Shelly Stinchcomb

Shelly Stinchcomb – Editor

Over 15 yrs editing for both new and bestselling fiction authors. I guide and teach, while empowering you to keep your voice. Let's chat!

Overview

Hello, and welcome to my profile!


I am massively in love with books and consume 80-120 books per year as a reader. Well into my adult years, I still get excited thinking about the Scholastic Book Fair. Though I don't do it near enough, being in a cozy bookstore perusing the shelves and talking to the staff is one of my happy places.


As a Developmental/Content Editor with over fifteen years of experience, my expertise and value are in working closely with you to fully develop your plot and characters. We’ll work together on areas such as language, story flow, narrative tension, plot and character development, consistency, and pace. Handing your hours of writing and creativity over to an editor can feel scary and intrusive. I understand that, and I take great pride in providing an honest and kind review, as well as thoughtful suggestions to help you polish your manuscript and make it shine.


Authors I’ve worked with include best-selling authors Caroline Mitchell (New York Times best-seller), Marci Bolden, Ramcy Diek, K.A Fox and Debra Kristi. Several of my clients are published in multiple countries.


At the forefront of everything, 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.


Outside of the book world I'm a travel enthusiast, dog lover, sewist and a goofball.


I would love to discuss your project to see if my style is right for you!


~Shelly

Services
Fiction
Chick Lit Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Cozy Mysteries Holiday Magical Realism Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2009 — Present

Portfolio

Paranormal Intruder: The True Story of a Family in Fear

Mitchell, Caroline

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

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... read more
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
PRICK: A Taggart McGill Mystery

Hammons, DL

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
A Life Without Water

Bolden, Marci

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Under the Willows

McCord, Pamela

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Winter's List (Melting Hearts Book 1)

Kross, Jordyn

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Seasons Within

Iturrioz, Lele

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Shadows of Shame

Ashkenas, Bruce

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
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.Afte... read more
Developmental Editing
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 f... read more
Developmental Editing
"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 ... read more
Developmental Editing
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 wou... read more
Developmental Editing

Shelly has 19 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Richard S.

Richard S.

Aug, 2024

We're going into our second phase and Shelly has been an absolute dream to work with. I couldn't have asked for a better partner to collaborate with.
Marian V.

Marian V.

Apr, 2022

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...
Read more
Shelly S.
Thank you for your review! I knew when I read your sample that you are someone who'd researched writing, and had spent a good amount of time analyzing your manuscript before reaching out to develop...
Read more
Monica B.

Monica B.

Apr, 2019

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...
Read more
Shelly S.
Thank you for your kind words. You have put a great deal of work into your edits and polishing your manuscript. I am thrilled with your end result!!
Marci B.

Marci B.

Oct, 2018

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.
Shelly S.
Thank you for your review, Marci. I have thoroughly enjoyed the manuscript and look forward to seeing it published!
Beata M.

Beata M.

Oct, 2018

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...
Read more
Shelly S.
You are so welcome, Beata. Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure working with you and watching you grow and your book shine!!

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