Welcome!
I’m Cecile Shanahan,
a freelance editor and proofreader who works with publishers, established authors, and emerging writers.
I also work in educational publishing..
I am particularly drawn to books for children and young/new adults, but edit all genres of fiction and non-fiction.
More than 30 books I have edited, proofread, or provided mentoring for are currently on bookshop shelves.
Beta Reading * Manuscript Assessments
Developmental Editing * Line editing
Copyediting * Proofreading
Why are YOU here?
Chances are if you’ve come to this website you’re on the look out for an editor and/or proofreader.
So welcome; you’ve come to the right place.
But what sets me apart from others and why should you choose me to help you? The answer is actually quite simple.
I LOVE WHAT I DO.
Editing and proofreading isn’t just work for me — it’s a job that I happily chose (I left behind another successful career to start my own editing business in 2015) and I still get excited, each and every day, about using my expert skills to help my clients craft their words into the very best shape.
Words have always been my ‘thing’. Editing is my passion and it would be my pleasure to assist you with your next writing project.
More than spelling & grammar
The role of an editor and proofreader goes far beyond checking spelling and examining grammar.
I can provide an extensive array of services, which will assist in every stage of content development and project management.
If you need help with polishing your writing and organising your projects, look no further.
I assist people to make their words work for them; from first word to final print.
Take a look at the editing and proofreading services I provide and let’s chat to see how I can help you.
Pictured below are just some of the books I have played a part in editing and/or proofreading:
The Lastling by Victor Kelleher to be published April 2025 by Christmas Press (Eagle Books imprint). My role: Editor
Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer by Amy Doak published by Penguin 2023. My role: editor of manuscript before acquisition by Penguin, and proofreader of typeset pre-press proofs.
The Guinea Dad by Mark Stevenson. Published Oct 2023. My role: Manuscript assessment and mentoring.
In Lily's Books by Anne Whorlton Published 2023. My role: Line editor
Montessori Brains (My Brain Only Gets Built Once) by Nati Beltran and Pilar Enrich - My role: manuscript assessment and writing mentoring for English Language version. Published in Spanish in 2024.
Grace's Secret by Lisa Marie. Published 2024. My role: Copy editor and proofreader.
Memories & Milestones Tertiary Education in Bendigo 1873-2023. Published by La Trobe University Library, 2023. My role: Copy Editor
40 Single Gay by Jonathon Lee Published 2023. My role: Copy editor
Breaking Free by Pauline Wilson. Published 2023. My role: Editor (structural and copy)
Dragon Dance by Lauren Mitchell, Illustrated by Geoff Hocking. Published 2023. My role: Grammar consultant.
Hide and Seek by John Parnham. Ellham Woods Trilogy Book 2. Published 2023. My role: Copy editor.
Finn’s Folly by Ivan Southall, young adult novel first published 1969. Published in 2022 by Ligature (untapped series). My role: Proofreader.
Tupaia, Isaac & Cook – The Search for The Great South Land by Mark Wilson. Published by Windy Hollow Books, 2021. My role: Proofreader
Mulbury Mystery #1, A Sticky Situation by Juno Harvey. Published 2021. My role: Proofreader
Bread and Honey by Ivan Southall, young adult novel first published 1969. Published in 2022 by Ligature (untapped series). My role: Proofreader.
Conflict at Hanging Rock by Pauline Wilson. Published 2022. My role: Developmental editor & copy editor. Proofreader.
Thyla by Kate Gordon, young adult novel first published 2011. Published in 2022 by Ligature (untapped series). My role: Proofreader.
The Music from the Sea by Jackie French, young adult fantasy. First published 1993. Published in 2022 by Ligature (untapped series). My role: Proofreader.
The Metal Men by Jackie French by Jackie French, young adult fantasy. First published 1993. Published in 2022 by Ligature (untapped series). My role: Proofreader.
the future is fair - a celebration of Fairtrade and the Pacific. Published 2022. My role: Proofreader.
Listing Life: Easy list-making to discover who you really are, what you truly want from life & how to get it by Amy Doak. My role: Proofreader.
The House of a Hundred Animals by Jackie French, young adult fantasy. First published 1993. Published in 2022 by Ligature (untapped series). My role: Proofreader.
The Tribe That Sang to Trees by Jackie French, young adult fantasy. First published 1993. Published in 2022 by Ligature (untapped series). My role: Proofreader.
The Army's Daughter by Meg Barber. Published 2023. My role: Manuscript assessor.
The City in the Sand by Jackie French, young adult fantasy. First published 1993. Published in 2022 by Ligature (untapped series). My role: Proofreader
Wholebrain Learning Resources 3 Book Set. My role: Copy editor of manuscript and proofreader.
My Bucketlist Blueprint by Travis Bell. Published in 2020. My role: Developmental and copy editor.
Who Wants Love? by Ash Phoenix. Published 2023. My role: Line editor and developmental editor.
Clearlake by Stanislava Buevich Published Dec 2023 My role: Copy editor
Running Forever. By C A Sole. Published 2023. My role: Proofreader.
The Vox Bendigo Book Young Writers Anthology 2016-2021 published by Bendigo Writers Festival. My role: Commissioning editor.
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