What I offer

I am an experienced editor and writer with over 20 years reading and critiquing short fiction, novels, and non-fiction. Since earning my MFA at Texas State University, I have honed my craft and editorial skills in masters-level workshops and one-on-one work with writers at every stage of the publishing process.

My years of writing and workshopping have shown me that turning over your work to a reader is an act of vulnerability and I like to honor that with thorough, supportive feedback that maintains your vision of the work. I read as both an avid reader and as a writer, looking first for clarity and continuity and noting where I most strongly connect with the character. As a writer, I look at structure, character, pacing, and that elusive heart of the story.

I specialize in providing constructive feedback on young adult fiction, short stories, romance, women’s and commercial fiction, and much more. I enjoy working with writers at any level of experience, whether it is someone who is writing for the first time or a pro who needs a fresh perspective on their work.

Query letter review

Your query letter is your first impression and it can be the only thing standing between getting your manuscript into an agent’s hands and staying in the slush pile. I’ll review a draft of your letter and include suggestions for strengthening the hook, tone, synopsis, and focus.

What you get:

• Track changes and margin notes on the letter.
• A second read of your revised letter.

Editorial assessment

If you have a partial or complete manuscript, I will read through and provide thorough, thoughtful comments on clarity, continuity, structure, characterization, voice, and more.

What you get:

• Track changes and margin notes on the manuscript.
• A multi-page editorial letter.
• A one-hour video conference or phone chat once you’ve had time to read through my notes.

Praise:

“I highly recommend Shellie as a reader and editor. She recently read a book proposal and sample pages for me and gave both big picture advice that helped with the overall story concept, as well as specifics so I could polish the writing. This helped me sell the book and, when I finished a draft, Shellie read the manuscript and provided feedback that blew me away.”

– Marit Weisenberg, author of Select, Select Few, and The Insomniacs.

“I’ve workshopped pieces with Shellie for many years and her critiques are always incisive, thoughtful and right on point. Shellie brings her years of experience and training to bear in looking at a project from different angles to help the author make it the best it can be.” 

— Jacqui Lipton, author of The Law and Authors, agent at Raven Quill Literary Agency.

“I have relied on Shellie’s critique for big picture developmental edits, nit-picky copyedits, and everything in between. She has proven herself one of the most perceptive, consistent, reliable, and professional editors I have had the privilege to work with, and has helped me with picture books, short fiction, and my published novels. Shellie’s knowledge of the publishing industry, as well as the craft of writing, makes her invaluable to writers pursuing traditional publication and those hoping to grow in their craft.”

— Nikki Loftin, author of Wish Girl, Nightingale’s Nest, and Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy.