I help historical fiction writers feel confident they are on the right track.
Hi, I’m Shauna, book editor and writer
My Story
From social sciences to historical fiction.
Before I trained as a historical fiction book editor, I was an academic researcher and writer in the social sciences. When writing Organic Food and Farming: A Reference Handbook I most loved learning about the history of the social movement and the personalities involved.
Eventually, I gave myself permission to learn the fiction side of writing and have spent the past few years deepening my understanding of the historical fiction market.
What I am passionate about.
I get genuinely excited about reading a manuscript and finding the threads that don’t connect, the characters that don’t let us see them clearly, and ways we are too protective of those characters. I see poorly written manuscripts as unrealized potential and I get a thrill whenever I get to help unlock the possibilities. Starting a new editing project is like opening a puzzle that needs to be solved through reading and daydreaming (two of my favourite things).
Why work with me?
I take the profession of editing seriously and training is an important part of that. In addition to completing the Club Ed certificate in developmental editing of fiction, I have rounded out my education with courses from a number of writing and editing teachers. I am continuously learning with new courses, webinars, and books.
As a member of the Historical Novel Society I have reviewed over 30 books for the Historical Novels Review magazine and had the pleasure of serving as a first-round judge in the HNSUK 2024 First Chapters Competition. I love to write feature articles for the Historical Novel Society.
I regularly attend the conferences put on by the Historical Novel Society and the History Quill. Come say hi, if you attend!
Life these days.
When I am not editing, writing, or reading, I am usually rambling through the countryside looking to fill my curiosity cabinet and my notebook. I am currently living in the French Alps, along with my husband and two children.
Work with me and grow your book
I know from experience that learning to write well takes time and practice. No matter how many books you read, or courses you take, progress comes from doing the work. Even then, it can be challenging to apply what you have learned or take the feedback you are given and incorporate it into your manuscript.
When you are ready for professional editing, I want to make the experience one of learning and growth. That’s why my editing process includes a heavy focus on what is working and how to do more of it.
A Few Whimsical Facts About Me
One of my earliest jobs was picking sweet corn
I spent my teenage years riding and showing horses
When I left for university my parents got rid of my extensive rock collection. I have been trying to replace it ever since.
My children are helping me learn to speak French. It’s a very humbling experience.
My favourite way to travel is by train and bicycle
I am working on a novel focused on female prairie homesteaders.
