Shelly Stinchcomb - Editor
Dedicated, compassionate developmental editor who has polished manuscripts for emerging and best-selling authors. I make your work shine!
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Overview
I am a passionate fan of the written word!
As a Developmental Editor with over a decade of experience, my expertise, strength, and value are in working closely with you to fully develop your plot and characters. We’ll work on areas such as language, story flow, narrative tension, plot and character development, consistency, and pace. I understand how intrusive editing can feel and take great pride in providing an honest review and thoughtful suggestions to help you polish your manuscripts and make them shine.
I foster an environment of open communication where projects are discussed freely and without judgment. My end goal is to work collaboratively to build a trusting, long-term relationship with each of my clients.
Authors I’ve worked with include multiple award-winners such as Marci Bolden, Holly Kammier, Jessica Therrien, and New York Times best-seller Caroline Mitchell. Other clients include Ramcy Diek and USA Today bestsellers, K.A Fox and Debra Kristi. Several of my clients are published in more than one country.
I am accepting manuscripts for general fiction, women’s fiction, and those with main characters over 40.
I would love to discuss your project to see if my style is right for you!
~Shelly
Services
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Holiday
LGBTQ Fiction
Women's Fiction
Work experience
Development Editor, Audiobook Proofer, and more
Self-employed
August, 2009
–
Present
(over 13 years)
Portfolio (13 selected works)
Paranormal Intruder: The Terrifying True Story of a Family in Fear
Caroline Mitchell
The terrifying true story of a family in fearAn innocent family finds itself completely helpless against the sudden onset of paranormal activity in their quiet rural home. A knife embedded in a kitchen cupboard, crockery smashed by invisible hands, and blood-chilling growls emit from thin air. Caroline and her husband Neil search for answers as they try to protect their family from the unseen ... read more
You don’t know him. But he knows you.Soon he would be able to touch her, to feel the warmth of her blood. And when the time came, nothing would stop him.As D.C. Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in the quiet town of Haven, she is shocked at what seems like a personal message from beyond the grave.When more bodies are found, Jennifer is convinced the killings are somehow linked. W... read more
A Life Without Water
Marci Bolden
Oh my goodness. This book had me sucked in from the beginning. A well written, heartbreaking book about forgiveness, and finding peace amidst a tragedy that no parent should face. Get the tissues ready!!! This was a great book. I need a day to recover. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Stefani Reads‘OMG… This book has me feeling every kind of emotion... Have a box of tissues ready…Truly beautiful. Netgalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐... read more
Delaney Murphy has always known she’s the Devil’s daughter. And although the title itself is a burden, she never expects to inherit all her father’s infernal abilities. When her newfound magic begins to poison the people closest to her, Laney must make a choice. To protect the world from the worst she can do, she leaves everyone she loves behind and builds a new life for herself, alone, in a p... read more
Home Sweet Home (Histories of Drakmoor Book 4)
Kerns, Robert M.
Oppression (Children of the Gods Book 1)
Therrien, Jessica
Under the Willows
McCord, Pamela
Forbidden Quest (Hypnotic Journey Book 1)
Alaina Stanford
An intense Fantasy Adventure Series!Wouldn't it be cool to suddenly have the battle skills of a seasoned warrior? What if the battles felt real, but there was no physical risk to you? That would be perfect, except for one thing. The hypnotist in charge of your session is insanely evil, and is using you as a weapon in a plot for revenge. Four friends, two in love, two in hate, enter into a grou... read more
"Your blood, my dear. It sang to me. Led me straight to you." As a child, Ana played pretend in her made-up world of Hiddenkel. But the innocence of youth is shattered when Ana's boyfriend is killed in a car accident - one she is certain she somehow caused. That's when she meets him. The man with the blue eyes and golden hair. The man who was drawn by her blood and lurks in her dreams. When sh... read more
Kingston Court
Holly Kammier
What happens when you take middle-aged, stay-at-home moms, and throw them back into the workforce and dating? A modern twist between Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives, Kingston Court follows the love, lies, and friendships of two wealthy Southern California women.Samantha and Natalie are at a crossroads. Gorgeous, over-the-top Samantha, hangs her status and her happiness on her “perfec... read more
Storm at Keizer Manor
Ramcy Diek
While college graduate Forrest tries to find a job, quick witted Annet works at the Keizer Manor, the museum where the oils from 19th century master painter Alexander Keizer are exhibited.After a fight, the couple strolls through the dunes to talk. When dark clouds roll in, the beautiful sunny weather turns into a thunderstorm so violent that they get separated.The next morning, Forrest finds ... read more
Uprising (Children of the Gods Book 2)
Therrien, Jessica
Illusion (An Eomix Galaxy Novel Book 1)
Yelich-Koth, Christa
Shelly has 18 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Deciding to work with Shelly was easily the best decision I've made as a writer. I learned so much from her about writing, character development, emotional impact, and so much more. She helped me identify my strengths and particular areas where I could improve and grow. The tailored feedback was incredibly useful. She has a particular talent for understanding characters and helping flesh them o...
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Marian Vernon, April 2022
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Reply from Shelly Stinchcomb
Shelly is the first person I have worked with in the book writing process and I couldnt have asked for a better person. Writing my first book of a series, I was extremely nervous. But Shelly being the extraordinary person she is, made all of that go away. She is professional and personal at the same time. She understood what I was going for and was there whenever I had questions. Shelly is my n...
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Monica Barajas, April 2019
Reply from Shelly Stinchcomb
Shelly provided timely and invaluable edits for my manuscript. She wasn't afraid to tackle the emotional ups and downs of the characters and push me to dig deeper to fine tune their development.
Marci Boudreaux Clark, October 2018
Reply from Shelly Stinchcomb
I asked for a fairytale and Shelly was the one I was looking for. It was my very first book that I decided to challenge myself and write it. Of course along the way I went through a certain emotional rollercoaster but Shelly's guidance and support was everything. Her comments, ideas and recommendations were on point throughout our collaboration. I don't know what I would've done without her sug...
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Beata M, October 2018
Reply from Shelly Stinchcomb
This being my first time as a writer, Shelly was so easy to talk to and extremely helpful. She guided me in the path I need to take in order to finish my ms the right way. She was far more than I had ever expected from an editor and made the experience so pleasant. Shelly is definitely top notch and I will be working with her for my future books.
Monica Barajas, September 2018
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