Cassie Bate Hurley has been an avid reader since she was 8 years old and still loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book.

Over the years, she’s read books that have compelling characters and great concepts, but lack the editing to be a really cohesive story.

At the same time, she saw how much effort and heart independent authors put into their work and how expensive most freelance editing and marketing services were.

Thus: Sharkbate Books was born!

We offer editing, marketing, and PR services to independent authors and small publishers.

Our mission is to help level the playing field by offering the highest quality services at rates that aren’t prohibitive for authors that aren’t working with large traditional publishing houses.

If you’re an indie author or small publisher who wants to level up their writing without resorting to AI, we would love to work with you!

Services

All of our services are offered a la carte and priced to work with any budget. Contact us today to get started!

  • We provide the full suite of editing services, from proofreading and developmental editing, to copy editing.

  • We can help you level up your social media, engage with readers, and get your book in front of more people.

  • Separate from our Marketing services, we provide PR services for authors looking to up their book launch game.

Hello Hello!


I’m Cassie (you may know me as @sharkbatesbookshelf) and for years I have been looking for a job that combines my strategic communications, editing, and relationship management experience with my love of reading and supporting indie authors. When the federal government started slashing jobs and contracts and I suddenly found myself without a job for the first time since college I decided to create it myself!

Like it says above, I’ve been a voracious reader my whole life and I’ve been active in the bookish community since 2018. I am the co-host of Highkey Obsessed Podcast and I love geeking out over history, TV, and - of course - books.

I am here to put the skills I’ve gained over nearly 20 years to help authors get their stories in front of as many readers as possible.

Pricing

We believe in full transparency in all things. You will never find surprise charges or hidden fees on your invoice. If additional services are necessary beyond the initial agreed upon package, they will be discussed in advance and signed off on before moving forward.

Proofreading / Manuscript Review

Starting at $75* for up to 80K words (+$25 for every additional 20K words)

Provides a high level review and general feedback on your manuscript. Includes identification of major plot holes or inconsistencies as well as potential areas for improvement.

Developmental Edits

Starting at $225 for up to 80K words (+$25 for every additional 20K words)

A full evaluation of the plot, characters, pacing, world. Includes in-line edits and a one-hour consultation (phone or video).

Full Copy Edit (includes Developmental Edits)

Starting at $500 for up to 80K words (+$50 for every additional 20K words)

Includes everything in Developmental Edits PLUS correction of grammar, punctuation, typos. Includes additional 30 minute consultation.

Marketing Services

Hourly rate: $25/hour

Service Options include:

  • Social Media Management

  • Social Media Template Creation

  • Newsletter Template Design

  • Newsletter Content Creation

Public Relations Services

Hourly rate: $45/hour

Service Options include:

  • Outreach to independent bookshops

  • Creation of book launch campaign

  • Management of launch campaign

  • Outreach to book influencers

Contact us to get started!

Discounts are available when services are combined.

Each package will be customized based on your individual needs so you’re not paying for services you aren’t using and don’t want.

Contact Us

Email cassie@sharkbatebooks.com or fill out this form to get started today!