Over the past five years, I’ve been an editor for the indie publisher Deadset Press, working on developmental edits, line edits and copy edits for short stories and novellas.
I am an associate member of the Institute of Professional Editors.
Several stories that I’ve edited have won awards, including:
The Jindabyne Secret by Jo Hart (2019 Aurealis Best Young Adult Short Story)
Phoenix Pharmaceuticals by Jessica Nelson-Tyers (2020 Aurealis Best Horror Short Story)
Radcliffe by Madeleine D’Este (2023 Critter’s Annual Reader’s Poll Best Mystery Novel)
Follow The Water by J. Palmer (2023 Aurealis Best Young Adult Short Story)
“Austin has a great eye for how fiction reads best. His editing always makes my writing better.”
Clare Rhoden, author of The Chronicles of the Pale
“Austin’s thoughtful and detailed comments and
suggestions have not only made my stories better, but has also made me a better feminist.”
Geraldine Borella
Editing Services
Comprehensive Manuscript Overview
A thorough report of your manuscript, focusing on plot, pacing and character, commenting on what works and what doesn’t work, and suggesting ways to improve it.
Novellas from $150 – Novels from $300
Comprehensive Short Story Editing
Helping with big-picture issues (plot, character, voice), looking for over-used phrases, clarifying your story, and helping with grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Short Stories (up to 10,000 words) from $10
Developmental Editing
Looking at the big picture of your story, helping you with plot, pacing and perspective, and with the characters and their unique voices and drives.
Novellas from $200 – Novels from $300
Line Editing
Looking at your style. Helping you keep your unique voice, while helping with over-used words and phrases, confusing passages, and making your writing clear.
Novellas from $250 – Novels from $400
Copy Editing
Helping you with grammar, punctuation, spelling and the more technical aspects of the craft.
Novellas from $250 – Novels from $400
“I highly recommend Austin’s editing services to anyone wishing to improve their product and, indeed, their application of the art.”
Stephen Herczeg, author of The Curious Cases of Sherlock Holmes
“Austin has been instrumental in improving my stories. His intimate knowledge of both the art and mechanics of language, paired with his gentle and fair scrutiny, has not only lifted the standard of my previous writing, but given me a little editor in my head that helps me with future projects. Austin ensures that the intention of my prose is what is communicated on the page, and that is invaluable to me and my work.”
Helena McAuley, author of This Is The Dawning
Free editing samples are now available! I will edit the first two pages of your story for free, providing you with the sorts of comments, suggestions and changes to expect from my paid services. Please email me at editing@austinpsheehan.com with your story!
Please fill out the below form for any other editing queries you may have.
Austin P. Sheehan 