Jessica Hatch - Editor
Award-winning freelance editor Jessica provides practical, marketable revision advice to clients on all six habitable continents.
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
Jessica offers enthusiastic, professional work that is grounded in solid foundational experience from prestigious literary agencies and publishing houses such as Writers House and St. Martin's Press.
With 5+ years of steady, full-time freelance editing under her belt, focusing primarily on women's fiction, historical fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, and self-help/memoir hybrids, Jessica has had many happy clients, including:
- Amanda Radley, who won a Lambda Literary Award ("Lammy") in 2018 and with whom Jessica collaborated on 15 titles before Amanda was signed on with Bold Strokes Books
- Laura Morelli, whose early craft work with Jessica on three self-published historical novels led to a two-book deal with William Morrow
- Kay Dew Shostak, whose works of women fiction and cozy mysteries have cultivated a voracious fan base in the Southeastern US, and with whom Jessica has collaborated on 10+ titles
- Monica McCallan, whose seven WLW novels edited by Jessica have hit #1 in their genres on Amazon
Interested in becoming a satisfied customer? Request a quote from Jessica to get started.
*** Here's what other authors have said about Jessica's editorial insights. ***
"Getting [Amazon] Bestseller above Jill Taylor’s work that has been a bestseller for the last 10 years is pretty AMAZING! Thanks again to you and your incredible advice and ability to see deep above and beyond my blind spots!" — Tsgoyna Tanzman, Author of HOPE AFTER STROKE
"Jessica, as always, is an absolute pro. This is the third book she's edited for me, all of which have hit #1 in my genre on Amazon. She's punctual, communicative, and provides significant edits without being overwhelming. She'd open to a collaborative process and leaves not only great edits for grammar but thoughtful commentary and feedback throughout the work.I can't recommend her enough!" —
Monica McCallan, Author of THEN & NOW, TAPPING INTO LOVE, and VESTED INTEREST, among others.
"I can’t say enough about my collaboration with Jessica. From our initial proposal discussions all the way through to the completed copyedit and beyond, she was absolutely marvelous: professional, enthusiastic, and just all around amazing. She was quick to respond to any messages I sent and I always felt she was available if I needed her. As a new author, she has been endlessly patient and flexible with me, providing the perfect mix of critique and encouragement throughout our collaboration. I know she made my manuscript better and I would recommend her to any writer at any level in a heartbeat." — Sarah Holz, Author of THE GOD'S WIFE
“I heartily recommend my editor, Jessica. Her prices are great, but it’s her personal service that you will love most.” — Kay Dew Shostak, Author of Chancey Book Series
"Working with Jessica felt like I was working with a good friend, and her warmth, insight, and positive attitude helped us to cross the finish line and meet our final deadlines without losing our minds. I would not hesitate to work with Jessica again, and hope that I have the opportunity to do so. Highest recommendation!" — Christopher Drajem, Co-Author of WANDERING CLOSE TO HOME
"Jessica is amazing in every aspect one might desire in an editor. It's not just business or a project to her. She was genuinely interested in what I was trying to achieve with the mess of 80,000 words I provided her. Her feedback is spot-on. Her detailed and candid notes improved the writing or improved me as the writer. Her thoughtful and supportive notes were mixed in, making the process feel collaborative and lively instead of all doom and gloom. There is nothing cold or mechanical about her help. She far exceeded my expectations, including her timely communications and finishing a day ahead of schedule. Without any hesitation, I will work with her again and recommend her often." — Rock K, Author of THE RESETTING
“Jessica and I had an extensive conversation at the beginning of the editorial process and she encouraged me to talk about my manuscript’s strengths, the goals I had as an author, and the problems I was still encountering with WILDER. I appreciated her ability to not only listen to and address my concerns but also to communicate solutions that both made perfect sense to me and were aligned with the market. Jessica’s concrete and specific notes within the manuscript, her insightful editorial report, and each of our conversations gave me the confidence and understanding I need to do what I’m now sure will be my final revision. I’m thrilled with my experience.” — Traci O. Connor, Represented by Victoria Sanders & Associates
“After using two freelance editors in New York I got lucky and found Jessica. She made me feel as if she was invested in getting the project right. Her critique was not overly dogmatic, nor was it tepid. After her initial feedback my mind was open to new ideas, ideas that were well considered and beneficial to the project. Jessica maintains a high standard of professionalism and is easy to work with. Her experience and approach to a manuscript will definitely help add that polish you’re looking for. I would highly recommend working with her.”
