About Sarah N. Harvey

Editor, Book Coach, and Writer.

For thirteen years, I was an in-house editor for Orca Book Publishers, a wonderful, mid-size Canadian children’s book publisher. During my time at Orca I developed, acquired and edited award-winning fiction and non-fiction for kids aged seven to seventeen. I have listed some highlights on my Portfolio page.

Before becoming an in-house editor at Orca, I was a bookseller, columnist, and reviewer for many years. I have also taught courses on writing, editing, and publishing. My reviews and columns are, for the most part, lost in the mists of time, although you can find a few online.

I love all kinds of books—sad ones, funny ones, dark ones, light ones, short ones, long ones. I love learning from the non-fiction books I work on, and I love burrowing into the world of a great novel (although I’m not particularly drawn to fantasy or sci-fi).

I know how publishing works and how important it is for a writer and an editor to develop a relationship that works for both of them. I am also the author of thirteen books for young readers. You can see them at my author websiteMy experience as an author has helped shape who I am as an editor too. I understand how difficult it can be to be edited, but I also know how valuable it is. I love the process of taking a book from first draft to finished book, and I believe the editor’s job is to act as a book’s champion every step of the way.

I will bring expertise, enthusiasm, attention and commitment to your work, regardless of genre. In other words, I will be your cheerleader (but without the pompoms).

I acknowledge and respect the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples on whose traditional territories I live, work and play.

Services

I work one-on-one with new or seasoned writers to create books that will engage publishers, agents and readers. I offer complimentary 20 minute book coaching consultations. Learn more about my Book Coaching services, and contact me today.

Hands-on editing work usually begins when a manuscript is complete. I edit fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages. I offer complimentary 20 minute book editing consultations. Learn about my Book Editing services, and contact me today.

Sarah N. Harvey

Editor, book coach, and writer.

Helping writers polish their work - word by word, sentence by sentence - since 2005.

What My Authors Say

I have nothing but admiration for the work that Sarah Harvey put into my book, Mr. Mindbomb. This book is an anthological biography of my late husband, the founder of Greenpeace, Bob Hunter. I conceived the idea for this book over two years ago. I enlisted approximately 45 friends, relatives, admirers, prodigy and cohorts to write short story chapters about Bob's incredible life. To find a common voice, a smooth flow of sequences and to not repeat sentiments took a lot of time. Sarah worked with me to find a way to make this book sing the praises of Bob Hunter in a fashion that would make any reader feel a sense of awe. This is an inspiring book about a Canadian hero and Sarah knew just how to make the work a compelling read. She was astute and knowledgeable and made my book ready to be accepted by a publisher in short order. It was an honour to work with her.
Bobbi Hunter
Author of Mr. Mindbomb (forthcoming from Rocky Mountain Books)
At our first meeting Sarah expressed her concerns about me revisiting the trauma. She had just read my book. Really I had no clue what was to happen next. The journey through each page with her gave me courage and resilience. The timeline she presented made it easier to take the breaks when I did revisit the trauma. Her professional expertise in editing “Genocidal Love” kept my voice on every page. Thank you, Sarah, for your understanding of intergenerational trauma, your kind, caring patience and professional guidance.
Yellow book cover, of the book "Genocidal Love: A Life After Residential School" with black abstract drawing
Bevann Fox
Author of Genocidal Love: A Life After Residential School
Sarah Harvey picked my first YA novel out of the slush pile over fifteen years ago, and since then she has edited more than a dozen of my books: fiction and non-fiction, for children and for teens. She has been a wonderful editor and mentor, has taught me a great deal about writing, and has improved my books immeasurably. She edited my Silver Birch winning novel, Record Breaker, and both editions of my Stonewall Honor book Pride. Other books she has edited for me have gone on to be nominated for numerous awards—including the Governor General’s Literary Awards and four BC Book Prizes. Sarah has a keen eye for character development and story structure, respects the author’s voice and goals, and always helps me bring my book closer to what I want it to be. She is astute, insightful, thorough, and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her as an editor.
Book cover, of a book called "Pride. The celebration and the struggle". With a rainbow flag above the title and three people of colour smiling below
Robin Stevenson
Author of Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community, a Stonewall Honor book