Shawn Richardson – Editor

My editorial specialties include memoir, business, education, self-help, and children's books. I often provide line editing, copy editing, fact-checking, and proofreading as an "all-in-one" service.

I also offer audiobook pre-production script prep and post-production proof listening!

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From a "second set of eyes" to a deep line edit, I can provide whatever level of editorial assistance you require. I specialize in nonfiction content, including educational resources, business writing, self-help, and memoir. I also enjoy editing children's fiction books.

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EDITING SKILLS:

Editing | Copy Editing | Book Editor | Ghost "RE" Writer | Line Editor | Improved Wording & Phrasing | Technical Editing | Nonfiction | Citations | Fact Checking | Chicago Manual of Style | Manuscript Formatting (Word)

PROOFREADING SKILLS:

Proofreading | Grammar Correction | Spelling | Punctuation | Error Correction | Designed Book PDF Proofreading | Book Cover Proofreading | Marketing and Promotional Copy Proofreading

SKILLS WITHIN SPECIFIC GENRES:

MEMOIR – Biographies & Memoirs | Life Story | Tone & Mood | Emotion | Humor | Timeline Accuracy

(Examples: The Redhead of Auschwitz by Nechama Birnbaum; and First Impressions by Joy Moore)

BUSINESS – Business & Management | Computers & Internet | Business Editing | Clarifying Business Concepts | Leadership Concepts | Comfortable with Technical Terms | Leading Reader to an “AHA” Moment

(Examples: The Foundational Challenge by Shoham Adizes; and Monetization by Caleb O'Dowd)

EDUCATION – Education & Reference | Education Voice in Writing | Dual Appeal (Teachers and Students) | Engaging Tone | Academic Editing | PreK–12 Editing & Proofreading | Classroom Resources | Worksheet Arrangement | Clarifying Activities and Instructions | Illustration Proofreading and Suggestions

(Examples: Classroom Circles by John Whalen and Denise Holliday; and Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E. by Laprea Publishing)

SPIRITUALITY – Religion & Spirituality | Self-Help & Self-Improvement

(Examples: Let Go! by Rachel Jobe; and Angels, Angels Everywhere by jmmlove)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS – Children's Nonfiction | Children's Fiction | Story Editing | Story Development | Picture Books

(Examples: There's Something in My Closet by Frank Coates; and The Science of Christmas by Mary Ann Yarbrough)

AUDIOBOOKS – Audiobook Narrator Script Preparation | Audiobook Proof Listener

(Examples to come just as soon as they are published!)

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Favorite quotes:

“Line editing isn’t about correction. It’s about showing the writer the power of their own voice.”

— Christina M. Frey

“Editing your own book is like giving yourself a tattoo. It hurts too much, and the perspective is all wrong.”

— Helen H. Moore

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Testimonials:

"I hired Shawn to proofread my 300+ page personal memoir, and she provided a calming and supportive voice to the very end. I feel so grateful that I found her. She made my book so much better!"

— Kristy Sweetland, author, Stark Raving Zen

"Flexible, friendly, and above all, a very competent proofreader/editor who always manages to keep deadlines. I can highly recommend her!"

—Liesbeth Heenk, Amsterdam Publishers