Shanna Milkey

Shanna Milkey – Editor

Offering manuscript critiques, developmental editing, book proposal and query letter edits for both fiction and nonfiction projects.

Overview

Shanna is a graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course with a BA in English Literature from Boston University and several years of in-house editorial experience. She's had the honor of working with bestselling and award-winning authors across many genres and now enjoys freelancing from home while caring for her two young children. Editorial services include manuscript critiques, detailed line edits, assistance crafting book proposals and query letters, and coaching sessions. She's not a copyeditor, but boy, she wishes she were. Those guys are the best!

If you're looking for a fresh perspective on your manuscript--whether it be literary or commercial fiction, narrative or prescriptive nonfiction--Shanna offers insightful commentary both on the page and about the current publishing marketplace. She loves helping writers find their voice and tell their stories.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Short Story Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Columbia Publishing Course

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2013 — Present

• Offers in-depth editorial analysis (developmental editing, line editing, manuscript and book proposal critiques) for projects at varied stages of development, from initial concept through acquisition and delivery
• Helps writers to assess platform and potential market, identify competitive titles, and refine pitches
• Edits query letters, revises professional correspondence, and coaches students in written coursework

HarperCollins Publishers

Sep, 2010 — Sep, 2013 (about 3 years)

• Edited manuscripts across a variety of genres (literary and commercial fiction, narrative and prescriptive nonfiction) for books that would go on to garner multiple starred trade reviews, appear on national bestseller lists, and become Indie Next picks and Barnes & Noble Discover selections
• Evaluated manuscripts and proposals upon submission
• Generated marketing copy (catalog copy, cover copy, fact sheets, etc.)
• Guided authors in acquiring licensing for any previously copyrighted materials
• Coordinated and maintained the schedule for multiple books, all at different stages of production
• Managed logistics for authors through the development, transmittal, copyediting, design, release, and promotion of their books

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