I provide book editing for authors who are ready to take their book—and their business—to the next level.
Are We A Good Fit?
My Philosophy
Are we a good fit? And what exactly does it mean to be a good fit? I edit romance because that's what I like to read. I've seen how the genre has evolved and changed over the years and I'm very familiar with all the nuances that come with each subgenre. I hope that this familiarity helps you feel comfortable with allowing me to read your work and help shape it into the story you want to fill the hearts of your readers.​ Contrary to popular belief, professional editing is not about fixing mistakes. Okay, maybe copyediting is, but developmental and line editing—where my heart and soul come alive—is about so much more. It’s about giving the author tools that can make their writing stronger. It’s about the author refining their craft and discovering their own unique voice and style. It’s about arming the author with tools and techniques they can use to make every book they write better than the last. I can't make your book perfect. No book is perfect. I can only help you make it better. I’m not going to tear through your work making unexplained corrections. I’m going to give you tools for strong writing and show you how you can implement them in your work. I don’t have all the answers. I can give you suggestions and ideas, and hopefully inspire something that neither of us could have come up with on our own. I can share techniques with you that will help immerse your reader in your story and have them hanging on your every word. One more thing. You’re in control. While my recommendations are based on my knowledge of the craft and the industry, there is no expectation for you to accept every suggestion I make. The craft of storytelling and the English language itself, is constantly evolving. This is your book, and you can write it however you wish. You have full license (and my blessing) to toss any edits that don't feel right to the wind! My goal is to help you make your book everything you dreamed of. Without knowing you yet, it's impossible for me to say if we're a good fit or not. But if the above resonates with you, we probably are. If that's the case, I can't wait to meet you!
Editorial Training
In addition to traditional college education (English major), I have professional editorial training in copyediting, line editing, developmental editing, and other publishing materials. I have advanced training in developmental editing of romance. My editorial training was obtained through the Editorial Freelancers Association and Jennifer Lawler's Club Ed program. Instructors include the amazing Jennifer Lawler, Christina M. Frey, and Lourdes Venard. Primary Courses: Beginning Developmental Editing of Fiction Intermediate Developmental Editing of Fiction Developmental Editing of Romance Beginning Line Editing of Fiction Intermediate Line Editing of Fiction Copyediting Fiction Editing Cover Letters and Other Author Collateral
I decided to invest in myself and become an entrepreneur and business owner. A brand. Like you.
In the process, I discovered there is a steep learning curve. This is HARD.
I've had to learn my craft as well as how to brand and market myself. The thought of doing that plus all the other stuff indie authors have to learn boggles my mind.
You are AMAZING.
You have so many hats to wear, brave author. Let me take this one for you.
Testimonial
"Shana did a developmental assessment for me for a current work in progress that I was completely stuck on. After reading her astute comments about my character development and asking questions about how they were to grow by the end of the book, I've been able to move forward and flesh out my characters even more.
The assessment itself was extremely well organized, easy to follow, and thorough. Her constructive criticisms were on point and delivered in a way that made me feel we were really in this thing together! I'm getting ready to have her do another dev assessment for me for another WIP and look forward to her insights on this one as well. Highly recommend!"
Dallas Ryan
Romance writers are heroes in their own way. They design loving relationships and happily-ever-afters that so many readers may not get to experience in their real life relationships. So even when it's hard, never give up. Ever.
As your editor, I want a relationship with you. One of sharing ideas, milestones, frustrations, encouragement, exhaustion, and achievements that make it all worth it. Together, we can do this.
See what my clients are saying about me: