Jennifer Hoffner - Editor
I'm a copy editor specializing in health and memoirs. I've worked with Men's Health, Hearst, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and more.
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Overview
For 20 years I've worked with books and magazines for big-name publishers (HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Barnes & Noble, Hearst), smaller outfits (Rodale, Raintree Steck-Vaughn), and independent authors. I have extensive experience in the health and well-being field for magazines (Men's Health, Prevention). The books I've CE'd have spanned memoirs, science fiction novels, and children's educational religion books for libraries and museums. The Chicago Manual of Style is my bible.
I've often been told I'm a good writer, but it's not my passion. My passion is making writers sound the best they can. I love to take a piece of work and clean it up. When you work with me, you'll get precision but not stubbornness. If a rule needs to be broken and there's a good case for it, I'm open. I'm friendly, I'm an excellent communicator, and I'll work with you to make your project sparkle without losing your voice in the process. When I read for pleasure, I love to sit down with a good memoir, so I'd love to work on yours. I'm also really enjoying the sci-fi book I'm working on at the moment. I'm open to questions, so please, feel free to ask away!
I've often been told I'm a good writer, but it's not my passion. My passion is making writers sound the best they can. I love to take a piece of work and clean it up. When you work with me, you'll get precision but not stubbornness. If a rule needs to be broken and there's a good case for it, I'm open. I'm friendly, I'm an excellent communicator, and I'll work with you to make your project sparkle without losing your voice in the process. When I read for pleasure, I love to sit down with a good memoir, so I'd love to work on yours. I'm also really enjoying the sci-fi book I'm working on at the moment. I'm open to questions, so please, feel free to ask away!
Services
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Children's - Non-fiction
Health & wellbeing
Inspirational
New Age
Religion & Spirituality
Self-help & Self-improvement
Fiction
Science Fiction
Work experience
Freelance copy editor and proofreader
Self-employed
May, 2017
–
Present
(about 3 years)
I'm betting on myself and doing what I love: freelance copyediting. I work for health companies, publications, and websites; large brands; and independent book authors.
Senior copy editor
Rodale Inc./Creative Department
May, 2008
–
May, 2017
(about 9 years)
• Copyedited all print marketing materials (direct mail, insert cards, renewals, bouncebacks, brochures), online marketing (e-mails, responsive design websites, order pages), premiums, corporate communication, and press releases, often under tight deadlines
• Copyedited marketing materials
• Adhered to standard proofreading marks, various house style sheets, The Chicago Manual of Style, and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
• Checked for grammar, clarity, and style, as well as possible factual errors; ensured offers matched across all pieces; checked pricing, addresses, and mail codes; performed various technical checks, such as adherence to Google rules for paid search and ensuring eyebrow copy was on all e-mail pieces and clickable to drive sales
• Source-checked and flagged legal issues as a backup for primary source checker
• Kept workflow moving smoothly and assigned larger jobs for efficiency across department
Copy editor
Rodale Inc./Men's Health magazine
December, 2004
–
May, 2008
(over 3 years)
• Copyedited Men’s Health magazine: Adhered to standard proofreading marks, various house style sheets, The Chicago Manual of Style, and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
• Checked for grammar, clarity, and style, as well as factual errors
Editorial assistant
The Morning Call
March, 2003
–
August, 2004
(over 1 year)
• Copyedited four weekly editions of The Chronicle using AP style
• Evaluated incoming story ideas and performed light editing
• Was responsible for calendar, letters, blotter, and customer service
• Worked with tight deadlines under two editors
Copy Editor
Self-employed
March, 2000
–
Present
(over 20 years)
• Hired for proofreading, copyediting, research, index checks, and Americanization
• Adhere to standard proofreading marks, various house style sheets, The Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, and AP style
• Completed more than 30 jobs for Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publishers (an Elsevier Company), plus multiple projects for Performance Learning Systems, HarperCollins, Book Builders, and independent parties
Administrative assistant
Motorola Aviation
September, 1999
–
June, 2001
(over 1 year)
• Greeted passengers, answered phones, assisted clients, and made all travel arrangements for pilots, maintenance personnel, and managers
• Created layout for company manuals
Advertising intern
Musselman Advertising
May, 1998
–
August, 1998
(3 months)
• Primary responsibility was my own account, Das Awkscht Fescht
• Handled all copywriting, public relations, and logistics
