How I Come to the Page as Editor

I think of editing as a series of teachable moments - my goal is to help the writer develop the best product s/he can. I fix changes, yes, but ultimately, I hope to provide information on how to fix changes so that in revisions and in future works, the author becomes a better writer because s/he has learned. In the editing process, I try to do this in three ways: Tracked Changes to fix grammatical, mechanical, and structural issues; Comments that relay to story-related issues, and Comments that I call "readerly comments".

Tracked Changes
These are the things clients typically expect to see fixed. Any issues with grammar, mechanics, structure (commas inside quotation marks, moving taglines to middle of long dialogue passages, etc.). These are typically accepted by the client overall when s/he receives her/his edited manuscript from me.

Comments Regarding Story-Related Issues
While having a clean copy (what's done in Tracked Changes) is cool, none of that matters if the story itself is not strongly written. I use comments to talk about story-related issues, such as underdeveloped characters, holes in the plot, weak development of tension, superficial dialogue, and weak beginnings and endings to chapters and/or scenes. This is primarily where teachable moments come into play. Typically, I will stop at the point of issue and write a comment that: 1) tells the client of the issue, 2) explain why I see it as an issue, and 3) provide suggestion(s) on how to fix the issue. This is where the bulk of my time goes, especially in a first edit because like I said, if the story is weak, grammar and mechanics are the least of a client's problems.

Readerly Comments
As I edit, I attempt to be "the average reader" of a client's book. And just like when readers wants to yell at a character, toss a book because it's irritating them, laugh out loud because something is so funny, or sob because they are touched, I like to illustrate those moments in the editing/reading of a book. In the past, I see these at times as comic relief for the client. Many of them contact me, laughing, because those comments were so funny. However, they do serve another purpose. If I'm laughing in a spot that's not intended to be funny, that relays something to the client and makes her/him have to consider what to do about it. If I loathe a character to the point of not wanting to read the book and the client actually wants you to like the character, then the client needs to consider what changes might need to be made. So, in the end, while the comments I make tend to be funny (because they are so off the cuff), they can be instructive, too.

What Clients Have to Say

I'm always happy when clients enjoy the work I do for them. I am a lover of writing, and I love helping writers to strengthen their stories. Here are a few words from current clients about their experiences with me. Want to know more about what clients have to say about me? Then check out the link Clients Say... on the bar above!

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Shonell's work was truly a gift to me. She thoroughly and professionally edited my manuscript within the promised timeframe. Her review of the work was insightful. In addition to fixing grammer, Shonell pointed out several places where my manuscript could be improved (to be clearer to the reader) and even provided concrete suggestions for how. Shonell being a writer herself made the whole experience easy.

~Rachel Coyne, author of Whiskey Heart


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Shonell provides expert editing services that can take any book to the next level. I have always left inspired and seeing my written words in a refreshed way. She is personable and pays attention to those little details. Shonell met my expectations (they are usually ridiculously high). I have used her services more than once and have never regretted it. I look forward to her being a part of my growing team.

~Maryann Reid, Award-winning author and TV/radio social commentator


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Shonell has provided editing services for two books with Branchrystine Publishing. In doing so, she enabled the author to assemble a well thoughtout manuscript, challenging the author to answer the 5 W's of Who, What, When, Why, Where to make certain the reader would have a coherent portrayal of the storyline. Shonell's provided consistent, constructive criticism to create improved writing habits in future manuscripts. She completed the project ahead of schedule, providing a comprehensive overview on the quality of manuscript, what a reader may interpret from manuscript, and meticulous corrections, suggestions on subject-verb agreements, grammar and punctuation. I plan to continue to use her services in future endeavors.

