Editorial Services 

Inquire for rates. 
Query Letter Review: The query letter is an essential component of landing a top-tier agent. I will review your query letter and do light edits, prior to a one-hour call to discuss how to strengthen your work.

Query Package: With this package, I review the first ten pages of your manuscript as well as your query letter. I will leave edits on both, prior to a one-hour phone call about your project and how best to strengthen it.

Book Proposal á La Carte: There are many components to a book proposal, from the chapter summaries, to the overview, to the sections on promotion and marketing. I can assist with any and all elements in need of a keen editorial eye.

Book Proposal Guide: Does the á la carte version not seem comprehensive enough? Together we can craft your book proposal from soup to nuts, getting it fully ready to send out into the world.

Developmental Editing of Manuscript: A close reading or your manuscript that includes track changes, notes, and line-edits. This package also includes a one-hour call to discuss your manuscript and a 1-2 page editorial letter. Manuscript returned within a month, rush option available for higher fee.

Ghostwriting Services 

I work with thought leaders, politicians, CEOs, and anyone with a story to tell to get their ideas onto the page. This can be anything from a newsletter or blog post to an article, op-ed, or full length manuscript. (Inquire for rates.) 

Tutoring Services 

A mentor and writer with an English degree from Princeton University and an MFA in non-fiction writing from Columbia University, Elena Sheppard helps students find their voice, manage workflow, and write clear, cohesive writing assignments of all kinds. She also helps organize and execute supplemental college application essays and the personal statement, giving applicants the tools and confidence to put their best selves onto the page and into their applications. 

Hourly tutoring: I work with students in English classes on reading and writing assignments.

College essay review: Line edit of written essays

College single essay support:

  • 20-minute brainstorm call 

  • One 60-minute writing session

  • One comprehensive edit

 College personal statement  support:

  • 20 minute brainstorm

  • Three 60-minute writing sessions

  • One comprehensive edit

College essays soup to nuts:

  • Essay help for up to 20 schools 

  • Time management assistance (including setting schedules and sending reminders) 

  • Editing all essays and providing feedback 

  • As many sessions as required to get the job done