Sheila Hodgson, senior editor for Mills & Boon, now a division of HarperCollins, died August 6. She was 66. The Bookseller reported that Hodgson moved to London to start her publishing career in the early 1980s, joining Mills & Boon in 1994 after working as a freelancer for several years. Known for her work as senior editor of the Medical Romance series, she also acquired widely for Mills & Boon Modern, Mills & Boon Historical and Mills & Boon True Love (Romance).
HarperCollins said it was "deeply saddened" to share the news of Hodgson's death: "Throughout her 31 years on the team, Sheila had been an insightful expert and champion of the romance publishing industry and an exceptional editor. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues and authors with whom she shared her warmth, humor and constant support. We offer our deepest condolences to Sheila's husband and family and wide network of colleagues and friends."
Author Caroline Anderson commented: "I was privileged to have Sheila as my editor for 26 years, and I was heartbroken to hear the news. To say she was my editor is to leave out so much--her wonderful sense of humor, her kindness and compassion, her tolerance, her annoying habit of being right about the edits--she was my guiding light, my cheerleader, my plot-crunching buddy, and I'll miss her more than words can ever say.... RIP, Sheila. You'll be sorely missed."
In an Instagram post, author Kate MacGuire called Hodgson "a smart, talented editor who taught me a lot in the short time we worked together. She was also a warm, authentic woman who made me feel very welcome when I met her in Toronto last year. I will really miss her wisdom, support and friendship. My deepest condolences to her family and friends."