Editing: Feedback, Line Edits, and Creative Writing Support

Pro

Caroline Shannon

Starting at

$

40

/hr

About this service

Summary

You’ve got the story. I’m here to help you tell it even better. With years of experience as a writer, editor, and workshop leader, I’ll help refine your work with edits and feedback that feel more like collaboration than critique.
I specialize in voice-driven creative work: personal essays, hybrid memoir, and short stories that hit emotionally. My edits blend technical polish with big-picture feedback, helping writers delve deeper without losing their voice.
I hold a BA in journalism and am currently an MFA candidate in creative writing. Additionally, I am certified by the University of Chicago in Basic Manuscript Editing and Intermediate Manuscript Editing, which includes a working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style.
________________
"As a tenured professor, I am allegedly a writing expert, yet Caroline taught me more in one course than I learned in entire graduate classes. She has an amazing way of being specific about what is needed in a particular pitch for a specific market while also engaging deeply with my goals and my voice. She projects possibility in all she does, be it one-on-one or in a group. If I don't get work out there, it's on me because Caroline has shown me exactly what to do."
—Nels P. Highberg, Catapult

Process

1. Intake + Context You'll send me your draft (Word or Google Doc), along with a brief note about where you’re stuck or what you’re hoping to improve (no pressure—bullet points are fine!).
2. Deep Read + Edits I will carefully read through your piece and make in-document edits, including tightening language, improving flow, and preserving tone. I’ll leave thoughtful margin notes to guide any deeper revisions.
3. Editorial Letter Alongside your edits, you’ll get a short editorial letter highlighting what’s working and offering ideas for where you might go next.
4. Delivery of Final Files You’ll receive a tracked version and a clean copy (or Google Doc with comments, if you prefer), plus your editorial letter as a PDF or email.
5. Optional Follow-Up Includes one light revision pass—after you’ve worked through the feedback, I’ll take a second look and offer final polish.
6. Wrap-Up You walk away with a stronger draft, new clarity on your story, and the confidence to keep going.

FAQs

  • What types of writing do you edit?

    I specialize in personal essays, memoir, short stories, hybrid nonfiction, and voice-driven creative work. If you’re unsure whether your piece is a good fit, feel free to reach out—I’ll let you know if it’s a match or recommend an alternative path.

  • Can I send you a draft that’s messy or unfinished?

    Absolutely. Your draft doesn’t need to be perfect. Whether you're stuck halfway or unsure how to proceed, I can help you shape what’s there and provide a plan for what’s next.

  • What file types do you accept?

    I work in Google Docs or Word files. I’ll return your edits in both a tracked version and a clean version—unless you prefer a fully commented Google Doc format, which I’m happy to do.

  • What if I have questions after you send edits?

    You’ll have one round of follow-up edits or clarification support, so if something’s confusing or you want a second set of eyes after revising, I’ve got you.

  • What’s your turnaround time?

    Most edits are delivered within 3–5 business days. If you have a tighter deadline, please message me before booking—I’ll let you know if I can accommodate it.

  • Can you help me get published?

    While I can’t guarantee publication, I can help you polish a piece to submission-ready quality. I’ve helped numerous writers get published in top outlets, including Salon, Betches, The Washington Post, Electric Literature, Romper, Bon Appétit, DAME, and Teen Vogue.

What's included

  • Marked-Up Draft (Track Changes or Suggestions Mode)

    Includes line-level edits for clarity, tone, and flow (up to 2,000 words), along with margin comments and questions to help deepen or clarify moments in the piece.

  • Editorial Letter (300–500 words)

    A personalized note outlining strengths, opportunities, and suggested next steps—great for helping the writer see their work with fresh eyes.

  • One Round of Revisions (Light Re-Edits)

    Includes one follow-up review or light re-edit after you’ve made revisions, valid for 5 days post-delivery. (This keeps the work collaborative while still being contained.)

Skills and tools

Copy Editor

Editor

Writer

Google Docs

Google Docs

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word

Scrivener

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