. Just finished reading the editor’s letter. It is concise and the kind of feedback I expected. I believe I can work on the feedback to improve the novel. I also believe you can push me to be better (I count on it). Catherine the Great had Grigori Potemkin, Martin Luther King had Coretta King, Steve Jobs had Steve Wozniak. I have you.”

~ Liam Franklin Addo

The Baster

Rated 5 out of 5

“Thank you so much for putting your time into this project, it’s greatly appreciated. I can see that you really understand the heart of the collection, and my specific vision for what I want it to be.…Lastly, I wanted to say how much your input and editing have elevated my collection. I felt it in the last edit, and I REALLY felt in this one. It’s all feeling much more cohesive and intentional now, and I’ve appreciated your contributions and thoughtfulness so much.”

~ Alyssa Blankenship

Fine artist, poet, and author of Underbelly

Rated 5 out of 5

“Thank you endlessly for all your valuable insights and great efforts thus far...so immeasurably grateful to have your collaboration in this editing adventure!...Our session left me feeling confident and aligned....I can’t wait to have my work in your capable hands again.”

~ Eden Bluestein

Searching for May

Rated 5 out of 5

“I’m very grateful to receive your edit, many thanks for being so comprehensive and thoughtful.”

~ Al Campbell

The Keepers, twice-nominated for Queensland Literary Awards

Rated 5 out of 5

“Thanks would not be complete without mentioning Heather Sangster of Strong Finish Book Editing, who has the incredible skill of making me sound much more polished than I am able to on my own.”

~ Christine Conway, CFP, CHS

The Debt-Free Lifestyle

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster copy edited Coming In To View: Explorations of Radical Shifts in Beauty Outdoors (Northern Forest Publishing, 2026). As a narrative work of non-fiction written to appeal to the general public and academics, the language is both personal and rich. Having reread the manuscript numerous times from completion through publisher drafts, I find that her work remained unblemished and exemplary throughout.”

~ Roger Courtenay

Coming In To View: Explorations of Radical Shifts in Beauty Outdoors

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster is an absolute gem. She is professional, insightful, intuitive, and expert in bringing out the best in your work. She has been a partner in making my writing the best that it can be. Thank you, Heather, for your patience and commitment to help me produce the quality in my work that I was seeking.”

~ Fred Dawkins

The Noah Project and My Camino: Things I Learned Walking with Our Grandson

Rated 5 out of 5

“I want to thank you once again for your help. I have been taking on all of your suggestions and it has been truly rewarding seeing it all come together.”

~ De La Guardia

Rated 5 out of 5

“And finally to Heather Sangster at Strong Finish, whose methodical reviews and sharp observations gave me a book that I am proud and excited to share with you all.”

~ John Griffin

from Acknowledgments, The Eternal Observer

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather Sangster in my opinion is one of the best editors in the business. I have engaged her editorial services for substantive editing and copy editing and her work is first rate, of the highest calibre. She is detailed-oriented and sees the microcosm as well as the macrocosm—zeroing in on both the big picture and the microscopic details of a manuscript. She is a perfectionist and strives for excellence in making your work shine in the strongest finish. I highly recommend Heather Sangster’s editorial services for any serious author wanting to make their work shine in the best light.”

~ Kagan Goh

Piñata de Amor

Rated 5 out of 5

“In 2021, I reached out to Heather Sangster of Strong Finish and received from her a three-chapter evaluation of my manuscript titled Abraham’s Secret, a U.S. civil war novel. Heather was very encouraging while suggesting that given the historical period, I may wish to seek a development editor with knowledge of the events of the time. I remember her reflecting that ‘she might be punching above her weight.’ Accepting her sage advice, during the past two years Heather has agreed to copy edit two novels now in production and has a copy of a third, soon to be edited. At each stage of our working relationship Heather has been engaging, rich in insight, professional, and extended a duty of care. She is relentless in highlighting faults and fixes, background checks for accuracy and timelines, and has a deft touch to provide hints for character development, while remaining in good humor and elevating the material through a sense of propriety. What a fantastic experience she has shared with me.”

