Fiction Editor, Shelley Routledge
The Book Editorial Expert
Phone
07527177334

Professional Developmental Editing Services by Shelley – Specializing in Fiction & Non-Fiction

Welcome to my profile on the Professional Editors Network! I’m Shelley, a full-time developmental editor with over 14 years of industry experience. I’ve worked with internationally recognized authors like Sarah Naughton, June Taylor, and Ruth Ware, transforming early drafts into refined, publishable manuscripts. With a deep understanding of what top literary agents look for, I bring a unique perspective that ensures your work stands out in today’s competitive market.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Women's Fiction
  • Literary Fiction
  • Crime & Thrillers
  • Memoirs
  • Horror
  • Espionage
  • YA

What You Can Expect from My Editing Process:

  1. First Impressions: I’ll make sure your opening chapters grab readers' attention and set the right tone from the start.
  2. Narrative Voice: I’ll assess the authenticity and consistency of your voice, ensuring it engages readers throughout.
  3. Plot & Pacing: I’ll evaluate your plot’s structure and pacing, keeping your story cohesive and compelling.
  4. Character Arcs: I’ll help develop your characters, ensuring their journeys are impactful and well-rounded.
  5. Endings: I’ll work with you to craft a satisfying, resonant conclusion that ties back to your story’s beginning.
  6. Market Positioning: Whether you’re aiming for traditional or self-publishing, I’ll provide insights on current market trends and positioning strategies.

Bonus Services:

  • Complimentary Overview Report: In-depth feedback, tools, and insider tips to maximize your manuscript’s commercial potential.
  • Revised Synopsis Review: Free guidance on improving your synopsis to help you confidently start your rewrite.

Qualifications: I hold a BA in Classics, an MA in Literature, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Journalism. As a member of professional editorial organizations such as the Professional Editors Network, the Editorial Freelancers Association, and the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders, I stay current on industry best practices. I’m also a Partner Member of The Alliance of Independent Authors, specializing in narrative structure, plot development, and character voice.

If you’re ready to elevate your manuscript and create something extraordinary, let’s collaborate. Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to help make that happen!

Editing Services
Copyediting, Developmental editing, Line editing, Proofreading, Series, Substantive
Writing Services
Book proposals and query letters, Books, Copywriting, Fiction, Ghostwriting, Nonfiction, Web
Other Services
Ebooks, Editorial project management, Manuscript critique, Query, proposal, and/or submission review
Fiction Genres
Action/adventure, Drama, Historical, Horror, Humor/satire, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/thriller
Nonfiction Genres
Autobiography and memoir, Biography, Business, Cookbooks, Creative nonfiction, True crime
Age Levels
Middle grade, Young adult, Adult
Style Manuals
Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), Microsoft Writing Style Guide
Software
Microsoft Word, PerfectIt
Other Memberships
ACES: The Society for Editing, Editorial Freelancers Association