Lydia Shamah – Editor

Hi there,

I know hiring an editor is an investment, and there are lots of factors to consider when making your choice. I hope the below gives you a sense of whether we might be a good creative fit, but please feel free to ask me questions!

Lydia

MY EXPERIENCE:

As Director of Originals at Audible UK, I worked with world-class content partners like Disney, Warner DC, Ubisoft, and The Agatha Christie Estate. My projects include the NYT Bestselling The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman, and the record breaking series Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.

As Director of Original Content at Realm I worked on fan-favorites such as Orphan Black: The Next Chapter, as well as a varied list of YA, Romance, Mystery, Thriller, Action, Horror, Historical, and SFF.

As an agent I read thousands of submissions (so I know how to get that elusive “full” request) and sold projects to all of the major publishers.

AM I THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR PROJECT?

→ I have edited some of the world's biggest Fantasy and SciFi properties and am a great fit for any SFF subgenre.

→ I love to time travel with Historical -- I've edited stories set in periods ranging from Ancient Rome to the Regency.

→ I'm a confident editor of Romance (especially Romantasy) of any spice level.

→ My mastery of narrative theory and up-to-date market knowledge can help all commercial genres find success.

My experience is broad, but my major interest is fandom. I’ve worked on franchises with intensely passionate followings and love using that experience to help authors create new worlds, plots, and characters with the potential to not only attract readers, but to inspire the enthusiasm of true fans.

My editorial style is thorough, honest, and friendly. I am solution oriented, and will offer creative and clear suggestions for solving problems. I enjoy finessing prose while honoring each author's unique voice. Killer log lines are my speciality, and I have a knack for finding the perfect comp titles. I will leave you with a stronger manuscript, as well as an improved skill set that will serve you for years to come.

MY SERVICES:

→ Editorial Assessments (Big picture review of all the building blocks of a successful novel, and your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, delivered in an actionable editorial report.)

→ Development Edits (For those looking for more detailed feedback in the form of margin comments as well as an editorial report.)

→Line Edits (tracked changes addressing the style and clarity of prose and dialogue.)

→ Submission Packet review (Feedback on any combination of your query, synopsis, and opening.)

→ Coaching (Writers block? In the difficult middle? Struggling with your outline? Want to improve your craft? Calls that provide feedback on your writing and keep you moving forward.)

Please reach out to find out more about working together, or just to discuss Buffy fan theories! I can't wait to hear about your project!