Professional Book Editing

Your story deserves
an editor who believes
in it.

Specializing in fantasy, 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
5+
Years of Editorial Experience
100%
Voice-preserving edits, every time

Genres I know inside and out

01
⚔️
Fantasy & Science Fiction

World-building, magic systems, pacing across long arcs, balancing exposition with momentum — these are the craft challenges I live for. Whether it's epic fantasy, grimdark, space opera, or literary sci-fi, I know the genre conventions readers expect and where you can break them.

02
✒️
Literary Fiction

Voice-driven, character-deep, language-precise. Literary fiction demands an editor who won't sand off the edges that make it distinctive. I help you sharpen what's already there — structural clarity, emotional resonance, prose rhythm — without erasing what makes your work yours.

Choose the level of
support 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.

$0.02 / 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.

$0.04 / 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.

$100 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.

$0.05 / word
Tom Shimmield
Angelella Editorial Alumni Trained under Kate Angelella — literary agent, editorial director, and founder of one of the industry's most respected editorial agencies.

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, Angelella Editorial

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.

Work with me →

What authors say about
working with Tom

★★★★★

"Thomas Shimmield is the most talented young editor I've come across in my career, hands down. Don't let his age fool you — you won't find a more talented, insightful, or passionate editor for your book."

Kate Angelella Owner & Founder, Angelella Editorial
★★★★★

"Thomas allowed me to see my manuscript from an entirely new point of view, giving just the right amount of encouragement so I was excited to get back in and make it better. Top-notch."

Jennifer Alsever Author of Burying Eva Flores & Extraordinary Lies
★★★★★

"His keen eye for detail, coupled with a deep understanding of what agents and publishers seek, transformed my query letter into something that truly resonated with industry professionals."

Carolina Hughes Author of The Art of Dreamwalking & The Heline Curse

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.

Let's talk about your manuscript.

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.