— Paul Smit, Author of CALLIAH: LIFE IN THE MAZE
With 5+ years of steady, full-time freelance editing under her belt, focusing primarily on women's fiction, historical fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, and self-help/memoir hybrids, Jessica has had many happy clients, including:
- Amanda Radley, who won a Lambda Literary Award ("Lammy") in 2018 and with whom Jessica collaborated on 15 titles before Amanda was signed on with Bold Strokes Books
- Laura Morelli, whose early craft work with Jessica on three self-published historical novels led to a two-book deal with William Morrow
- Kay Dew Shostak, whose works of women fiction and cozy mysteries have cultivated a voracious fan base in the Southeastern US, and with whom Jessica has collaborated on 10+ titles
- Monica McCallan, whose seven WLW novels edited by Jessica have hit #1 in their genres on Amazon
Interested in becoming a satisfied customer? Request a quote from Jessica to get started.
*** Here's what other authors have said about Jessica's editorial insights. ***
"Getting [Amazon] Bestseller above Jill Taylor’s work that has been a bestseller for the last 10 years is pretty AMAZING! Thanks again to you and your incredible advice and ability to see deep above and beyond my blind spots!" — Tsgoyna Tanzman, Author of HOPE AFTER STROKE
"Jessica, as always, is an absolute pro. This is the third book she's edited for me, all of which have hit #1 in my genre on Amazon. She's punctual, communicative, and provides significant edits without being overwhelming. She'd open to a collaborative process and leaves not only great edits for grammar but thoughtful commentary and feedback throughout the work.I can't recommend her enough!" —
Monica McCallan, Author of THEN & NOW, TAPPING INTO LOVE, and VESTED INTEREST, among others.
"I can’t say enough about my collaboration with Jessica. From our initial proposal discussions all the way through to the completed copyedit and beyond, she was absolutely marvelous: professional, enthusiastic, and just all around amazing. She was quick to respond to any messages I sent and I always felt she was available if I needed her. As a new author, she has been endlessly patient and flexible with me, providing the perfect mix of critique and encouragement throughout our collaboration. I know she made my manuscript better and I would recommend her to any writer at any level in a heartbeat." — Sarah Holz, Author of THE GOD'S WIFE
“I heartily recommend my editor, Jessica. Her prices are great, but it’s her personal service that you will love most.” — Kay Dew Shostak, Author of Chancey Book Series
"Working with Jessica felt like I was working with a good friend, and her warmth, insight, and positive attitude helped us to cross the finish line and meet our final deadlines without losing our minds. I would not hesitate to work with Jessica again, and hope that I have the opportunity to do so. Highest recommendation!" — Christopher Drajem, Co-Author of WANDERING CLOSE TO HOME
"Jessica is amazing in every aspect one might desire in an editor. It's not just business or a project to her. She was genuinely interested in what I was trying to achieve with the mess of 80,000 words I provided her. Her feedback is spot-on. Her detailed and candid notes improved the writing or improved me as the writer. Her thoughtful and supportive notes were mixed in, making the process feel collaborative and lively instead of all doom and gloom. There is nothing cold or mechanical about her help. She far exceeded my expectations, including her timely communications and finishing a day ahead of schedule. Without any hesitation, I will work with her again and recommend her often." — Rock K, Author of THE RESETTING
“Jessica and I had an extensive conversation at the beginning of the editorial process and she encouraged me to talk about my manuscript’s strengths, the goals I had as an author, and the problems I was still encountering with WILDER. I appreciated her ability to not only listen to and address my concerns but also to communicate solutions that both made perfect sense to me and were aligned with the market. Jessica’s concrete and specific notes within the manuscript, her insightful editorial report, and each of our conversations gave me the confidence and understanding I need to do what I’m now sure will be my final revision. I’m thrilled with my experience.” — Traci O. Connor, Represented by Victoria Sanders & Associates
“After using two freelance editors in New York I got lucky and found Jessica. She made me feel as if she was invested in getting the project right. Her critique was not overly dogmatic, nor was it tepid. After her initial feedback my mind was open to new ideas, ideas that were well considered and beneficial to the project. Jessica maintains a high standard of professionalism and is easy to work with. Her experience and approach to a manuscript will definitely help add that polish you’re looking for. I would highly recommend working with her.”
