About Magic Words - Magic Words Editorial Services
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ABOUT MAGIC WORDS

I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I’ve eaten; even so, they have made me.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Everyone has a story.

You’ve reached “The End.” Those long nights, the bottomless cups of coffee, so many rewrites and revisions and read-throughs finally behind you. You’ve done it, magic writer. You’ve spun words into a finished book, and you’re ready to put your tale into the eager hands (and e-readers) of your awaiting fans.

Your readers deserve the best
story you can give them.

ONE THAT WILL IMMERSE THEM IN YOUR WORLD
INTO THE WEE HOURS OF MANY NIGHTS

But readers can be tough. (I know you’ve seen those reviews. Yikes!) They have high standards for writing craft and will catch every goblin and troll lurking in your pages. Your self-published book should be just as good as anything Tor or PRH releases to satisfy those expectations.

Never fear! That’s where I come in, waving my trusty red pen—er, keyboard—to help.

Hi! Hey! Hello!

I’m Shawna, and my job is to walk with indie authors like you on the journey to publish your book. I ease your manuscript over the editing potholes in the path so you can put your final product out there with confidence.

Magic Words: Book Editor for Fantasy Authors | Shawna Hampton, Editor @ Magic Words Editing

I’VE BEEN TRAINING FOR THIS MY WHOLE LIFE

Magic Words: Book Editor for Fantasy Authors | Shawna Hampton, Editor @ Magic Words | Mrs. Cook's kindergarten class

I read my first words when I was two. By five, I was leading reading circle in Mrs. Cook’s kindergarten class. At nine, I wrote my first action-adventure story about a girl who shipwrecks on an island in Alaska (complete with a custom-designed Strawberry Shortcake–themed cover, courtesy of my mother).

To say words are in my blood is only mostly true. I’d say: words are my blood.

Yup. I was the nerdy kid always with her nose in a book.

The one scribbling poems and stories in her math notebook. The English teacher’s favorite student.

Degrees in literature and communications set me on a winding career path: high school English teacher, communications specialist, web designer.

Through it all, I read: scary stories that kept me up into the wee hours and thrilling fantasies that made me long for a world where magic was real. (Pssst, it is.)

Through it all, I wrote: stories, novels, poems. I won NaNo. I ate, drank, and breathed words.

When the pandemic very kindly demanded that I decide what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life, I chose words.

Armed with a shiny certificate in editing from the University of Chicago, I hung out my shingle, sharpened my pencil (well, warmed up my keyboard, really), and invited word-lovers like you to join me on this journey.

Magic Words: Book Editor for Fantasy Authors | Shawna Hampton, Editor @ Magic Words | Shawna through the years of loving words

MEMBER OF

Magic Words Editing, Member of Editorial Freelancers Association
Magic Words Editing, Member of ACES: The Society of Editing
Magic Words: Book Editor for Fantasy Authors | Horror Writers Association Member
Magic Words: Book Editor for Fantasy Authors | Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association Member

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE

Education

Certificate in Editing, University of Chicago
BS English, Missouri State University
MA Communications, Lindenwood University

Editing Training

Copyediting Fiction, Editorial Freelancers’ Association
Intermediate Copyediting, EFA
Copyediting Practicum, Editorial Arts Academy
Intermediate Line Editing for Fiction, EFA
Developmental Editing, Editorial Arts Academy
Editing Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Jennifer Lawler

Experience

Freelance editor for trad publishers (Tor/Nightfire)
5+ years editing for indie authors and publishers
40+ years writing novels, short stories, poetry
30+ years studying literature and writing craft
Expert in LOTR and Star Trek trivia
Highly skilled at being owned by cats

I CREATE THE MAGIC OF POLISHED, PUBLISH-READY PROSE, HELPING YOU GET YOUR STORIES INTO THE WORLD AND TURNING YOU INTO THE AUTHOR YOU DREAM OF BEING. I ALWAYS:

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Listen intently to your writing dreams

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Focus on kindness and support

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Leave a light footprint on your words

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Offer transparent pricing & processes

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Create editing magic!

Ready to go on this journey?

FREEBIES

FREEBIES

Are you taking the DIY scenic route? I have gifts for your solo editing journey.

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WORK WITH ME

WORK WITH ME

From critiques to tweaks, I have a full slate of services to give your manuscript the royal touch.

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FAQS

FAQS

Have questions? Here are the answers you seek, padawan.

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