Jenny Baumgartner

Jenny Baumgartner – Editor

#1 New York Times bestselling editor and book coach of memoir, self-help, faith, mental health, and wellness - 25+ years' experience.

Overview

"Jenny is one of the most brilliant editorial minds in publishing: her deep, probing questions help her shape and create amazing content. She is both a great coach and counselor whose guidance is highly valued by authors, publishers, and literary agents."

—Tom Dean, Agent and Founder of A Drop of Ink Literary

Hi, I’m Jenny. I love books and words—and the very real dopamine hit that comes from helping an author bring a book to life. I bring 25+ years of experience in publishing, including executive editorial roles at HarperCollins and Hachette where I acquired and edited numerous impactful and bestselling books.

I’ve collaborated with bestselling authors, debut voices, subject-matter experts, celebrities, and everyday people with powerful messages to share—helping them turn raw ideas and personal experiences into meaningful, must-read books.

I specialize in nonfiction that includes memoir, spirituality, personal development/self-help, mental health, and wellness. It's my pleasure to guide authors in refining voice, structure, and emotional resonance while staying true to their message. My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and rooted in deep listening. Whether you need big-picture shaping, sentence-level polish, or help crafting a compelling book proposal, I’m here to help. (Also: I love a good coffee-fueled brainstorm and adding a little humor to the heavy lifting of revision!)

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Inspirational Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Hachette

Oct, 2022 — Feb, 2025 (over 2 years)
As executive editor, I developed publishing goals by defining key categories, teaching acquisitions strategy, and identifying our vision. I tapped into consumer research insights to acquire 10 to 12 titles per year, guiding authors from initial concept to final book--including national bestsellers. New York Times bestsellers: Joyspan by Dr. Kerri Burnight, The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe

HarperCollins

May, 2016 — Oct, 2022 (over 6 years)
I directed and mentored three editors and acquired 12 to 14 books a year in nonfiction and memoir. For each book, I did the following: - I partnered with authors to shape their book's concept and content; - I edited manuscripts to clarify meaning, sharpen writing, hone voice and style, and clearly communicate with the primary audience; - I wrote marketing and sales copy; and - I oversaw titling and cover design. Multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestsellers. Examples: Saving Aziz by Chad Robichaux; Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis; A Serial Killer's Daughter by Kerri Rawson; and others.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching

Jenny has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Daniel B.

Daniel B.

Jul, 2025

Pinned
Jenny was an absolute joy to work with as a developmental editor. From our initial conversation, it was clear she genuinely cared about understanding my vision and helping me elevate my manuscript. Her insights were sharp, actionable, and always aligned with my goals for the book. She communicate...
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