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Professional Editor - Tom Shimmield

Your story deserves
an editor who

believes in it.

Specializing in fantasy, horror, sci-fi and literary fiction — I help authors close the gap between their vision and the manuscript that earns agent attention.

          5

Average Client Rating

Years of Editorial Experience

5

+

Voice-preserving edits, every time

100 %

Specializations

Genres I know inside and out

Fantasy

Science Fiction

Literary Fiction

Horror

 I love anything with knights, castles, wizards and dragons, but not to mention magic systems, elaborate world building, and a sense of adventure. High fantasy and contemporary fantasy are what I enjoy most.

I really enjoy hard sci-fi dystopias, space operas, post apocalyptic stories, time travel and aliens, although soft Sci-Fi is also welcome. And if the science is grounded in reality, then I’m sold.

Sometimes a slower pace, more prose-driven and thematic approach is what is best for a book, and I often enjoy it most when this writing philosophy is combined with other genres.

Anything with creeps, scares and spooky things that go bump in the night will intrigue me. Notable sub-genres that I like are supernatural horror, psychological horror, and horror comedy.

Services & Pricing

Choose the level of

suppport you need

Beta Reading
Beta Reading
A detailed editorial letter covering the reader experience: what's working, what isn't, and where your story loses momentum. Includes optional Zoom debrief.
$0.01 / word
Copy & Line
Copy / Line Editing
Full manuscript pass for typos, grammar, syntax, and diction. Delivered via Track Changes in Word so you stay in control of every decision.
$0.03 / word
Most Popular

Developmental Editing

The full picture — copy edits, in-line comments, and a comprehensive editorial letter examining structure, character, pacing, theme, and voice. Includes optional Zoom call.

$0.05 / word
Substantive
Substantive Editing
Two full developmental passes — before and after your revisions — plus a final letter assessing the effectiveness of your changes. Like working with a Big Five editor.
$0.06 / word
Query Help
Query Critique
Step-by-step guidance on crafting a query letter that sells your manuscript to agents. Includes up to six drafts of the same letter.
$125 flat
Book Doctoring
Book Doctoring
For writers short on revision time. After a full developmental edit and discussion, I make the agreed changes for you — preserving your voice throughout.
$0.07 / word
ABOUT TOM
Professional Editor Tom Shimmield

An editor who's been on
both sides of the manuscript.

"The most talented young editor I've come across in my career, hands down." — Kate Angelella, Editor for Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys series
Hello — I'm Tom. I've been passionate about storytelling since I was a kid, and in 2021 I turned that passion into a profession when I joined Angelella Editorial. Since then I've worked as a beta reader, literary assistant, and contest judge, reading across every genre and learning what separates the manuscripts agents request from the ones they pass on.

Most books are 80% there already. My job is to help you close that last gap — efficiently, clearly, and without losing the voice that makes your work worth reading in the first place.

When we're done, you'll feel fully confident submitting to agents and publishers. That's the goal every time.

What authors say about working with Tom

No commitment required

Not sure yet? 

Try before you decide.

Send me your first 500 words and I'll edit them for free — no strings attached. It's the fastest way to see if we're a good fit.

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Let's talk about your manuscript.

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Whether you have a finished draft ready for editing, a half-written story you're not sure about, or just questions — reach out! I respond to every inquiry personally.

Get in Touch

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