Jesse Aylen

Jesse Aylen – Editor

I'm a New York City-based editorial consultant with expertise in memoir, fiction, humor, narrative nonfiction, and prescriptive nonfiction.

Overview

I'm an editor with over 15 years' industry experience, ranging from long form editorial at Penguin Random House imprints Crown Archetype and Three Rivers Press (focusing on pop culture, memoir, humor, and music books) to data-driven publishing work as an Executive Editor for Callisto Media (acquired by PRH/Sourcebooks in 2022) to short form content and marketing consultation for digital marketing agency iQuanti, PRH, and Google Arts + Culture's vertical, to interviewing and feature writing for Read It Forward, BOMB, and other literary-oriented websites.


I'm currently a media and content consultant within the publishing and digital marketing realms. I welcome the chance to partner with you on concept and editorial development, marketing content review, ghostwriting, and any other content-related needs you may have.

Services
Non-Fiction
Art Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing Music New Age Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Publishing Certificate, University of Denver
  • Bachelor of Arts, Bard College

Work experience

Freelance/Self-Employed

Oct, 2022 — Present
Content consultation, editorial services, and marketing content review services for ghostwriting companies, digital marketing agencies, and global publishers.

Callisto Media

Jul, 2022 — Oct, 2022 (4 months)
Managed a team of 4 direct report editors. Collaborated with Product Strategy to ensure efficient, high quality product development meeting data-driven and identifiable consumer needs. Supervised series product development, cover strategy approval, and product design in partnership with Product Strategy and Executive Art Direction teams.

Callisto Media

Jul, 2021 — Jul, 2022 (about 1 year)
Targeted, wrote, and promoted global content quality standards across the Personal Growth + Development product portfolio. Directed global quality content development across product life cycles in partnership with Executive-level Editorial team and Chief Content Officer.

Callisto Media

Apr, 2019 — Jul, 2021 (about 2 years)
Editor on 40+ prescriptive nonfiction products for Personal Growth + Development portfolio with focal areas including: -Wellness -Self-Help -Cooking -Parenting

Self-employed

Mar, 2017 — Apr, 2019 (about 2 years)
-Developer of narrative essays and original reportage from concept stage and in concert with rights holders and independent producers -Partner with literary agents and authors as co-writer/ ghostwriter on book proposals leading to publisher submission -Freelance content editor and contributor to Read It Forward, a Penguin Random House literary-oriented website -Editor of fiction and nonfiction manuscripts on a select project basis

Penguin Random House

Dec, 2014 — Mar, 2017 (about 2 years)
-Supported Editorial Director and Senior Editor with manuscript editorial work and rights research. -Acquired and edited narrative nonfiction across genres (memoir, music, humor) -Crafted digital retailer search engine optimized and metadata-friendly copy to boost book discoverability -Sourced new talent from traditional channels and emerging digital platforms

Penguin Random House

Feb, 2013 — Dec, 2014 (almost 2 years)
-Reviewed manuscripts, wrote evaluations, and drafted publisher rejections -Trafficked bound galleys, copy, and cover materials at high volumes for review and revision -Attended and contributed to weekly editorial meetings -Acted as front of office for Publisher and Associate Publisher, providing overall administrative support and scheduling duties

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find yourself strapped to a giant rocket that’s about to go from zero to 17,500 miles per hour? Or to look back on Earth from outer space and see the surprisingly precise line between day and night? Or to stand i... read more
Phil Collins pulls no punches—about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that’s inspired his music. In his much-awaited memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the story of his epic career, with an auspicious debut at age 11 in a crowd shot from the Beatles... read more
Now in paperback, Tune In is the New York Times bestseller by the world’s leading Beatles authority – the first volume in a groundbreaking trilogy about the band that revolutionized music. The Beatles have been in our lives for half a century and surely always... read more
Michael Nesmith’s eclectic, electric life spans his star-making role on The Monkees, his invention of the music video, and his critical contributions to movies, comedy, and the world of virtual reality. Above all, his is a seeker’s story, a pilgrimage in searc... read more
Based on the wildly popular Instagram account @CrazyJewishMom, Kate Siegel's essay collection about life with the woman who redefined the term "helicopter mom." There is nothing more wonderful than a mother’s love. There is also nothing more annoying. Who else... read more
“I had experienced absolute freedom—I had felt that my body was without boundaries, limitless; that pain didn’t matter, that nothing mattered at all—and it intoxicated me.”In 2010, more than 750,000 people stood in line at Marina Abramović’s MoMA retrospective... read more
How Music Works

David Byrne

*Updated with a new chapter on digital curation*How Music Works is David Byrne’s incisive and enthusiastic look at the musical art form, from its very inceptions to the influences that shape it, whether acoustical, economic, social or technological. Utilizing ... read more
In her darkly funny memoir meets brother-in-arms guide to the depression life, comedian Jacqueline Novak provides the first and only book for depression sufferers--short term visitors or lifers--that promises not to offer any help overcoming depression...only ... read more

Jesse has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lee S.

Lee S.

Apr, 2019

Pinned
Jesse is an excellent editor. I recommend him highly. He understood my book instantly and provided strong notes that made it deeper and better. He is a pleasure to work with.

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