Shannon Cave

Shannon Cave – Editor

Experienced, encouraging developmental + copy editor to help you get one step closer to publishing. I love romance, fantasy, and mystery!

Overview

My mission is to help writers bring clarity to their manuscripts and make their work shine through detailed, insightful, and encouraging editing, while keeping true to their unique voices and remembering the reader on the other end. I'd love to help you get one step closer to publication!


As a traditionally published author, I know what it’s like to be an unsure new writer, as well as an experienced writer trying to up my game with each new book. Thanks to that experience, I can relate to my authors from the point of view of having "been there, done that." Additionally, I’ve worked with New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors, as well as debut authors, both traditionally and self-published.


Here's what you’ll get from me:

* Honest but gentle feedback in my edits or evaluations. I love to point out the passages I enjoy as much as I do those that might need more work. Every reader needs encouragement! But I won’t BS you with fake praise either.

* Respectful treatment of your work. I’m thorough, and I ask questions where clarity is needed, rather than just assuming. It is your work, your words!

Whatever your needs are, don’t hesitate to ask. And, if you’re not exactly sure what your needs are, let’s talk about it! I can help you determine what your next step might be and how to best go about it. Hiring an editor is a big investment in your writing career, and I’ll do whatever I can to ensure it’s the best investment you ever make!


***

I really enjoyed the experience of working with Shannon on my novel. It was clear that she put a lot of thought into each of her comments . She was such a joy to work with! - Kevin Donner, author of Poopy Fingers

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Cozy Mysteries Epic Fantasy Magical Realism Romantic Comedy Romantic Fantasy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2014 — Present

As a freelance copy editor, I have worked with both newer writers and previously published authors to bring their books to life and get them one step closer to publication. This has included working with established publishing companies, such as Tule Publishing Group, as well as indie authors. I come with the unique perspective of being a traditionally published author in the romance/women's fiction genre. I provide developmental editing, copy editing, and while maintaining each writer's unique voice. My specialties include romance and women's fiction, as well as the mystery and fantasy genres, but I have also edited extensively in the nonfiction realm, particularly lighter, self-help-leaning healthcare and business-related subjects.

Various

Sep, 1991 — Feb, 2019 (over 27 years)

Medical editor working on healthcare documentation in a variety of specialties for various hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Portfolio

A Saga of Shields and Shadows (The Aegis Saga Book 1)

Shirley, A.J.

Culturally Conscious Creative, LLC

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Some Doubt About It: A Novel

McNabb, Marion

Lake Union Publishing

The Outside Club

Baker, Jeff

BookBaby

The Godmother

Esposito, Leigh

Selvatica Books

Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
The Princess of Perizidon

Moore, Matthew D

MD Moore

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Voices of Magic II: Re-Enchanting a Modern World

Woodhouse Et al., Mary

MMW Publishing

Copy Editing
Fins: A Novel of Relentless Satire

Helfman, Gene

Luminare Press

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Fat Camp

Lucas, Blake

Chandler House Books

Proofreading
Eyes on the Horizon

Fazzolari, Carrie Lynn

Gatekeeper Press

Developmental Editing
The Herbalist

Morrison-Tapley, Heather

Bowker

Copy Editing
Highland Magic

Morrison-Tapley, Heather

Developmental Editing
All In Good Time

Aden, Talia

Publishing Platform

Developmental Editing
A Mass Murder (Cotswold Capers Book 2)

Hyson, Peter

The Cotswolds Press

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Cape May Ever After

Brighton, Kimberly

Cape Island Publishers

Proofreading
The Con

Rosato, Rachel

Copy Editing
The Limestone Manor

Thompson, Jonny

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
I Choose Us

Crystal, Nicole

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Ordinary Soil

Alex Woodard

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Choice

Farkas, Dora

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Hippo For Christmas

Carrington, C.J.

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Little Blue Horses

Wilson, Bradley

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Death By Stiletto

Dillon, Claire

Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Unnatural Causes

T.E. Harkins

Madeline Delarouse always thought growing old would take a lot longer. But when her adult kids move her into an upscale retirement community on the west coast of Florida, she fears her best da... read more
Copy Editing
Anonymous Mom Posts

Goldin, Jenifer

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Beth Bradley 2.0

Ernst, Emma

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
A Matter of Perspective

Beresford, Thomas

Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Among the Shadows

Fiely, Destiney

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
And There You Were

Mazanec, Manda

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Smokejumper Saga

Crues, John

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Heal

Endriga, Yasmine

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Steal My Heart

O'Brian, Aimee

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Pencil Me In

Wodtke, Christina

Copy Editing
Copy Editing

Shannon has 131 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Janet B.

Janet B.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
This was my second MS edited by Shannon. I can't say enough about her editing process. She is meticulous and works hard to polish your story without "rewriting" it. She catches the most minute inconsistencies--like time and dates, etc.--things that flew right past me. Her comments are kind and she encourages you as to how to improve the story you are writing. She completes the review within the...
Read more
Karen R.

Karen R.

Mar, 2024

Pinned
It was an absolute pleasure to work with Shannon. She was recommended to me and I could not have been happier with our collaboration. She was flexible and understanding of my timelines. She was responsive and timely every step of the way from proposal to finished edits. Her work was very thorough and detailed which is exactly what I needed. She provided an editorial letter that covered any larg...
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T.E. H.

T.E. H.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
Shannon is an incredible partner to have in the publishing process! She is conscientious, thoughtful, encouraging and diligent. I have worked with her on all four books in my cozy mystery series, and I can't imagine using anyone else. She has become an integral part of my process and I think she is absolutely fantastic!
Savannah M.

Savannah M.

Sep, 2024

I am a new author and I cannot express enough how impressed I am with Shannon's timeliness, knowledge, and professionalism. Shannon has been wonderful and patient enough to offer her expertise, and I will absolutely apply her criticism to my future work. I was a little anxious not hearing anything for a few weeks, but with the way she presents the final product, I can see why. She expertly buil...
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Elle G.

Elle G.

Sep, 2024

My second time working with Shannon and she was excellent again. Her work is top notch! Makes me feel so confident that my manuscript is in good hands and I’m putting a excellent product out into the world.

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