Jackie Hritz – Editor

I am a historian by training, an editor by trade, and a reader at heart.

With a PhD in History and over 7 years of professional developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading experience, I balance a researcher’s dedication to consistency and internal cohesion with an encouraging, collaborative style that celebrates your strengths and protects your creative vision.

I've worked with more than 120 authors to bring their fiction and nonfiction manuscripts to market, and I specialize in women-centered narratives and stories that center complex female voices across historical fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, romance, fantasy, and suspense. I thrive on working with creative storytelling devices—from dual timelines and epistolary novels to mythic retellings—helping you navigate complex structures to ensure your narrative resonates.

I don't believe in slash-and-burn editing or forcing your narrative into a cookie-cutter mold. You have written something straight from the heart, and your book is your baby—I wouldn’t have it any other way. I approach your manuscript with a "yes, and" mindset, finding what is already working beautifully, helping you cultivate those unique strengths, and honing your manuscript so that the best parts have the space to shine.

My editing philosophy is grounded in . . .

*Guiding You Through Your Readers' Experience:

I have an academic background in reception studies, so my suggestions always start with one question: "How will this choice land with your audience?" My goal is simply to ensure your characters, pacing, and themes connect with readers exactly the way you intend.

*Understanding the "Rules" so You Can Break Them Wisely:

I have an exacting eye for detail and consistency, but I deeply respect artistic liberty. I will never give you rigid prescriptions or tell you there are rules you cannot break. Instead, I’ll demystify why certain rules and traditions exist so that when you choose to subvert them, you are doing so intentionally—moving from a rebel-without-a-cause rulebreaker to a visionary storyteller.

*Empowering You with Solution-Oriented Advice:

While my copyediting and proofreading services include direct, meticulous edits to your text, I believe an editor’s responsibility goes beyond the red pen. I know you've chosen your words with care, so I feel it's my responsibility to explain the "why" behind my suggestions, whether that's through margin comments, my in-depth cover letter, or my customized editorial style guide. I want to empower you to make the best choices for your story, your characters, and your writing.

At the end of the day, my goal is to support you in writing the story you want to tell, one that you're excited to pitch, query, publish, and promote. I will help you elevate what you’ve already crafted so it can truly connect with agents, editors, and readers.

Let’s work together to make your story shine!