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 have been editing professionally for over fifteen years and have worked on more than thirty published books. Many have gone on to secure agents, receive major publishing deals, and reach bestseller lists. I work with writers at every stage of their journey, from early drafts to agent submission. My role is to help you shape a compelling, emotionally resonant novel that feels true to your voice and stands confidently in the market.

Editing is a partnership. I take the time to understand your intentions, your characters, and the deeper emotional threads that drive your story. My feedback is warm, clear, and practical. Writers often tell me they feel fully supported throughout the process, especially when working on personal or challenging material. I offer detailed developmental edits, deep copy edits, and submission support for writers preparing to approach agents.

My developmental edits focus on structure, pacing, clarity, and emotional cohesion. I look closely at character arcs, relationships, themes, and the rhythm of your narrative. You will receive in manuscript comments and a full editorial report with clear next steps and suggestions for long term growth. I also provide an assessment of your revised synopsis so you can present your story with confidence.

My deep copy edits refine the line level craft of your prose. I help strengthen clarity, consistency, dialogue, and voice while preserving your natural style. Many writers choose a combined developmental and line edit so they receive holistic guidance in a single workflow.

I have experience across a wide range of genres, including crime, mystery, women’s fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, literary fiction, psychological suspense, young adult, and middle grade. I have collaborated with acclaimed authors such as Sarah Naughton, June Taylor, and Ruth Warburton as well as many debut writers crafting their first novel.

I also offer agent submission packages that include tailored query letters, synopses, blurbs, and pitches. These materials are grounded in industry expectations and shaped to highlight the heart of your book.

Client feedback:

“Shelley is the best. She guided me through the rewrite process and shaped the submission package that landed my agent. Her work was professional, passionate, and always reflected my voice.”

Mark Fowler, author of A Prince of Mirrors

Mark later signed with Trident Media Group, one of the world’s leading literary agencies.

I hold a BA in Classics, an MA in Literature, and a Diploma in Journalism. I am certified in both editing and copywriting and a member of the Professional Editors Network, the Editorial Freelancers Association, the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders, and the Alliance of Independent Authors as a Partner Member.

If you are ready to take the next step with your novel, I would love to hear about your project.