I provide Developmental Editing for writers around the world, specializing in serving professionals in medical, military, and high-tech fields as they branch into creative writing. I assist both commercially published and self-published authors craft reader-attracting books and fan-satisfying series that win awards.

Commercial Success:

My writers have been successful in commercial publishing, by contracting with agents and being published by Simon and Schuster, Seventh Street Books, Kensington, and Martin Sisters Publishing. Client Susan Furlong was included in the New York Times list of "The 10 Best Crime Novels of the Year.”  

 

Self-Publishing Success:

On the self-publishing front, Gary McAvoy and I began collaborating when he started his Magdalene Chronicles mystery series just a few years ago. He now has 16 books self-published, in three series, with 800 to 7,000 great reviews on each book on Amazon and has achieved Amazon’s “Top Best-Selling Author” status.

 

Award Winners:

Client Jim Hancock’s first book in his military thriller series was awarded a silver medal from the Military Writers Society of America; was a winner of Books Shelf 2023 Writing Awards; and achieved the Literary Titan Silver Book Award in 2024. He then became a finalist in the Adventure Writer's Competition, hosted by Dirk Cussler, son of Clive Cussler.

 

Specialties

Writers can create a successful book based on their life experiences. I help professionals (particularly in medical, military and technological fields) share those experiences and their imagination through the written word. I assist with continuity, tone, characterization, setting, plot, structure, pacing, marketability, etc. My specialties are:

 

  • Mystery (from Cozy to Psychological Suspense)
  • Science fiction (from soft to Military SF) 
  • Fantasy (from Urban to Epic)
  • Adventures/Thriller (from Western to International Intrigue)
  • Memoirs (bringing your unique views and specific background to life)

 

I help your story shine with your unique voice and vision. 

Take a look at a few of their success stories here. NOTE: You can find links to online endorsements of me as both Sandra Haven (my previous name) and now as Sandra Herner. I work with both private clients and through Reedsy

Ready to realize your writing dreams? Click here to email me and tell me how I can help you.

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