• Assisted with various other projects in agency
Copy editor
Venue magazine
January, 1997
–
May, 1999
(over 2 years)
• Copy editor, writer, and secretary for Venue, Rowan University’s monthly magazine for information and entertainment (2,000 circulation)
• Copyedited all stories, assisted with layout, and wrote stories, reviews, and op-ed columns
Portfolio (13 selected works)
CERTIFIED HELP
Bryan Stoll
The United States government kicked off a war on mental illness with the introduction of the Certified Helper Program. People deemed mentally ill were ripped from their families and reprogrammed to become glorified slaves for the wealthy. With smiles pasted on their faces, helpers are here for one purpose: “Hello. I’m here to assist you.”Kyle, a high school student, is trying to get his life b... read more
So Far
Cristina Negron
Growing up the fifth child in a Mexican-American family scarred by an abusive father and a mentally unstable mother, Cristina Negrón feels scared, worthless, powerless, and alone. All that begins to change when she discovers long-distance running. It connects her to the family of runners, until at last she considers herself “the most normal person on the planet.” That is, until one terrible da... read more
Men's Health is an essential read for guys who want to look better, feel better, and live better. But Men's Health isn't just a magazine. It's the solution-for every bit of chaos, confusion, or suffering that the world can inflict on the male of the species. Belly fat. Fatheaded bosses. Exercise plateaus. Exercise excuses. Her boredom. His boredom. The fast-food menu. The wine list. We give me... read more
Trouble Man: The Life and Death of Marvin Gaye
Steve Turner
An insightful chronicle of the triumphant artistic career and troubled and, ultimately, tragic personal life of one of soul music's greatest legends, honestly depicts the drug addictions, disturbed relationships, and financial woes that beset Marvin Gaye's life.
Islam (World Beliefs and Cultures)
Sue Penney
Book by Penney, Sue
Judaism (World Beliefs and Cultures)
Sue Penney
An overview of the beliefs and customs of Judaism, including an introduction to sacred texts, a history of the religion, important holidays, and worship practices around the world.
Buddhism (World Beliefs and Cultures)
Sue Penney
Explains the origins, evolution, teachings, and celebrations of the Buddhist religion.
Sikhism (World Beliefs and Cultures)
Sue Penney
Explores the origins, history, teachings, and celebrations of Sikhism.
Hinduism (World Beliefs and Cultures)
Sue Penney
Discusses the origins, history, and practice of Hinduism, including information about various festivals and celebrations.
Christianity (World Beliefs and Cultures)
Sue Penney
Discusses the origins, history, evolution, and celebrations lof Christianity.
Prevention Eat Clean Magazine 2018 Recipes, Easy One-Bowl Meals/3-Day Detox
Prevention Guide Magazine 2018 Walk Away Anxiety (small) reduce your stress
How to enjoy life with diabetes and keep all your toes. As someone who has diabetes, you always worry about things that others can safely ignore. Will my blood sugar hold at night or will it drop, and I die in my sleep? Will my insulin overheat in my bag on a beautiful day out? Will I make it through long business meetings without going low? When is the right time to tell a new friend, date, o... read more
Jennifer has 7 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Do yourself a favor and hire Jenn as your copy editor. Jenn is a true pro. She is a pleasure to work with and is always ahead of schedule. She provides skilled edits and well thought out suggestions. During the process she was always quick to respond to questions. She took my writing style and voice into consideration, which I truly appreciate. I highly recommend Jenn and will hire again in ...
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James Johnson, May 2020
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Reply from Jennifer Hoffner
Jennifer did an exceptional job with my manuscript while maintaining my voice. I would highly recommend, and use, her services again!
Michelle Percell, October 2019
Reply from Jennifer Hoffner
Jennifer was great and communicated very quickly which I greatly appreciated!
Kyera Kacey, May 2019
Reply from Jennifer Hoffner
Jenn is top notch. She is very professional and thoughtful. She takes great pride in her work and it shows in the results. Jenn also takes the time to explain everything she is doing throughout the editing process so the client is in the know. I would strongly recommend jenn to anyone looking to make there book a much better end product.
michael stuchiner, March 2019
Reply from Jennifer Hoffner
This is my first experience of working with an editor and I am very lucky with opportunity to work with Jennifer Hoffner. She is very responsive, supportive, ready to answer my questions throughout our collaboration. I like how she polishes my little books for little children. Jennifer provides an excellent job. I am thankful to Jennifer and look forward to work with her in the future again.
Samira Hajiyeva, February 2019
Reply from Jennifer Hoffner
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