About me
I am a highly experienced freelance editor, working with diverse clients such as tertiary publishers (eg. Cambridge University Press), small press publishers (eg. Christmas Press, Windy Hollow Books), trade publishers (eg. HarperCollins Children's Books, Hachette Australia, Allen & Unwin) and independently published authors.
I’m best described as a generalist editor with a special interest in children’s and young adult literature. For over ten years I have provided structural edits, line edits, copy edits and/or proofreads, spanning a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction titles, for countless clients.
I also offer my clients manuscript assessments, work as a writing awards judge and create teacher’s notes for publishers.
I have experience editing and proofreading picture books, YA and middle grade novels, anthologies, memoirs, educational resources, text books, academic journals, creative non-fiction, mysteries and thrillers, historical fiction and lifestyle books.
I hold tertiary qualifications in journalism, English literature, education and, of course, editing and proofreading.
When I am not editing I am probably reading for pleasure or to prepare for an upcoming author interview.
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![Cecile Shanahan in conversation with Kate Mildenhall]()
In conversation with Kate Mildenhall for The Story Society Bendigo’s inaugural event, Nov 2025.
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![Two women sitting and smiling during a book event with a banner behind them. The banner promotes Amy Doak's mystery thriller book, 'Eleanor Jones Can't Keep a Secret' and mentions her other book, 'Playing With Fire'.]()
In conversation with Amy Doak to launch What Have They Done to Liza McLean?
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![Two women smiling and standing outside a building with glass windows and decorated with flower and butterfly stickers. One woman is holding a book titled 'Rachel Johns'.]()
Cecile and Rachael Johns after two in-conversations at Goldfields Regional Libraries.
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![A smiling woman holding a stack of colorful books stands next to a colorful mailbox-shaped library kiosk in a wooded area with trees. The kiosk has sections labeled for different book genres.]()
Community street library
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![A smiling woman wearing a yellow volunteer vest stands behind a table with books at a book sale event.]()
Volunteering at Bendigo Foodshare Book Fair
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![A woman and a man standing indoors in front of a banner with an open book logo. The woman is wearing glasses and a gray blazer, while the man has a beard and is wearing a dark jacket. Both are smiling at the camera.]()
Cecile and Chris Hammer after their interview for Bookish Bendigo at Trades Hall. Oct 2025.
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![Two women seated at a round table engaged in conversation. The woman on the left holds a microphone, and the woman on the right, wearing glasses, listens thoughtfully. The table has three glasses of champagne, a glass with a lime wedge, some papers, a book, a blue cup, and a pink notepad. The setting appears to be a professional or conference environment.]()
In conversation with Professor Clare Wright for IPEd, Nov 2025. Cecile and Clare co-curated Bendigo Writers Festival together in 2023, 2024 & 2025.
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![Panel discussion at a literary event with four women and one man on stage, seated in armchairs, with a large screen behind them displaying the event title and speakers, in a theater with ornate decor.]()
Moderating a session at Bendigo Writers Festival with Reece Carter, Gabrielle Wang & Ailsa Wild
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![Two women sitting at a table with microphones in front of them, smiling at the camera. They are in a conference or event setting with a banner for La Trobe University behind them.]()
Cecile and Jacqueline Bublitz discussing Before You Knew My Name.
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In conversation with John Marsden in front of a large crowd at Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo.
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Davitt Awards Judges 2025 gather at the celebration event. Cecile second from left in the front row.
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![Cecile talks into the microphone at a publishing workshop]()
Cecile moderates a session with Alison Barton, Ailsa Wild and Emily Hart at Clunes Book Town Festival 2026.
Fun facts about me
I love to share my passion for books and reading on Instagram: @cecileshanahan_
I read every day in multiple formats (paperback, audiobook, ebook) and across all genres.
I am currently on the Editors Victoria Committee, responsible for communications, and sit on the IPEd Standing Committee for Awards and Prizes.
I am a past Independent Director on the National Board of The Children’s Book Council of Australia(CBCA).
I am a mum of 3 and my husband and I have been together since high-school!
Before turning to editing I was a secondary school English and Media teacher and, prior to this, I completed an Arts (Journalism) degree at RMIT (majoring in English Literature) and worked in government communications.
I run a community Street Library.
I am currently a member of the CBCA Communications sub-committee.
I am aiming to do better at reading First Nations, culturally diverse and own voice stories.
About 95% of what I read, in any given year, was penned by an Australian author.
More than half of what I read each year is children’s and young adult literature because I believe it’s the best kid-lit in the world.
I sometimes work at a local library - and love it!