Shelley Sperry – Editor

I'm an editor, writer, and researcher based in Alexandria, Virginia. As an editor, I specialize in nonfiction, helping authors tell true stories about the world and themselves. Lately, I've found myself specializing in memoirs and books about psychology, relationships, and self-actualization.

I have over 15 years of experience as a researcher, writer, line editor, and structural editor of books, white papers, graphics, and long-form articles for a variety of clients in the United States and Europe. I spent many years as a fact-checker, so I often include that as part of my editing services.

My favorite book projects involve translating complex ideas into language regular folks will understand so that authors can reach larger audiences. And I agree with Barbara Kingsolver that “revision is where fine art begins.”

I spent two years as a writer and editor with Story Grid Publishing. With co-author Leslie Watts, in 2020 I published a short guide to writing nonfiction, What’s the Big Idea? Leslie and I also published a guide to Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, designed specifically for writers who want to follow his "big idea" nonfiction model.

My clients have gone the traditional and indie publishing route, and I'm happy to help navigate either option. I can help craft a killer book proposal for those interested in traditional publishers.

In addition to working with individual clients on book projects, I write regularly about labor unions and politics for Masciola Consulting and education and child development for Alt Ed Austin.