Heidi Fiedler
Q What do you do?
“I work with writers and publishers to turn their ideas into children’s books. Sometimes I work one-on-one with writers. Manuscript critiques help you get submission ready. Creative coaching gives us a chance to talk about everything else. I also teach classes to writers and editors. When I work with publishers, I can act as a developmental editor, project manager, and acquisitions editor. My specialities are picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction for kids. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I've worked in publishing in one way or another for 20 years. I started as a book buyer at Book Soup in California. I worked in house as an editor for several years and managed the custom packaging department at Walter Foster. About ten years ago I went freelance.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a writer and editor, which means I understand the creative process from all different angles. I've had the opportunity to work with smart, creative people, and I truly love collaborating. I bring calm and clarity to any team, and people like having me around. I also work quickly and understand the big picture. I've been doing this for a long time, so I can jump in and make things happen.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm revising an essay, working with an award-winning author on a picture book, advising on a card deck about creativity, writing nonfiction text for an educational publisher, and writing my own picture book.
Q What’s your style?
You can get a feel for my work here: www.helloheidifiedler.com/editing. I also love fairytales. I'm writing a book about making space for creativity in motherhood. And I'm an expert at figuring out the theme of a book and tying up loose ends.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I like having a lot of variety in my days. I don't think I would want to write all day, but I would like to spend more time on it than I do now.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Pressure to grow your platform in a way that was rare 10 years ago and nearly impossible now
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Childcare
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could tell myself pre-kids, "You have so much time! Stop worrying about making the most of it. You will have to cut so much one day. Just futz around and enjoy the process now."
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I want to learn more about different business models that are used in other industries and think about how publishing might adapt them to the current market.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Writing and editing children's books, creative coaching clients, interviews and speak opportunities
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Big budget + lots of excitement and openess to expert advice = fun! I love working with people that don't know anything about publishing and want to turn their idea into a book.
Q What is your rate?
My manuscript critiques start at $500. Coaching is available by the hour, the month, or the season and costs between $500 and $7500
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Small. Curious. Playful. Wild. Magic. Hum.
This member profile was originally published in April 2024