About Us: The Editors at Cat and Quill

Shirin Sheppard

Hello, I'm Shirin, one of the founders of Cat and Quill. I'm a professionally trained editor, and work with manuscripts of any genre although I am a science-fiction and fantasy specialist. I originally hail from a scientific background and have particular interests in paleontology, zoology, ecology, and environmental science. As such, compared to most other editors, I have a unique skillset that's particularly well suited for science-fiction manuscripts and fantasy writers who are looking for that extra edge in believability in the world's they create. I also love working with non-fiction, and especially excel at texts relating in any way to science and nature, having extensive experience with communicating complex scientific ideas to the general public.

A few of my biggest editing strengths are in world-building, where I aim to help my writers create fantastical worlds that are both magical but also believable and grounded where they need to be. I love character-driven stories featuring flawed people who are hard to love, and I especially enjoy anything that features alien or fantastical creatures. A new spin on dragons is always a plus!

In addition to editing, I'm Cat and Quill's residant illustrator. I've worked as an illustrator and artist for over ten years with a specialism in fantasy artwork and creature design. When I'm not editing or illustrating for others, I'm working on my own series of fantasy novels and art books, which absorbs most of her free time!

Jens Wesslen

To be added