~Tyrenna Tolbert, author of Who's Got Skills


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Thank you, Ms. Shonell Bacon, for breathing life into my manuscript. I found your editorial services to be both professional and cost efficient. Your quick turnaround time is also a plus. With your expertise, I expect great things from my novel From Hard to Hallelujah! I'll be calling you for the next one and the next one and the next one. God's Blessings, Lela Gholar Tizano

Writing in 140: Seeing Down Writing Journey's Road - Latest BRP Commentary

Where do you see your writing self in 5 years? 10? Check out my latest post on BLOOD-RED PENCIL "Seeing Down Writing Journey's Road" and answer this question and more for yourself!

Check it out here, and leave comments!


The Blood-Red Pencil
Sharp and pointed observations about good writing
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In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Talking with Author Mike Mullin

Debut author Mike Mullin stops by All the Blog's a Page to talk about the release of his debut novel, ASHFALL! Last time he was here, he talked about being a plotter and pantser. This time, it's all about ASHFALL and the writing journey.






Many visitors to Yellowstone National Park don’t realize that the boiling hot springs and spraying geysers are caused by an underlying supervolcano. It has erupted three times in the last 2.1 million years, and it will erupt again, changing the Earth forever.

Fifteen-year-old Alex is home alone when the supervolcano erupts. His town collapses into a nightmare of darkness, ash, and violence, forcing him to flee. He begins a harrowing trek in search of his parents and sister, who were visiting relatives 140 miles away.

Along the way, Alex struggles through a landscape transformed by more than a foot of ash. The disaster brings out the best and worst in people desperate for food, clean water, and shelter. When an escaped convict injures Alex, he searches for a sheltered place where he can wait—to heal or to die. Instead, he finds Darla. Together, they fight to achieve a nearly impossible goal: surviving the supervolcano.


Come on over to All the Blog's a Page now to learn more about Mike's debut novel!

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Permalink ~ [link]

World-Building with Author Barbara G. Tarn (Interview)

I am an eclectic reader. From fantasy to erotica, from thrillers to rom-com, great characters dealing with major conflict can always at least get me to the first page. This year, I have indulged in much fantasy, and author Barbara G. Tarn has been the main author to supply me with it. I've read many of her works set in Silvery Earth and have marveled at the work it takes to develop a whole other world, set with rules, beliefs, values, customs, etc. So, I decided to ask Barbara some questions about world-building and her books, and she graciously answered them all!











Head to ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING now to read my interview with Barbara G. Tarn and definitely consider picking up one or more of her books! Here's the PERMALINK!



ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING

Chocolate-caramel lattes + Women writers = ONE GREAT TIME!

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Direct link to feature can be found [here].


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Author Barbara G. Tarn Interviews Moi at Her Blog

Every once in a while, I relinquish my interviewer cap and become the interviewee. Friend and fellow author Barbara G. Tarn invited me to her blog to talk about myself as writer...come check out the interview! [LINK]

In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Talking with Author Catina Sinches

As a full-figured hot tamale, I am always eager to support other amazing full-figured chicas looking to do great things: case in point, author Catina Sinches and her work, Full Figure Monologues. I'm currently reading it, and all I'll say for now is it offers the inspiration women need to see ALL of their worth. Welcome Catina as ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING's featured author for October!










About Full Figure Monologues

Full Figure Monologues was written to inspire and lend a voice to full-figured women. It focuses on real life issues and captures our hopes, worries and triumphs. The intent is to open up dialogue and encourage people to sit back and look at life from the point of view of women who are realistically the population within society. Women will be able to truly see themselves or someone they know who has dealt with the struggle to love their curves, entertaining negative thoughts, their relationship with food, letting go of the past as well as the courage to pursue their dreams.

Along with our curves, we are real women with everyday struggles. The women in the book put life into perspective and open up to show others that they are never alone. Life is not always going to be easy no matter what size you are, but the journey is absolutely worth it.


Head to ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING now to read my interview with Catina Sinches and read a short excerpt from Full Figure Monologues; here's the PERMALINK!


ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING

Chocolate-caramel lattes + Women writers = ONE GREAT TIME!

[chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com]


Direct link to feature can be found [here].


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