— Paul Smit, Author of CALLIAH: LIFE IN THE MAZE
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Health & Wellbeing
LGBTQ Non-Fiction
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Historical Fiction
LGBTQ Fiction
Women's Fiction
Awards
- Honorable Mention, Glimmer Train Short Short Fiction Award
- Accepted into Teen Ink London Writing Program, 2007
- Accepted into Mors Tua Vita Mea workshop, 2017
- Accepted into Aspen Summer Words, 2019
Work experience
Freelance editor
Self-employed
June, 2013
–
Present
(over 9 years)
Publicity
St. Martin's Press
March, 2013
–
December, 2013
(9 months)
Secured national print, radio, and online publicity for clients on NPR's All Things Considered, in Real Simple Magazine, Publishers Weekly's "Soapbox" column, and Riffle Books.
Successfully managed 15 simultaneous publicity campaigns in the fall 2013 season.
Proficient use of CisionPoint; LexisNexis; Tracx social analytics software; Concur Solutions travel and expense management software.
Supporting authors throughout the publicity process with regular communication and weekly publicity status updates.
Often praised for "going the extra mile," "impressive levels of organizational work."
Agency Assistant
Fox Literary LLC
November, 2012
–
February, 2013
(4 months)
Agency Intern
Writers House
May, 2011
–
January, 2012
(8 months)
Portfolio (20 selected works)
Huntress
A.E. Radley
Amy is stuck in a rut. After graduating, she never left her temporary job at the motorway service station. Daily visits from a mysterious woman are the highlight of her days. Until one day, when the mystery woman vanishes.Amy investigates the disappearance and makes a shocking discovery. Suddenly, she’s being framed and no-nonsense Claudia McAllister is being sent to arrest her. Will Amy’s uni... read more
Back in Your Arms
McCallan, Monica
The Shark Did It (Southern Beach Mysteries Book 4)
Shostak, Kay, Hatch, Jessica
The Gondola Maker
Laura Morelli
Award-winning historical fiction set in 16th-century Venice Benjamin Franklin Digital Award IPPY Award for Best Adult Fiction E-book National Indie Excellence Award Finalist Eric Hoffer Award Finalist Shortlisted for the da Vinci Eye Prize From the author of Made in Italy comes a tale of artisanal tradition and family bonds set in one of the world's most magnificent settings: Renaissance Venic... read more
Come Dancing (The Jack and Julia Series Book 1)
Leslie Wells
Julia is a book-loving publisher’s assistant. Jack is a famous British rock star. “Opposites attract” is an understatement.“This is a 5 star series... I loved the chemistry between Jack and Julia.”—The Book Enthusiast“Like a well-oiled machine or a well-tuned guitar, Julia and friends work their way into your heart.”—Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers “Once you start, you are completely unabl... read more
Keep Dancing (The Jack and Julia Series Book 2)
Leslie Wells
Julia is a young book editor on the rise. Jack is a British rock star at the pinnacle of his fame. Can they both get what they want—when what they need threatens to tear them apart?"This is a 5 star series...I loved the chemistry between Jack and Julia."--The Book Enthusiast"As external forces do their best to force this unusual couple apart, Jack and Julia will need to decide if they should k... read more
Beyond the Pale Motel
Francesca Lia Block
Maternal, sexy Catt and her beautiful, daring best friend Bree are hairdressers at an L.A. salon called Head Hunter, and work out at a gym called Body Farm. They have over a decade of sobriety behind them and are getting close to living the lives they've always wanted. But when Catt's husband, Dash, leaves her, and then her neighbor is brutally murdered, possibly by a man being called the Holl... read more
If you want to know how to build muscle and burn fat by eating healthy, delicious meals that are easy to cook and easy on your wallet, then you want to read this book.Let me ask you a few questions: Do you lack confidence in the kitchen and think that you just can't cook great food?Are you not sure of how to prepare food that is not only delicious and healthy but also effective in helping you ... read more
The White Swallow
Anna Kovatcheva
Fiction. "THE WHITE SWALLOW has so many things going for it—starkly memorable imagery, strangeness that feels natural to the story, the feeling that the story itself grew up from the earth like a tree, and an ending that defies moralization. It seems instead to reflect the same unpredictable and mysterious quality of the world that also lets birds go into girls and healing to occur and, for in... read more
Derailed in Chancey (Chancey Books Book 3)
Kay Dew Shostak
Carolina's in-law's marriage didn't survive the holidays visiting in her and Jackson's new home in Chancey, Georgia. Now both families have left, but she's not sure how much longer she'll still be in the small town. She knew moving teenagers from the Atlanta suburbs to a small Georgia mountain town last year was a horrible idea. She knew opening a B&B for railfans was an even worse plan. What ... read more
Author Carol Park grew up in Los Angeles during the 1980s and 1990s, a time of ethnic strife. Now she seeks to give voice to the Korean American community both then and now. Memoir of a Cashier is more than just a description of young girl's life growing up while working in a bulletproof cashier's booth in Compton, California. Park tells the story of the Korean American experience leading up t... read more
