Jennifer Collins

Jennifer Collins – Editor

I'm an editor and writing coach specializing in Suspense/Thrillers, Crime, Horror, Paranormals, SFF, Women's Fiction, Romance, and Memoir.

Overview

For more than ten years, I've served as a full-time freelance editor, offering developmental and line/copyedits, and also offering support as a writing coach as needed. My passion is helping authors to find the full potential in their manuscripts so that they can move toward publication, whether in the self-publishing space or the traditional space. I excel at offering personalized, constructive feedback that keeps in mind an author's voice, goals, and particular project. Whether examining plot, character, genre fit, worldbuilding, or language clarity/detail, I take pride in making sure that no aspect of a project goes unexamined. Prior to becoming a full-time freelancer, I was also an award-winning English teacher; those years spent teaching set me up to be an editor who can not only polish novels and help writers achieve their dreams, but also offer such clear and detailed feedback that their craft improves through the editing process, which is part of why I'm such an effective writing coach.

Working with me, you can expect clear and professional communication that comes directly from me, without any implementation of AI or assistants. I track all suggestions and comments via Word's Track Changes features, and as a full-time freelancer, I'm able to meet with my clients via Zoom or phone as needed to talk about the big-picture, revision plans, or any follow-up questions that may arise. I pride myself on building supportive, long-term relationships with my clients, and believe the greatest testament to my talent is the fact that many of my clients have worked with me on multiple books; my most prolific clients have had me edit literally dozens of books (I believe 34 books is the current record).

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Epic Fantasy Horror Mashups Paranormal Romance Post-Apocalyptic Psychological Thriller Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2014 — Present
I've been a full-time freelance editor for more than a decade now, working across genres with both publishers and independent authors. I offer book coaching, developmental editing, line/copyediting, and occasionally ghostwriting.

Duquesne University Writing Center

Aug, 2012 — May, 2014 (over 1 year)
I served as the assistant director of Duquesne University's Writing Center while working toward a PhD. Besides aiding in managing the center's day to day operations, I tutored undergraduate and graduate students, and I also taught classes on various elements of grammar and citation as well as specific style sheets such as CMOS and MLA.

Duquesne University

Aug, 2008 — May, 2012 (over 3 years)
I taught Writing courses while working toward my PhD, offering courses in both college composition and creative writing.

Clemson University

Aug, 2004 — May, 2008 (over 3 years)
While obtaining my Masters in English at Clemson (2006), I taught Freshman Composition courses. After receiving an award for teaching while earning my degree, I was offered a job as a lecturer and remained on campus for two more academic years to teach Contemporary Literature and Science & Technology in Society.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Eye for Eye (Roy Cruise Book 1)

Franko, JK

Talion Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
A Beautiful Couple: A Psychological Thriller

Wolfe, Leslie

Italics Publishing

Copy Editing
Furlough

Moon, Jacob

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Just Who We Are: My Story of Grit, Grace, and Identity

Stecher, Robyn

Incorgnito Publishing Press LLC

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Wisdom Lost: Pandemonium Rising (#2)

Sliter, Michael

Dragyn Press

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Dead Reckoning

Moon, Jacob

Jacob Moon Publishing

Copy Editing
Letter 26

Moon, Jacob

Jacob Moon

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
In Step

Ember, Rachel

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Killing Johnny Miracle

Franko, JK

Rum House Books

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Life for Life (Roy Cruise Book 3)

Franko, JK

Talion Publishing

Copy Editing
Tooth for Tooth (Roy Cruise Book 2)

Franko, JK

Talion Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
My Letters To Conceição

Molina del Callejo, Jorge

Incorgnito Publishing Press

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
News Real (News Memoir Book 1)

Ortman, Tim

Incorgnito Publishing Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The Birds of the Air

Arthur, L. H.

L. H. Arthur Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Jennifer has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Y B.

Y B.

Feb, 2026

Jennifer has been amazing to work with. She’s incredibly prompt with her responses, and as a first‑time writer, that meant a lot to me. I was initially worried about feeling discouraged, but Jennifer approached my work with such professionalism and respect for where I am in my writing journey. H...
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Yuri M.

Yuri M.

Feb, 2026

Jennifer is very thorough. She did pick up the controversies and logic problems in my novel. She gave good advice where extra description or explanation is needed. It was probably my fault that we had some misunderstanding about what was included in the agreement. I thought that there would be t...
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Cheryl T.

Cheryl T.

Feb, 2026

Jennifer was extremely thorough. I don’t think she missed even one comma. Her comments on character and timing were very helpful. She is extremely professional and got the work done on time. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for an editor.
Kevin B.

Kevin B.

Jan, 2026

I created some confusion process-wise, and she just worked through it. She provided great feedback on this small project. Thanks, Jennifer!
Kevin B.

Kevin B.

Jan, 2026

A great review. The project wasn't big, but she took it seriously and identified many issues that needed addressing. I've already hired her again, so that's the real testimonial :)

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Most recent contributions

How can an author subvert genre tropes without alienating readers?

Working with genre tropes--whether subverting them or not--is where a writer's familiarity with genre becomes absolutely integral to success. Regardless of the genre or subgenre you're working in, readers are going to have some particular expectations. If you as a writer fail to meet those expec...
Read more

What are the best writing tools for new authors, and how do they compare?

A choice of tools is going to depend a great deal on the writer in question, and the real trick is to figure out what works for you individually. Many writers use software like Scrivener to help them organize their ideas and scenes, and I think that tool can be especially useful for writers bala...
Read more

What outlining techniques can 'pantsers' use to guide their storytelling without stifling creativity?

Many pantsers can be completely stifled by outlining, so the trick is to figure out what best works for you, and follow through on that plan. That said, here are some strategies to try if you known you need to stick to pantsing, but don't want to sit down and fight with writer's block in your lim...
Read more

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