Pencil Shavings
My name is Christina, and I love writing with pencils. As my husband watched me scribble in a notebook, wiping away the lead and eraser shavings, the name Pencil Shavings was born. My husband is very proud of his name idea, and the image it creates in my mind is perfect for the writing and editing journey; it's a messy process. Editing is about fine-tuning a manuscript; scribbling and erasing until the best story emerges. My job is to help you weave through the scribbles and bring out the best version of your story.
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I provide editing that…
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Looks at your story as a cohesive manuscript.
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Examines plot, characters, flow, wording, and grammar.
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Maintains your author’s voice and style.
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Gives tools and ideas for fixing problems.
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Gives honest feedback and encourages you to keep writing.
I approach editing as a comprehensive process evaluating plot and character development, flow and pacing, word choice, and grammar usage. Editing is honest and direct, yet gentle.
What Clients Are Saying
"Working with Christina is a breath of fresh air! She can help take your work to the next level with professionalism, talent, and enthusiasm, all while maintaining your "author voice". She will offer you suggestions with concrete examples, which will not only improve your story, but also plant a seed to help you grow your craft as a writer. It's like getting a lesson and editing services all in one!"
-Shannon Ishizaki
Owner of Orange Hat Publishing | TEN16 Press
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"I’m excited about my middle-grade novel series, more than ever after working with Christiana Fennell from Pencil Shavings Editorial Services.
Ms. Fennell helped me craft Book 1 of the series, streamlining the story arc and keeping the action and tension building to the climax. I’m looking forward to working with her on Book 2 and 3 as well.
Ms. Fennell is kind in her critiques and allowed me space to figure out how to apply her advice. I eventually put all her suggestions into my revisions from major scene changes to line edits.
Now I have much more confidence in the novel as I seek a publisher or consider self-publishing."
-Beverly Abear
Amazing Amanda Series
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"Christina is a professional collaborator with keen insight. Her editing on my children’s project spanned big picture aspects like narrative arc and point of view, as well as specific details like vocabulary and grammar. I frequently sensed when something was off but couldn’t pinpoint the problem. Christina identified my manuscript issues and made multiple suggestions, which motivated me to be creative and keep writing. I appreciate Christina’s professional experience with children’s books. Thank you, Christina, for your enthusiasm and encouragement!"
-Kristina Lunde
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"Christina did an amazing and honest job with feedback on my first 50 pages. As a result, I've made many changes and her recommendations made a HUGE difference! I recommend Christina not only for doing a great job but also for her quick responses."
-Sandra Savage
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"I am a first-time writer who had been working on a manuscript for a few years and was really struggling to complete it. I work full time and have a busy family, so it was hard to make time to edit and finish the project. I would still be dragging my feet to get it done if not for working with Christina. She was a huge help keeping me on task and editing my work, and the result was that my manuscript was picked up by the first publisher I submitted it to. Christina offered both insight and patience to me when
I needed it most."
-Tristan Borland
Services
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Children's Picture Book Editing
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3 Rounds of Edits with detailed feedback.
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3 Video or Phone Calls to discuss edits and revisions
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$300
2
Children's and YA Book Editing
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3 Rounds of Edits with detailed feedback.
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3 Video or Phone Calls to discuss edits and revisions
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$.03 per word
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*A sample edit of the first 10 pages is available upon request. I understand that sometimes it’s hard to know if an editor is a good fit until you see the feedback in action.
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Book Coaching
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6-week modules designed for going from brainstorming to a final draft.
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Each module focuses on each phase of the writing process and provides exercises, recommended reading, writing assignments, and more to help you complete each phase and bring your book to completion.
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$100 per module
About Me
My name is Christina Fennell
I am a freelance editor for children’s authors. I have a Bachelors in English and have been freelance editing for nine years. I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association. I also have a certificate for completing the Writing for Children and Teenagers course through the Institute for Children’s Literature.
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I worked in education for several years as a substitute teacher, English teacher, and ESL teacher. I also enjoy directing theater and have led drama camps and directed plays and skits for children and teens.
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I am passionate about quality children’s literature and love working with writers and helping them bring their stories to life. I have a soft spot for new writers and have taught writing workshops for children and adults to help new writers learn the writing craft.
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​I currently live in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin with my husband, son, and two cats.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions, let me know! I'm here to help.
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