I am in the process of transitioning from male to female (MTF) at the age of sixty. I would like to share with you my extraordinary life, not only because I am transgender, but because I am an international person who has lived in many countries, gone to some of the best schools in the world, worked at management levels within international companies, and had many different, wild, and wonderfu... read more
Change brings about emotions that are disparate yet similar, uncomfortable and comforting all at the same time. This book guides the reader through the labyrinth of change that is often overwhelming. The Mindful PRISM Change Process helps readers make their way through the darkest of tunnelsby using vignettes and the power of rational thinking. Using the metaphor of a PRISM, the author guides,... read more
Backwater, Florida (Florida Books)
Kay Dew Shostak
Growing up as just plain ol' trailer trash in South Georgia, Becca Sue has floated along on a sea of low expectations for 30 years. Now she's washed up on the coast of Florida, but not on the beach. She finds herself in an unfinished luxury subdivsion which her ex-husband dumped when the market went south, just like he dumped her. Her rich, northern neighbors want to get out their mess of a ne... read more
Chancey Jobs (Chancey Books Book 4)
Kay Dew Shostak
Carolina is opening a book store, but that isn't the biggest news on Chancey's Main Street. Why in the world would an upscale coffee shop be opening in the old junk store? Why would a fashionable young woman who's been on TMZ be moving onto Main Street? Who's the guy taking over Carolina's bookstore and at the same time moving in with Patty?
Pink Slips
Beth Aldrich
An Amazon bestselling author of 2012, for non-fiction Real Moms Love to Eat.A compelling and gripping debut Suspense Urban Thriller filled with unexpected twists that will keep you page-turning and rooting for Betsy Ryan until the early hours. Perfect for fans of Fractured and Gone Girl. “Aldrich’s book delivers a solidly structured and detail-filled plot that starts with a skillful, early bui... read more
The Rose and the Crane
Clint Dohmen
A Kinki samurai in King Henry's Court?With elements smacking of Monty Python and The Princess Bride, The Rose and the Crane is a historical adventure that brings knight and samurai together for a ribald road trip across the medieval world.The year? 1483. The place? China-adjacent. If you had told young Simon Lang that he’d spend his best years piloting a boat for a trumped-up Venetian, instead... read more
Tapping into Love
Monica McCallan
Lucy Parsons wants absolutely nothing to do with the Westmoore family or the maple syrup they produce. When Sierra Westmoore blows back into town after her father’s death and tries to rent a room at Lucy’s family’s bed-and-breakfast, The Maple Inn, Lucy kicks her out on the spot. It doesn’t matter that Sierra hasn’t set foot in Maple Run in fifteen years—the Westmoores are not allowed.But smal... read more
Then & Now
McCallan, Monica
Jessica has 47 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Jessica is always a pro! This is our 6th? book that we've collaborated on together, so she's definitely become my first reach out once I have a manuscript ready for next steps.
Monica McCallan, January 2023
Reply from Jessica Hatch
Loved working with Jessica. Excellent communicator, kept me updated through the whole process and gives those little extra touches that make everything seamless. Can't wait to work with her again in the future. Thanks, Jessica for all your word wizardry.
Lizzie Moult, October 2022
Reply from Jessica Hatch
I’ve had the good fortune to work with Jessica on several projects now, and each time I remain so grateful for her kindness and dedication throughout. As an editor, she has shown time and again that she truly cares about every one of our collaborations and her insight always makes my manuscripts better. I would emphatically recommend her to both novice authors and seasoned pros.
Sarah Holz, August 2022
Reply from Jessica Hatch
Working with Jessica is a real pleasure. She communicates timelines and expectations, and delivers beautifully. Her editing was exactly what I was hoping for in an editor. Her edits and comments were thorough and thoughtful. I will definitely work with her again.
Donna Miller, January 2022
Reply from Jessica Hatch
I can't say enough about Jessica's work proofreading the final version of my book. She connected with me well in advance of the beginning of the project to get aligned on how best to work with me and communicated regulalry throughout the engagement. Jessica also worked seamlessly with my designer to ensure her comments were incorporated and to vet any differences between the manuscript and the ...
Read more
Nate Thurgood, January 2022
Reply from Jessica Hatch
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Dionne McCulloch
Editor and story doctor specializing in developing your voice and shaping your story so it engages readers. US and UK markets
Jessica MacLeish
I'm an editor and writer with 10+ years of editorial experience in the publishing industry, specializing in children's and YA fiction.