~ John Donovan

Abraham's Secret series

Rated 5 out of 5

“You have torn apart my MS. THANK YOU! I see the amazing amount of work that went into this evaluation (and the bonus line edits) and am very grateful.”

~ George Jahn

Senior editor of European Voices; award-winning former international correspondent and bureau chief for The Associated Press; author of Blue Blossoms for a Blood Deed and The Sword, the Word, and the Witness

Rated 5 out of 5

“I can hardly believe the intensity of the work you do. This has truly opened my eyes to what is involved in the editing process....Many of your questions pushed me to look more deeply….Really a tremendous experience. I have learned so much in such a compressed few months and have loved the work involved.

“I’m incredibly thrilled with our collaboration on this. It is a work I can feel proud of.…I can’t thank you enough for the way you have shaped my thinking, given me room to grow, and have shepherded me through this process with such support to date. It’s one of my great adventures and ‘stories’ with friends.”

~ S. Lillian Horst

Caution: Black Bears Ahead

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather is providing me with invaluable assistance as I finalize my debut novel. Her attention to detail is absolute, fact and date checking, grammar and more. Her substantive edit work is thorough and insightful and providing me with solid feedback. Always patient, supportive, and professional, I am happy to recommend Heather!”

~ Mary Hayden

Partings

Rated 5 out of 5

“I approve of all the changes you suggested in the document and the letter and am very happy with the edit.…Thank you for what you have done to help me prepare for the publication of this paper. I am very grateful for everything.”

~ Susanna Klassen

RN, BA Health Studies, York University Toronto

Rated 5 out of 5

“After Heather had copy-edited my first novel, Maude’s Chance, I was ready to send it out to the world confident that all inconsistencies were caught, the timeline was right, and the prose was polished to the highest standards. And she was a pleasure to work with—clear, intuitive, and kind.”

~ Christine Langlois

Maude's Chance

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather traverses the landscape of your imagination as your travel companion, diligently and keenly, while leaving no stones unturned. She’ll make your journey worthwhile.”

~ J.M. Lara

Sun Shower Blues

Rated 5 out of 5

“Let me start with thanking you for your perceptive edit….I appreciate your patience….You give me hope.”

~ Colette Lynch

Short-story writer and novelist, Holy Faith and Ciunas

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather has copy-edited my books, websites, and promotional material for many years. She nails it each time on time!”

~ Dany Lyne

Sacred Tree for All Seasons

Rated 5 out of 5

“Wow, I am speechless. Your edits [in Edit 1] go beyond my expectations. Your attention to detail and chronology are impressive….I am overwhelmed by your positive and thoughtful feedback.”

“I’ve gone through your Edit 2 suggestions. I’m growing much more comfortable with the manuscript, thanks to your help.…I’m very impressed with your editing and how much my story is coming through.…I’m even more excited now to publish.”

~ Rockie Lyons

Behind the Counter: An American Dream Turned Nightmare

Rated 5 out of 5

“They say experience is the best teacher and Heather Sangster has plenty of that. I knew my book was in good hands and am delighted with the final copy edit. Heather was patient, didn’t rush, and gave me a professionally finished document. Thank you, Heather.”

~ Carol Newall

Outside the Gate

Rated 5 out of 5

“First, thank you for your wonderful description of Calypso, which I greatly appreciate! Second, thank you for the sensitive and thoughtful edit!…I do indeed appreciate the demands of your work, which I have happily been enhanced by.”

~ Joyce Lautens O’Brien

Calypso's Odyssey

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather’s meticulous attention to detail and her generous support for my manuscript makes me confident that I’ve arrived at a strong finish. Her tremendous experience in the publishing field gives her a unique perspective on your writing.”

~ Baņuta Rubess

Theater director, playwright, and author of Tell No One

Rated 5 out of 5

“Heather’s great. I found that her ability to exhume the unexamined ghosts of the manuscript, to find the right color to paint the dark, allows for a more thorough sense of where is is. You get the sense she really cares about the work, you feel she is invested in it, which in turn provides a catalyst to propel yourself deeper into the potentials of the story. Took my writing to another level. Highly recommended. Cheers, Heather. Appreciate your work beyond words.”

~ Ryan Saunderson

Animnesia