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DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
This type of edit is best for complete, book-length manuscripts. I'll read your manuscript twice: first to get a sense of the story, plot, and structure, and then again for character development, continuity, dialogue, pacing, transitions, and voice. I’ll tell you what is working as well as what isn’t, and will give you concrete revision strategies. You'll get comments within your manuscript and a 6-10 page editorial letter outlining my thoughts and suggestions. Then we'll meet over Zoom or by phone to discuss any lingering questions and next steps. 

COPY EditING

Copy editing addresses grammar, punctuation, spelling, continuity, and consistency (in terms of tone, style, and formatting). I always preserve the author's voice while enhancing readability and clarity. Recent projects include a soon-to-be released novel with a major publisher, and a series of articles for a health website that were migrating from print to online and switching from the Chicago Manual of Style to AP. Call me a geek, but I find copy editing endlessly fascinating :)

Query letter help

Why are query letters so much harder to write than an actual novel? A mystery for the ages. But I'm here to help! You'll send me your text in progress and we can either go over it together over Zoom, creating prose that will catch the eye of an agent,  or you can send it to me and I'll work on it and send it back. You do not have to do this alone! I'll also give you advice on finding an agent and help you narrow down your list to the best matches. 
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 HERE'S WHAT SOME CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY:


​"Jessie has quite literally taught me how to write. With a gentle hand but a dictator's determination, she steered me toward my goal. Her superb editorial skills and instincts are in large part responsible for the coherence and completion of my first novel. So, if my book sucks, blame her."
-- Paulina Porizkova, author of A Model Summer

"Jessie Sholl is the total package. She's an editor who knows -- and will help you master -- all the technicals of character development, structure, plot and theme. But she's also highly intuitive; she's able to somehow just feel when something, though technically proficient, could be even better and will tell you exactly how to take your work from good to great, from great, just possibly, to transcendent."
-- Lorna Graham, author of The Ghost of Greenwich Village

"Jessie Sholl provided me with invaluable editing and feedback on two books, a memoir and a novel. She’s supportive but never afraid to tell you what’s not working. Think of her as a tonic for your manuscript, or a secret weapon."
-- Elisabeth Eaves, author of Bare and Wanderlust

"Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, Jessie Sholl will help you become a better writer. She has a talent for understanding where your work needs to go, and explaining how you can get it there. I can't thank her enough for her supportive and honest editorial touch."
-- Robert Glick, contributor to Travelers' Tales Prague