Shelley Routledge – Editor

Every great story deserves an editor who believes in it and knows how to bring out its full potential.

Hi, I’m Shelley, a full time British developmental editor living in France. I’ve been editing professionally for over fifteen years and have worked on more than thirty published books. Many of these have gone on to secure agents, attract major publishing deals, and reach wide readerships.

I work closely with writers at every stage of their journey, from early drafts through to agent submission. My role is to help you shape a novel that is emotionally coherent, structurally sound, and confident in its market position, without losing the voice or heart that made you write it in the first place.

Editing is a partnership. I take the time to understand what you are trying to achieve, who your characters are beneath the surface, and what emotional experience you want to give the reader. My feedback is detailed, clear, and practical, with a strong emphasis on craft and intention. Writers often tell me they feel supported and understood throughout the process, especially when working on complex or personal material.

My developmental edits focus on structure, pacing, clarity, and emotional cohesion. I look closely at character arcs, relationships, themes, point of view, and narrative momentum. You will receive in manuscript comments using tracked changes, alongside a full editorial overview with clear guidance for revision and long term development. I also assess revised synopses so authors feel confident presenting their work to agents or publishers.

I offer deep copy edits that refine line level craft, including clarity, consistency, dialogue, and rhythm, while preserving your natural voice. Many authors choose a combined developmental and line edit so they receive holistic guidance in a single workflow.

I work across a wide range of genres, including crime, mystery, psychological suspense, women’s fiction, literary fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, young adult, and middle grade. I’ve collaborated with established authors such as Sarah Naughton, June Taylor, and Ruth Warburton, as well as debut writers preparing their first submission.

Recent highlights include working with Alison Watterson on her novel Dating App Revenge, which was acquired by Sandycove in a five way auction, as reported in The Bookseller in July 2025. Outcomes like this reflect my focus on both craft and commercial awareness.

I also offer agent submission packages, including query letters, synopses, blurbs, and pitches, grounded in current industry expectations.

I hold a BA in Classics, an MA in Literature, and a Diploma in Journalism, and I’m a member of the Professional Editors Network, the Editorial Freelancers Association, the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

If you’re ready to take the next step with your novel, I’d love to hear about your project.