About Me
Books have been my life for as long as I can remember. I enjoyed having my parents read to me, but once I learned how to do it myself, it was as though another world opened up. My love of books only deepened when I was in school, as did my affinity for the English language. I went on to obtain a degree in English while working in bookstores and doing some freelance editing on the side. I found that I really loved the craft of editing and decided to pursue it as a career. In doing so, I became skilled at all parts of the editorial process, from developmental, line, and copy editing to proofreading.
For almost 14 years I worked at Hay House, the international leader in self-help and transformational publishing founded by the late Louise Hay. I worked my way up the ladder until I became Editorial Director, and it was an amazing time. Although a new adventure halfway across the country ultimately beckoned me, I continue to do editing work for Hay House and other clients.
Over the years I have worked with incredibly talented people on both fiction and nonfiction. The bulk of my experience, however, is in nonfiction, particularly in the field of self-improvement and personal development. I have edited hundreds of books by scores of writers—from memoirs to works on topics as varied as health and fitness, metaphysics, spirituality, business, and history—with many of these becoming bestsellers. (You can see some of them here.) I have worked with everyone from first-time authors to celebrities and giants in their field; in that regard, I was blessed to be the editor for Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, and Sylvia Browne until their passing. Yet regardless of who has written the book, my goal is always the same: to have the author shine. It is vitally important to me that each author and I are on the same page, with the same vision.
Now that I have my own editing business, I continue to specialize in book publishing, particularly developmental editing, working with authors to help find their authentic voice and then get their messages out in the most effective and powerful way possible. However, I am available to do all types of editing, from copy editing to proofing; I also have extensive expertise with journals and card decks.
In addition, I am experienced in helping authors put together proposals to send to agents, as well as assisting with cover copy or material related to their brand or platform. After 25+ years, I am intimately familiar with most aspects of publishing, from editing (of course) to design, marketing, sales, and PR. Consequently, I have a great sense for what sells and what publishers are looking for. I have been told that I am an excellent mentor and coach, and I take a lot of pride in that assessment. (Please click here for further resources on agents and self-publishing.)
As much as I love books, I am not a writer myself. I am always in awe of those who can put pen to paper and feel honored to be able to do my part as an editor. I see my role as being the person who can help make an author’s words sing and hone their message to make the greatest impact. I still feel as I did when I was a small child: that a book opens up a new world to its readers, and I feel very fortunate to do the work I do. It is so rewarding to be part of an author’s team, working together to produce the best books we can, serving readers and even changing their lives in the process.
If you are looking for an editor to help your book be the very best it can, I would love to meet you! Please send a message to info@littrelleditorial.com, and we can get started on realizing your vision together.
— Shannon Littrell
