Jay Venables - Editor
Experienced developmental editor, copyeditor, proofreader, fact-checker, and book doula. Specializes in narrative nonfiction.
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Overview
Hi, welcome!
I began my career in book publishing as a literary assistant to the agents at Ross Yoon Agency. Over two and a half years with the team, I developed, workshopped, and refined the proposals of bestselling nonfiction books--and in some cases, the resulting manuscripts--with clients including academics, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, CEOs, historians, memoirists, political activists, and many others.
I take an empathetic approach to editing and tailor my editorial strategy to my client’s needs as well as their readers’. I love a challenge, and I love learning from the copy I edit.
Reach out to schedule a consultation on how we can meet your project goals.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Children’s Non-Fiction
History
Sociology
Certifications
- Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing
Work experience
Editor
Self-employed
November, 2019
–
Present
(over 3 years)
As a freelance book editor, I identify and execute clients’ editorial needs including supplementary research, in-depth fact-checks, developmental edits, sensitivity edits, and line edits for projects ranging from complete manuscripts to book proposals for publisher submission. I oversee book projects in various stages of development for established and emerging authors alike.
My specialization is in history books spanning military to contemporary history.
Foreign Rights Associate
Ross Yoon Agency
August, 2019
–
October, 2020
(about 1 year)
Wrote and pitched the agency’s catalog of 90+ books internationally to foreign publishers and scouts. Brokered translation contracts in more than 50 territories on behalf of over 100 authors. Represented the agency and its foreign department at biannual global book fairs.
Literary Assistant
Ross Yoon Agency
May, 2018
–
October, 2020
(over 2 years)
Developed nonfiction book proposals at all stages, including market research, idea formulation, structural narrative arc, and final polishing. Assisted Principal Howard Yoon’s client projects spanning history, science, culture, philosophy, business, memoir, self-development and more. Provided developmental and line-editing on manuscripts. Evaluated manuscript submissions, scouted new clients, and maintained the agency's social presence.
Editorial Intern
Stonesong Press
August, 2017
–
December, 2017
(4 months)
Line-edited book proposals. Evaluated manuscript submissions. Reviewed and flagged edits in publishing contracts.
Editorial Intern
Modern Luxury
May, 2017
–
August, 2017
(3 months)
Pitched, researched and fact-checked articles for Chicago-based lifestyle magazines: Chicago Scene, North Shore, Weddings, Interiors and Men’s Book. Wrote articles for publication featuring events, entertainment in Chicago, and luxury brands.
Technical Writing Consultant
University of Richmond Writing Center
January, 2017
–
May, 2018
(over 1 year)
Provided commentary on argumentation, structure, and focus of students’ rough drafts in a wide array of subjects including psychology, history, economics and biology. Identified writer’s global errors and explain corrections. Helped writers clearly organize and state claims with a peer-to-peer approach.
Portfolio (4 selected works)
Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence
Reynolds, Nicholas
Seeing Ghosts: A Memoir
Chow, Kat
Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language
McCulloch, Gretchen
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