Jenna Whittle

Jenna Whittle – Editor

Children’s editor specialising in picture books and middle grade, former Penguin Random House editor and CIEP Professional Member

Overview

Hi there!

I'm a freelance editor and proofreader with over 14 years of experience in the publishing industry. A CIEP (Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading) Professional Member, I've worked for both big-name and independent publishers in a variety of roles that featured proofreading, editing, writing and project management. I'm lucky to have worked on titles across a range of genres – lifestyle books, educational titles, science publications and academic works, to name a few – but I have a particular passion for children's publishing, especially picture books, early chapter books and middle grade.

As well as working on books in an editorial capacity, I've authored titles myself. I know how nerve-racking sending your diligently written manuscript to an editor can feel. I offer a sensitive approach that will help you create your best work and engage your reader. I can assist with removing distracting errors and ensuring consistency of style throughout a manuscript.

Check out my gallery and portfolio for a selection of books that I've recently worked on (more details below).

Looking for an experienced editor to help your book connect with its intended readership? I'd love to hear from you!

TESTIMONIALS

>>>"I can't recommend Jenna's services highly enough. She's incredibly knowledgeable, thorough and delivers projects on time and to the highest possible standard." Lucy Brandt, author of the middle-grade Leonora Bolt series

>>>"Jenna is an exceptionally thoughtful and collaborative editor who takes the time to fully understand an author’s vision and helps elevate it. She has a remarkable ability to see the big picture of a book while also offering clear, constructive guidance at every stage of the process... Her insight strengthens both the story and the author’s confidence in their writing. I highly recommend working with her and hiring her as your next editor." Kelsey Marshalsey, Publisher and Director, Brown Paper Fox Inc.

>>>"Jenna is a conscientious and diligent editor, always careful and thorough in her work and entirely dependable. She is brilliantly organised, and builds strong relationships with authors and in-house stakeholders alike – making sure everyone feels well supported and looked after. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jenna to anyone." Amy Anderson, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House

>>>"Jenna's eye for detail is unparalleled. She is a trusted pair of hands and a joy to work with." Charlotte McSharry, VP Content Solutions, Emerald Publishing

RECENT PROJECT EXAMPLES

>> Developmental edit

() Crystal Cove series (middle-grade fiction) (Sweet Cherry Publishing)

() Ladybird Learners series (board books) (Penguin Random House Children's)

() 'The Picky Princess and the Dragon' by Ritu Kumar (picture book) (Brown Paper Fox)

>> Copyedit

() '10 Extraordinary Ideas That Shaped Our Universe' by Dr Sheila Kanani (middle-grade non-fiction) (Penguin Random House Children's)

() 'Leonora Bolt: Polar Showdown' by Lucy Brandt (middle-grade fiction)

>> Proofread

() 'What's Your Dream: The Workbook' by Simon Squibb (middle-grade non-fiction) (Penguin Random House Children's)

>> Author

() First Steps with Spot series (board books) (Penguin Random House Children's)

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction History
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • CIEP (Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading) Professional Member

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2023 — Present
I work with clients on a range of projects, offering editorial project management, proofreading, editing, writing, research and process improvement support.

Penguin Random House Children's

Jan, 2023 — Jul, 2023 (6 months)
I helped develop titles and concepts for the Education list. I also project-managed the creation of audiobooks for a flagship series; proofread and edited book content; and wrote online educational resources.

Penguin Random House Children's

Jan, 2022 — Dec, 2022 (12 months)
I project-managed a programme of customised print and audio children's products through all stages of production, overseeing all copy-editorial requirements.

Taylor & Francis

Jun, 2015 — Dec, 2021 (over 6 years)
I was responsible for ensuring that content flowed through the production process smoothly to speed and quality standards for over 40 academic journals. I also proofread journal articles covering a wide range of subject areas.

Amberley Publishing

Sep, 2014 — Jun, 2015 (10 months)
I managed a team of five assistant editors and oversaw the production schedule for the list. I also commissioned, acquired and carried out editing (developmental and copyediting) on titles, and performed final quality control checks on all the list's print and digital book files.

Springer

Jun, 2011 — Mar, 2013 (almost 2 years)
I managed the publication schedule of two well-respected journals and carried out copyediting on all articles accepted for publication. I also proofread articles that were selected for publication in other journals.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
The Picky Princess and the Dragon

Kumar, Ritu

Brown Paper Fox Inc.

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Two stories that build on the phonics learned in previous steps and focus on the sound and letter combinations: ai, ee, oa, oo (long), oo (short).Jack and Jen is from Beginner Reader Level 0 a... read more
Proofreading
Bristol A Portrait 1970-82

Stephen Dowle

Amberley Publishing Limited

Stephen Dowle first started taking photographs using a pre-war Coronet Cub given to him by his father. He spent the 1970s and the early 1980s documenting his home city and the lives of the inh... read more
Copy Editing
Cranborne Chase

Roger Lane

Amberley Publishing Limited

Cranborne Chase is an area of outstanding natural beauty in southern England, encompassing the counties of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Here royalty once came to hunt deer and other game i... read more
Copy Editing
Discover the Terracotta Army, the Silk Road and the great inventions of China - from paper and porcelain to fireworks and acupuncture.Ancient and Imperial China is from Fluent Reader Level 4. ... read more
Proofreading
Join Ladybird Class on another imaginative learning adventure. This time, the class are learning about outer space! Join Tao Meerkat and the others as they meet some friendly astronauts, go on... read more
Proofreading
Based on a popular Panchatantra story from India. The big lion in the forest is very hungry! He wants to eat the other animals for his lunch. The clever little rabbit doesn't want to be eaten.... read more
Proofreading
Based on the award-winning children's series!Featuring everyone's favourite little piggy, Peppa! Enjoy all the fun of the fair with Peppa Pig and her family. Who will win all the teddy bears a... read more
Proofreading
Two stories that build on the phonics learned in previous steps and focus on the sound and letter combinations: igh, ear, air, ure.At the Fair is from Beginner Reader Level 0 and is ideal for ... read more
Proofreading
Two stories that build on the phonics learned in previous steps and focus on the sound and letter combinations: j, v, w, x, y, z, zz, qu.Visit the Vet is from Beginner Reader Level 0 and is id... read more
Proofreading
Bristol in 50 Buildings

Stiles, Cynthia

Amberley Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The Finest Gardens of the South West

Russell, Tony

Amberley Publishing

Copy Editing
The Classic Guide to Cocktails

Thomas, Jerry

Amberley Publishing

Copy Editing

Most recent contributions

What is the difference between “story” and “plot” in narrative craft?

Story is a description of a connected series of events, with a clear beginning, middle and ending, while plot is the organization of those events – how we get from beginning to middle to end. So, for example, you might have a plot where events are ordered chronologically or where you move back an...
Read more

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