Jennifer Huston Schaeffer – Editor

On my website, there’s a photo of four-year-old me with Farrah Fawcett bangs. I’m dressed in yellow footie pajamas and am seated in front of a baby blue typewriter. Looking back, it’s obvious that I was destined for a career as a writer and editor.

Fast-forward 40+ years. After more than 16 years working at various publishing companies, I left a senior editor position to go solo. These days, I’m much happier choosing projects that allow me to specialize in the genres I most enjoy: biographies, memoirs, historical fiction and nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, crime fiction, and true crime.

But I didn't start out with my dream job as a book editor. I had to cut my teeth as an editorial assistant and make my way up the ranks. Even before that, I worked at various jobs, including the college newspaper. Those jobs, along with my eclectic interests in history, sports, psychology, pop culture, music, and genealogy—just to name a few—have made me a better editor and shaped who I am today, personally and professionally.

I understand your concern that an editor might take away your voice and alter your manuscript until it’s completely unrecognizable to you. But that’s not my goal. I believe that the author/editor relationship is a collaborative one. I understand the hours you’ve spent writing your manuscript. I get that it’s your "baby" and an expression of your creative soul. My only goal is to improve the work you’ve already done. I can look at the text objectively, just like your readers will. And based on my 21+ years of experience, I can offer advice on how to fill in the “holes,” make the text flow better, enhance the word choice, and provide suggestions to improve clarity and readability.

No matter what type of editing you need from me, you can be assured that I will bring my A game to the table. I have edited nearly 300 books in my career and am proficient in the Chicago Manual of Style. I can promise you that I’ll give your manuscript the same attention to detail and high standards of quality that I give to each project I work on. We’re on the same team, and our goal is to make your book the very best it can be.

In 2019, I was named one of the top 17 book editors in Chicago. Check out my reviews and see what some satisfied clients have said about my work:

“Jen is an exceedingly hard worker, extremely professional, and nothing short of an editing genius.”

—Claire Josephine

“I was so impressed with Jen's work. Her edits were thorough, clear, and brilliant. She edited my full manuscript at a reasonable price and went above and beyond. I would highly recommend her to any writer, even those shaking in their boots like I once was!”

—Lisa Rimmert

"Jennifer did a phenomenal job assisting with character development, and her editing skills were exceptional. She finished her work quickly, and I could not have been more pleased with the final product.”

—James Pauley, Jr.