Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan – Editor

Developmental editor of adult fiction, especially mystery and fantasy. Can't wait to share actionable advice!

Overview

I'm an editor with 10 years of experience in the publishing industry with particular experience working on mystery, historical, and fantasy books.


I specialize in developmental editing on pacing, character development, plotting, and world building, as well as line editing. I can also help with editorial assessments for more overview guidance rather than getting into the nitty gritty if you're looking for feedback on an early draft.


I typically give feedback in the form of editorial letters with specific examples relating to my notes and/or an annotated Word document.


I look forward to working together!

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Cozy Mysteries Espionage Fantasy Historical Mysteries Romantic Fantasy
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Penguin Random House

Mar, 2019 — Present

EDITOR, Audio - March 2019-April 2022

• Manages audio publications of an assigned list of Penguin imprints
• Considers and acquires submissions from agents and out-of-house publishers
• Identifies new opportunities for non-traditional audio titles (e.g. journals, cookbooks, illus. books), backlist, audio first, and audio original publications
• Supervises assistant editor on their assigned list of imprints

St. Martin's Press, Macmillan

Jul, 2016 — Mar, 2019 (over 2 years)

• Provided developmental editing support for fiction titles
• Project managed fiction and nonfiction titles, including 4 New York Times Best Sellers
• Wrote book copy for retailer websites and book jackets

Self-employed

Mar, 2016 — Jul, 2019 (over 3 years)

• Line-edited and developmentally edited mystery books for a NYC-based publisher

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
The Extinction Agenda

Laurence, Michael

Jennifer has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Petra B.

Petra B.

Jun, 2024

Jennifer provided me with comprehensive feedback and support. She demonstrated to me that she was invested in the project and I hope to continue working with her to see that it reaches its full potential. She has provided detailed notes and an annotated copy for the manuscript which is helping me make the best of my time during the re-write process. Thank you, Jennifer and I look forward to con...
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Rachel E.

Rachel E.

May, 2024

I was drawn to Jennifer's profile overview where it highlights her love and experience in mystery and cozies. And even thought the over view states she "can also help with editorial assessments for more overview guidance rather than getting into the nitty gritty if you're looking for feedback on an early draft" my editorial assessment was extremely detailed. The guidance she provided me was de...
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Janet B.

Janet B.

Feb, 2024

Jennifer was absolutely wonderful to work with. She met our deadline and the feedback she gave me was so helpful. Her comments and suggestions were helpful, and I truly felt I had learned much from her. She never told me to "change" anything in my MS, but always suggested a better way that clarified what I had been trying to get across. if there is a Book #3 for me, Jennifer Donovan will be my ...
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Mitch G.

Mitch G.

Jan, 2024

Wow, I couldn't possibly ask for better, or more thorough, insight into my book. If we compare Jennifer's methods to my previous editor, the latter was better about complaining than offering solutions. Jennifer's help was much more pointed and therefore more valuable. I will be taking her suggestion to heart about putting the mystery into the mystery -- in the way readers expect. Again, let me...
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Chelsea L.

Chelsea L.

Jun, 2023

Jennifer did an excellent job delving into my manuscript and understanding exactly what I was hoping to accomplish. She gave wonderful development edits that helped me tighten the storyline and character's archs. She gave great insight into character development and pointed out specific spots where a character was acting outside of their scope or needing more set-up. Additionally, she also prov...
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