Overview
As a developmental editor for fiction and creative non-fiction writers I have worked on novels, scripts, short stories, and memoir. I bring a deep knowledge of character, narrative, voice, language, structure, and style to support the writer's vision and voice. I also love supporting writers with coaching on revision and mindset, and guidance on publication. Experience in literary, fantasy, and historical fiction, memoir, and scripts for TV, film, and stage.
As a health and science editorial consultant for global NGO clients including National Geographic, I research edit content on wildlife, biology, astronomy, and ancient history, and tell stories from the field from Australia to Madagascar to Yemen, harnessing my understanding of storytelling, science, and audiences.
Across these genres I work to bridge the story and the reader, keeping the integrity of the nonfiction subject or the spell of the fictive dream. As a writer myself, I know the soul and toil that go into writing. It's an honor and a joy to be entrusted with a work of art in progress and I give only honest, actionable, and supportive guidance, and value my clients as creative partners.
A testimonial from one of my clients:
Fiction & creative non-fiction clients include:
As a health and science editorial consultant for global NGO clients including National Geographic, I research edit content on wildlife, biology, astronomy, and ancient history, and tell stories from the field from Australia to Madagascar to Yemen, harnessing my understanding of storytelling, science, and audiences.
Across these genres I work to bridge the story and the reader, keeping the integrity of the nonfiction subject or the spell of the fictive dream. As a writer myself, I know the soul and toil that go into writing. It's an honor and a joy to be entrusted with a work of art in progress and I give only honest, actionable, and supportive guidance, and value my clients as creative partners.
A testimonial from one of my clients:
"Katie Shaw has helped me take two stage monologues from good to phenomenal. She guided my creative process, coached me on story arc, and developmental edited two pieces I performed in front of a live audience. Katie saw my vision and helped me create the best version of my writing. She gave me honest and thorough feedback around areas in my pieces that didn't connect well, and helped me construct them to flow succinctly, and to land. The audience reception said it all. They cracked up at my jokes, and after the show I was overwhelmed by how many people reached out to tell me they were moved by my story - including reporters from KUOW 94.9 and National Public Radio StoryCorps, who approached me to perform it in their studios. Katie was also a true creative support partner, and helped me get from wallowing in performance anxiety and self-doubt to walking out on stage in front of thousands of people."
-KrystaWalia, Performer & Comedian, KUOW 94.9 NPR, StoryCorps NPR, Yoni Ki Baat South Asian Vagina Monologues 2016 & 2018. Counselor, Seattle Central College.
Fiction & creative non-fiction clients include:
> Maria Semple, bestselling author of Where'd You Go Bernadette & TV writer of Arrested Development
> Lindsey Fairleigh, NYTimes best-selling indie author
Non-fiction clients include:
> Krysta Walia, Performer, KUOW & Yoni Ki Baat South Asian Vagina Monologues
> Asha Myers, children’s book writer & memoir ghostwriter
> Emerging writers include: Danielle Perschke, Dianna Garfield, Heather Souder, Renae Davidson, Stacy Phillips Booth, Susan Hettinger
> National Geographic – Books, Channels, Digital, and Kids
> The Nature Conservancy Magazine> The Global Iodine Network & Global Fortification Data Exchange (GFDx)
I am a member of Hugo House Writers' Center in Seattle, the Editorial Freelancers Association, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, and the Northwest Editors Guild. I am versed in Chicago and AP style, although my favorite grammar & style reference is The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: The Ultimate Handbook of Grammar for the Innocent, the Eager, and the Doomed. I hold a certificate in advanced literary fiction from the University of Washington, an MA in Global Development from the University of Sydney, and a BA in English literature from the University of Washington with an honors thesis from Oxford University. I guest lecture on fiction for the University of Washington Continuing Education and on nonfiction research editorial for the University of Washington Bothell.
If you have a manuscript ready for a thoughtful and seasoned reader and fellow autuer of words, I would love to hear from you. I usually start with a free consultation wherein I read a representative excerpt of your work, share my thoughts on what I might contribute, and provide a quote, after which we can have a call to talk about your vision and goals and how I might support them.
Services
Fiction
Classics
Fantasy
Literary Fiction
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Health & Wellbeing
Nature
Travel
Languages
English (AUS)
English (NZ)
English (UK)
English (US)
Certifications
- Advanced Literary Fiction Certificate
- Yoga Instruction
Work experience
Self-employed
Apr, 2017 —
Present
Portfolio
What makes us laugh, cry, rage, love, smile? This special edition reveals how emotions come into play when we interact with the world around us as well as how the intricacies of the brain play a part in our emotional capabilities. Some highlights include: Expl... read more
The world's favorite expert on la dolce vita (Under the Tuscan Sun author) guides readers through Italy's iconic regions, replete with lavish National Geographic images.This lush guide, featuring more than 350 glorious photographs from National Geographic, sho... read more
Celebrating our only satellite, National Geographic’s ‘The Moon’ chronicles its formation, its inspiration in myth and literature, and the history of human exploration. Timed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, this comprehensive overv... read more
For honest, unbiased information, College Prowler delivers an inside look at college, straight from the students' mouths. Complete with hundreds of quotes, grades, stats, and reviews, each student-written guide offers a comprehensive collection of information ... read more
For Kat Dubois, death is only the beginning... Kat is on a mission, and the fate of the universe depends on whether or not she succeeds. She must journey into the heart of the underworld and track down Isfet before time runs out. Before the bonding withdrawals... read more
When our universe falls in the gods' crosshairs, only one woman can stand against them...Kat Dubois. Immortal. Ex-assassin. Humanity's last hope.Kat has finally embraced her role as the Nejeret figurehead, diving headlong into the mission to forge an alliance ... read more
Humans know that immortals live among them, and the world is forever changed...Kat Dubois saved the human world from a deadly virus…and she couldn’t be more miserable. Her life as she knew it is over. She has become a prisoner held captive in a gilded cage, co... read more
This collection includes nearly 200,000 words of kick-ass action, mystery, and sass:Book 1: Ink WitchBook 2: OutcastBook 3: UndergroundThe gods are gone. Her brother is missing. One retired assassin must confront her past to save his future...Immortal Kat Dubo... read more
National Geographic presents Cats and Dogs
Do you ever wish you could talk to your pet? This special edition reveals the many ways animals communicate with us, one another, and their environment. Top biologists, behaviorists, and veterinarians provide insights into the unique ways in which animals inte... read more
Some secrets are buried for a reason. She’s about to uncover the deadliest secret of all...Anxious and reclusive, Cora Blackthorn uses online gaming as her sole tether to the outside world. Due to a condition that makes human touch crippling, she lives her lif... read more
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