Sheila Jacobs is a writer, editor and award-winning author, living in rural north Essex.

One of her novels won a CBC Gold Award. She has worked in the UK publishing industry for many years.

Her new novel, Nun’s Drift: Four Stories, One Community (Malcolm Down Publishing) is due out soon – a story of doubt and forgiveness, perspectives and acceptance.

A Little Book of Rest (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2022). Five weeks of contemplative material to help the reader overcome fear, with author anecdotes and space to reflect... Christian spirituality. You can purchase here

Watchers: Companion of Darkness (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2020). Fast-paced, dystopian science fiction/action adventure. A challenging story of desperation, risk and the nature of forgiveness set in a future world where to be old, ill or unable to work is simply unacceptable... You can purchase here

Humbug and Happiness (Darton, Longman & Todd, 2019). A movie-based Advent book for anyone who loves the popular film, Scrooge. Reflective material for individuals and groups. You can purchase here

To Live Again (Darton, Longman & Todd, 2017). A fun Advent book for anyone who enjoys the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. A great way to think about Christmas themes while enjoying a seasonal movie. You can purchase here

Someone to Believe In (Darton, Longman & Todd, 2015). An engaging Advent book for anyone who enjoys the Christmas movie, Miracle on 34th Street. Thought-provoking seasonal material. You can purchase here

EDITING AND AUTHOR COACHING

Sheila has many years of experience as an editor – copy-editing, selecting manuscripts for publication, developmental editing etc. She enjoys working with people who value constructive feedback on their writing – whether they are just starting out on their writing journey, or are widely published!

In assessing manuscripts and providing feedback, Sheila aims to help the author make their book the best it can be. She advises new authors on how to improve their work, and can provide author mentoring and coaching.

• Assessing sample chapters (with a synopsis of the rest of the work), with comments and/or report for the author.
• Supplying developmental editing for full manuscripts – comments and/or report.

Whether you are writing for publication, or for friends and family, and would like professional feedback, contact her to discuss your work, and for prices. Sheila specialises in theology and Christian spirituality – fiction and non-fiction.



An Editor’s Brief Guide to Writing (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2020). Wisdom, interesting tips and fun exercises too. Especially for people hoping to write for the Christian market. You can purchase here

RETREATS/SPEAKING

Sheila is an experienced speaker. She has appeared on Revelation TV, and has been interviewed on BBC Radio 4, Premier Radio, UCB (radio series based on two of her books), and BBC Radio Essex. She has also spoken at many events and in churches.



Sheila was a day chaplain at a retreat house for several years; she enjoys leading workshops and retreats (writing, and contemplative/inspirational). She loves the whole area of spiritual direction/companionship.

Get in touch if you’d like to talk to her about speaking to your group or church.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Quiet Waters, Flixton Rd, Bungay NR35 1PD
Tuesday 25th February 2025
Tuesday 25th – Thursday 27th March 2025

Diocese House of Retreat, The Street, Pleshey, Chelmsford CM3 1HA
Wednesday 7th May 2025