I love books.
After twenty+ years in trade publishing, the work of making books—conceiving of, editing, and packaging—still feels like magic. As a freelance editor who specializes in developmental editing, project management, and proposal development, I’m happy to jump in at any stage of your project to help you transform your idea or text into a book proposal or design-ready manuscript you can be proud of. I particularly enjoy developmental editing: working with your draft text to help create a manuscript that is not only successful in getting your ideas and personality across, but that also creates a strong scaffolding for the design of the book. Managing art programs for illustrated books also makes me very happy.
I worked as an acquisitions editor at Shambhala Publications for thirteen years, and have been working as a freelance editor since 2019. My clients include Stanford University d.school, Artisan Publications, Shambhala Publications, KN Literary, and many lovely authors. Below is a selection of titles I’ve acquired, edited, and saw through the publishing process (mainly at Shambhala Publications) that represent the kinds of books I like to work on: prescriptive and narrative adult non-fiction that present ways we can engage with ourselves, our family, our community, and our world in positive, healthy, and creative ways. I have a special affinity for illustrated books, craft books, and books that hold a sense of awe and wonder.
“Jenn was a complete joy to work with! She was instrumental in helping me get A Field Guide to Color into the world. Her gentle but persistent guidance and her careful and considerate editing—making me sound smarter and more precise while maintaining my voice—were just a couple of the things that made her special. Not only is she the utmost professional and full of knowledge, she is kind and super fun to work.” — Lisa Solomon
“I worked closely with Jenn on three books and enjoyed every minute of our collaboration. In addition to being a smart, savvy, and experienced editor, she’s also a supportive, helpful, and encouraging person, one whose enthusiasm and positivity made all the difference.”— Michael P. Branch
“Jenn's design aesthetic truly elevated my book, Wise Craft Quilts. She understood the personal narrative of the quilt projects and helped me convey that feeling throughout the pages. Her thoughtful attention to details has made the book feel truly timeless.”— Blair Stocker
“Jenn’s gentle yet exacting advice was critical in shaping my brainstorm of a book into a fleshed out proposal. Her detailed editing and leadership allowed me to publish a book that sounded and looked like me with a level of professional polish I could not have done alone.”— Sarah Waldman
“You couldn’t ask for a better, more thoughtful editor than Jenn. I had an excellent experience working with her on my fourth cookbook, Simple Green Suppers, and would happily work with her again on any editorial project. I value and respect her considered and insightful approach to making a book work as a whole and not just the sum of its parts.”—Susie Middleton
Want to work with me?
Please get in touch! Tell me a little bit about yourself and your project, and let me know where you’re at in your publishing journey. I’ll get back to you with my rates and availability.
Idea Development and Book Proposal Writing
Have an idea for a book you’re ready to pitch to agents and publishers? I’ll work with you to strengthen your idea and create a proposal.
Manuscript Developmental Editing
Have a book contract or are planning to self-publish? I’ll work with you to develop your rough draft into a solid design-ready manuscript.
Project Management
Need help building out your project? I’ll work with you to edit your work, hire artists, find freelancers, and manage schedules.