Sperry Editorial provides editing, writing, and research services for a variety of individual, nonprofit, and business clients. As a book editor, Shelley specializes in nonfiction, including academic, how-to, history, memoir, and “big idea” books.
Tell the world your true story.
I'm Shelley Sperry, and I run a one-woman writing, editing, and research shop called Sperry Editorial. As an editor, I specialize in nonfiction, providing developmental editing services to beginning and mid-career writers. Download my short guide to different types of editing here.
I love working with writers of memoir, science, history, current events, and education. I also work with nonprofit and business clients as a writer, editor, and researcher. My projects are wide-ranging and include educational posters about the geological wonders of Yellowstone National Park; blog posts about alternative schools; and white papers about worker exploitation, essential care workers’ experience of the pandemic, and strengthening voting rights.
Recent Projects
I’m pleased to celebrate the publication of new books by my clients Matthias Roberts, Emily Taylor, Steven Feinberg, and Dana White.
Coming soon: a story based on true events by Alan Crowe, and a musician’s memoir by Bill Harrison. So excited for these wonderful writers!
As for my own projects: In March 2020, with my colleague Leslie Watts, I published What’s the Big Idea, a guide to writing nonfiction, as well as an in-depth guide to Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point. With my sister, Teri Sperry, I’m currently finishing The Alt Ed Explainer, a guide to alternative education for parents and students in which we focus special attention to teaching and learning in the current public health crisis.
“Pounding out a first draft is like hoeing a row of corn – you just keep your head down and concentrate on getting to the end. Revision is where fine art begins.
—Barbara Kingsolver ”
Services
I offer a range of services to help clients tell better stories, including:
developmental editing and coaching
researching, writing, and editing white papers, press releases, and web content
line editing of completed manuscripts
Reading and Listening
For writers at all stages, I recommend following Joanna Penn’s podcast and website, The Creative Penn, and reading Jane Friedman’s website and newsletters regularly. Many of the tutorials and events available through the Reedsy platform for authors and editors are also terrific.
About Me
I'm Shelley Sperry, an editor, writer, and researcher based in Alexandria, Virginia.
“For many years, I felt that my writing was dependent on confidence. I remember waiting to feel ready. I remember holding out for my insecurities to ease. Thank God I started writing anyway, with all my self-doubt and apprehension, otherwise I’d still be waiting.
—Hannah Kent”