Editorial support for your next draft.

Developmental editing, manuscript assessment and agent submission support for fiction writers. Choose the depth of feedback your book needs, wherever you are in the writing process.

Ask which service fits

Which service is right for you?

You might need detailed comments on the manuscript, a fresh perspective on the whole story, or help preparing to approach agents. Each service has a different focus, with the same close attention to your voice and what you’re trying to achieve.

I need detailed help revising my novel.

Developmental Editing

A close reading of your complete novel, with detailed comments throughout the manuscript and a substantial editorial report.

We’ll look at structure, character, pacing, point of view and the reader’s experience, with clear priorities for revision.

Explore the full edit

I need an assessment and clear revision priorities.

Editorial Assessment

A close reading of the complete manuscript and a bespoke, in-depth report explaining what needs attention, why it matters and how to tackle revision.

Manuscript-specific examples and a prioritised roadmap turn the diagnosis into practical next steps. An annotated manuscript is not included.

Explore the assessment

My novel is ready. My query and synopsis need work.

Agent Submission

Focused support for your query letter, synopsis and opening pages, once the manuscript is ready to submit.

I’ll help you communicate the premise, stakes and readership clearly, with a package that reflects the book you’ve written.

Submission support

In the authors’ words

“Shelley’s insightful, perceptive edit of my debut novel helped me secure an agent and a three-book deal with Simon & Schuster. The book went on to be shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award.”

Sarah Naughton
Author of The Hanged Man Rises

“Shelley is able to read the author as well as the manuscript. She has a light but thorough touch which helps bring about significant improvement with each draft.”

June Taylor
Author of Losing Juliet

Not sure which service fits?

If the story still needs work, start with the developmental edit or editorial assessment. The main difference is whether you’d like comments beside individual scenes and passages as well as a report. Submission support comes later, when you’re ready to present the finished novel.

You can browse books I’ve worked on and read feedback from authors to get a feel for my approach.

A quotation for your manuscript

Fees depend on the manuscript’s length and the scope of the work. Tell me about your project for a tailored quotation and current availability. If you’re unsure what to choose, say so. We can work that out together.

What happens next?

Send your genre, word count, current stage and intended publishing route. I may ask to see a sample before confirming the right service and availability.

Once we agree the project, you’ll receive clear terms, dates and preparation guidance. I’ll also ask about your ambitions and concerns, so the feedback addresses the questions that matter to you.

Working principles

Your manuscript and materials remain confidential.
Feedback is written by me and based on my own close reading.
Any use of generative AI in the manuscript should be disclosed before booking.
I do not promise representation or publication; I provide the strongest editorial guidance I can.
I reserve a limited number of projects so each manuscript receives sustained attention.

Tell me about your manuscript.

I work with a limited number of projects at a time. Tell me about your novel, its genre, word count and current stage. If you’re unsure which service would help, tell me where you feel stuck.

Ask which service fits