Jennifer Safrey

Jennifer Safrey โ€“ Editor

I'm a 30-year professional word nerd! Let me help you polish your prose into a sparkly, irresistible gem.

Overview

I'm a word nerd who works both sides of the desk--as an editor and a writer. I've been a professional editor for 30 years, and I've worked on everything from news and feature articles to book-length fiction to short fiction to book-length nonfiction. I've worked as a freelancer for several publishing houses and I've worked directly with many published, unpublished, and contracted-to-be-published authors.


I specialize in commercial/genre fiction, particularly all subgenres of romance.


I have a philosophy as an editor: It's my job to help you express your unique voice in the cleanest, most effective way possible. It's not my job to suggest you write your book the way I'd write it. I want your voice to shine through, because the world needs your voice and your stories! So when I work with you, your voice and your vision are my priorities.


I'm very communicative with my clients. I check in to keep you in the loop about what and how I'm doing so you don't need to wonder, and I'm happy to chat with you at any time if you have questions or concerns or just want to talk about books. :) I love to be a resource. Because I'm an author myself, I understand how challenging it is to put your work into the world, so I want to help you feel confident and accomplished. After all, if you've gotten to the stage of hiring an editor, you've written a book! You've done something many people say they want to do, but don't. Yay for you!


I hope we can work together.


NOTE: When you attach a sample to the request, I prefer to see the beginning of your story, rather than a sample from somewhere in the middle.


Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Paranormal Romance Romantic Comedy Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Entertainment Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Two-time winner of Golden Leaf Award for Best Long Contemporary Romance Novel
Certifications
  • Member of American Mensa
  • Member of Editorial Freelancers Association
  • Member of ACES: The Society for Editing
  • Member of The Authors Guild
  • Member of Women's Fiction Writers Association
  • Member of Contemporary Romance Writers

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2021 โ€” Present

I provide copy editing, developmental editing, proofreading, and writing-coach services.

Hollan Publishing/Literary Partners Group

Oct, 2008 โ€” Jul, 2021 (over 12 years)

Edit novels, short stories, nonfiction, childrenโ€™s books, poetry collections, puzzle books, novelty books, and graphic novels, adhering to "Chicago Manual of Style"

Jennifer has 40 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Laurie R.

Laurie R.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
Jennifer was wonderful to work with! She helped me work through some issues I had with a character arc and her suggestions were specific, thoughtful, and immensely helpful. Thank you, Jennifer!! The novel feels and reads so much better with your input!! L
Jennifer S.
Thank you! ๐ŸŒŸ
Liz E.

Liz E.

Nov, 2023

Pinned
Jennifer went way and beyond my expectations, and I am satisfied with her services. She is a great editor with excellent editing skills, and I highly recommend her. I definitely want her to work on any novels I write in the future. She deserves a gold trophy.
Elizabeth B.

Elizabeth B.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
Jennifer was a fantastic developmental editor for my contemporary romance. From our first communications, she was responsive, clear, and helpful. She humanized what could be a very intimidating step for a newbie writer. She delivered feedback right on time and included fantastic attention to detail. In our one-on-one conversation, I could see Jennifer had thought deeply about my manuscript. Her...
Read more
Jennifer S.
Thank you!๐ŸŒŸ Youโ€™re wonderful to work with!
Laurie S.

Laurie S.

Apr, 2024

I've worked with Jen before and she's a pleasure to collaborate with. She's insightful, professional, and a great help. Highly recommended.
Jennifer S.
Thank you! ๐ŸŒŸ
Farrah F.

Farrah F.

Mar, 2024

This was my first time using Reedsy. Working with Jennifer was beyond my expectations. She was professional, timely, and insightful. The line editing is clear and greatly improved my work. The style guide will also be very useful. I hope to work with her again on future novels.
Jennifer S.
Thank you!๐ŸŒŸ

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Jennifer and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Jennifer

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Marissa Grossman

Marissa G.

Hands-on, collaborative editor specializing in Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction and nonfiction. Formerly Penguin Random House.

New York, NY, USA

99% reply rate

View profile
Sarah Giles

Sarah G.

A friendly and thoughtful Christian copy-editor and proofreader, with 20+ years' experience. Click through to see my clients' testimonials.

Alton, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Jenn Sommersby

Jenn S.

*NOTE: Limited space available for 2024. Editor (dev, line, copy), proofreader, and mentor with special affection for romance authors.

Vancouver, BC, Canada

100% reply rate

View profile