Tom Shimmield: Professional Editor

About ME

Hello stranger! My name is Tom, I grew up in Wallingford, CT, and I've been a full-time professional freelance editor since 2021. Reading and writing have always been an immense passion of mine, and I'm thrilled to be able to share it with all of you as a profession!

I believe in an intensive, collaborative approach to editing wherein I work closely with my clients to understand their individual needs and provide each one with customized solutions. Your story is yours and yours alone, and my focus is to hone those skills you have into something even greater. Click the button below for more details!

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SERVICES

Developmental Editing

The most popular package--this includes both line and copy edits, in-line notes and a long-form edit letter that examines all areas of craft, as well as an optional one on one Zoom call for us to discuss your story in detail.

Cost: $0.02 per word.

Substantive Editing

Developmental Editing

The most thorough package--designed to resemble working with an editor at a major publisher--you'll receive a full developmental edit, then a second full developmental after your completed revisions, and finally a letter analyzing the effectiveness of those revisions.

Cost: $0.03 per word.

Author Coaching

Developmental Editing

Copy/Line Editing

The most customizable package--wherein you and I will work to together to complete your manuscript in weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions, in whatever form works best for you. Best suited for first-time authors.

Cost: varies upon the individual deal.

Copy/Line Editing

The pure readability package--where I go through your manuscript and clean up any typos in spelling or punctuation on a sentence-by-sentence level, while also making edits to the word choice, tone, style, and overall use of language. Changes are made via Track Changes in Microsoft Word.

Cost: $0.02 per word.

Query Critique

Copy/Line Editing

Query Critique

The 'time to find an agent' package--wherein you'll receive step-by-step guidance on how to craft a query letter that'll help sell your manuscript to agents. Includes up to six drafts of the same letter.

Cost: $50 flat, queries should always be the same (or of similar) length.

Book Doctoring

Copy/Line Editing

Query Critique

The "fix it for me" package--for writers who don't have the time to make intensive revisions on their own. You'll receive a full developmental edit--then, after we discuss changes, I go in and make those changes, taking care to maintain your book's style, voice, and overarching vision.

Cost: $0.03 per word.

Testimonials

Kate Angelella; Owner and Founder of Angelella Editorial

Carolina Hughes; Author of "The Art of Dreamwalking" and "The Heline Curse"

"Thomas Shimmield is the most talented young editor I've come across in my career, hands down. I had the pleasure of working with him on his own manuscript when he was just 16 and then watching his writing and editorial skills grow and flourish, years later, when he began working as an intern with my company. After his internship, he became my editorial assistant even while juggling college courses and continued to impress me, requesting more manuscripts than I thought he could possibly read and returning with edit letters longer than my own with insights that echoed my thoughts (impressive, considering I have over a decade on him at this work!) and then some. I would feel a hundred percent confident handing even one of my own clients over to Tom--or my own manuscript. Don't let his age fool you--you won't find a more talented, insightful, or passionate editor for your book.”

Carolina Hughes; Author of "The Art of Dreamwalking" and "The Heline Curse"

"I cannot praise Thomas enough for his exceptional expertise in crafting query letters. His keen eye for detail, coupled with a deep understanding of what agents and publishers seek, transforms the daunting task of query writing into a seamless and productive experience. With his guidance, my query letter became a masterpiece of clarity and persuasion, capturing the essence of my manuscript in a way that truly resonated with industry professionals. Thomas's responsiveness and commitment to excellence ensured that every word counted, making the process not only efficient but also remarkably effective. I wholeheartedly recommend him to any writer seeking to elevate their submissions to new heights of professionalism and impact."

Lisa Fasullo; Author, Public Speaker and Founder of the "Center for Transformative Movement"

"It was a delight working with Thomas. He is a master editor who has a knack for taking the lead in breaking down large, complex projects, refreshing them and making our work on the editing together feel like an exciting adventure!"

Jennifer Alsever; Author of "Burying Eva Flores" and "Extraordinary Lies"

Lisa Fasullo; Author, Public Speaker and Founder of the "Center for Transformative Movement"

“Thomas offered me the kind of thoughtful scrutiny and feedback that I really needed in finalizing my latest manuscript. He shined a clear light on what worked and what didn’t, from plotting details and character development to tone and setting. Thomas allowed me to see my manuscript from an entirely new point of view, giving just the right amount of encouragement and kudos so I was excited to get back in there and make it better. If you’re looking for a top-notch editor for your next manuscript, look no further than Thomas Shimmield.”