Hi, I’m Shelly!

The Short Version

I am a Toronto-based bookworm and exclamation mark enthusiast. I earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Media studies, graduating with High Distinction from The University of Toronto, one of the world’s top universities. I later earned my Master of Information, specializing in Library and Information Science. With experience as a librarian, professional book reviewer, and managing editor of an indie press, I’m eager to help authors fulfill their publication dreams. You can learn more about my business and follow for updates on Instagram.

Member of Editors Canada.

The Long Version

I’m a Toronto-based book professional versed in editing, the publication industry, and the library sector where I worked part-time as a public-facing librarian.

I am way too passionate about literature, especially when it comes to general fiction, YA books, romance novels, and graphic novels and manga. I also have an appreciation for a good memoir or finance book.

I graduated with High Distinction from the University of Toronto, one of the world’s top universities, where I earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a double major in English and Media Studies. I also completed my Master of Information (MI) from the same university where I specialized in Library and Information Sciences.

In my first foray on the internet, I started and ran a book blog. This hobby lasted several years and it provided me with unique publishing connections and opportunities. I was able to attend various book conventions as a reviewer including Book Expo America (BEA) and ALA Annual (American Library Association Annual Convention).

In university, I was fortunate enough to be an intern for a NYC-based literary agent where I would read through their slush pile (i.e.,their submissions pool) and manuscripts. I also worked on my own writing and even briefly had my own agent representation. During this time, I joined a close friend in editing poetry and short stories for a small Toronto-based press she started, The Soap Box Press. This experience allowed me to learn more about independent publishers and poetry, and I eventually became the Managing Editor of chapbooks at the press. I was in charge of poetry and short story chapbook submissions and overseeing this publication process until the press’s close in 2023 – though their consulting arm, Plume Press, remains open.

After completing my master’s degree and exploring the library industry, I decided to step back into the world of books that I love so much, working both behind the scenes as an editor and on the front lines in recommending books to the library customers I serve. In November of 2023, I decided to go full-time in my business and take a break from the library world.

These unique experiences have provided me with a complex outlook both on the publishing experience and literature itself. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with both individuals and organizations over the years with their editing needs. As a result, I have experience in editing a wide range of materials including academic essays, marketing materials, blog posts, novels, and manga scripts. My unique perspective as professional reviewer and librarian allows me to really identify a novel’s strength from a consumer lens.

I also offer project management experience based off my years of publishing know-how, guiding authors through the publication process. In addition, I provide administrative and operational support to an executive recruiter.

You’re also welcome to learn more about me via my personal instagram profile. In terms of personality, I often consider myself the human equivalent of a walking exclamation point.