Jessica Lack

Jessica Lack – Editor

Experienced editor who works with top publishers, brands, and bestsellers. Let's geek out over your manuscript and make it even better!

Overview

I'm an editor and proofreader with over 300 published titles under my belt who's been lucky enough to work in multiple facets of the publishing industry. I've evaluated queries for literary agencies, edited content for the companion book to director James Cameron's STORY OF SCIENCE FICTION television series, and worked with well-known publishers (HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster), brands (Harry Potter and Marvel), and authors (Erin Hunter and Hannah Grace).


I have a Master's degree in children's literature and particularly love kids' lit, but I've worked on everything from cookbooks to comics to crossword puzzles. And I'm particularly passionate about getting more underrepresented groups (LGBTQ+, POC, etc.) front and center in all genres! I'm also a published author whose own work has been a #1 Amazon Best Seller. I would be thrilled to fall madly in love with your story and help you make your work that much more amazing.


"Jessica edited a variety of fiction manuscripts for readers ranging from 6+ to Young Adult. She also commented on plot outlines and took part in creative brainstorms. In all of these tasks she demonstrated great insight and understanding of story-telling. She identified issues that weren’t working, coming up with productive solutions, and thought up ideas to enrich the story. She finished tasks quickly but always showed close attention to detail. She was enthusiastic and personable - overall, a fantastic addition to the team." - Will Severs, Working Partners Ltd.


"Jessica was an absolute pleasure to work with and approached tasks, regardless of if they were creative and complex or routine and repetitive, with the same gusto, attention to detail and can-do attitude. I would highly recommend Jessica as a new addition to any team." - Simon Armstrong, HarperCollins Children's Books


"I found Jessica incredibly professional, insightful, and eager [. . .] When receiving materials from Jessica, I always knew the work would be of the highest quality." - Chris Richman, Upstart Crow Literary

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
LGBTQ Fiction Magical Realism Middle Grade Paranormal Romance Post-Apocalyptic Urban Fantasy Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Pinsent Prize for Outstanding MA Work
  • 2016 Roehampton Creative Writing Contest Winner

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2018 — Present

I provide developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading services to many traditional publishers, including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, Macmillan, and Quarto.

Callisto Media

Jan, 2018 — Dec, 2022 (almost 5 years)

Insight Editions

Jan, 2017 — Mar, 2018 (about 1 year)

Working Partners Ltd

Apr, 2016 — May, 2016 (about 1 month)

I provided developmental edits on plot outlines and manuscripts for readers 6+ to YA at all stages of production. I participated in group brainstorm sessions to develop new creative properties and expand upon existing ones. I also proofread and copy-edited manuscripts near the final stage of production.

HarperCollins Publishers

Nov, 2015 — Dec, 2015 (about 1 month)

Reference:

Jessica interned at HarperCollins Children’s Books earlier this year, working between the Publicity and Marketing departments. Jessica was an absolute pleasure to work with and approached tasks, regardless of if they were creative and complex or routine and repetitive, with the same gusto, attention to detail and can-do attitude. I would highly recommend Jessica as a new addition to any team.

Simon Armstrong
Events Executive, HarperCollins Children’s Books

Disenchanted Publishing

Aug, 2014 — Feb, 2015 (6 months)

Completed in-depth developmental edits on manuscripts for publisher specializing in romantic fiction.

AECOM

May, 2014 — Aug, 2015 (over 1 year)

Nameless Magazine

Oct, 2012 — Jan, 2013 (3 months)

I evaluated short stories submitted for publication in university electronic magazine, and edited and provided feedback on both accepted and rejected submissions.

Folio Literary Management

Aug, 2012 — Jan, 2013 (5 months)

Evaluated queries and sample pages from writers and provided feedback on requested partial and full manuscripts. Provided in-depth editing and feedback on manuscripts written by existing clients.

Veridian Environmental, Inc.

May, 2011 — May, 2014 (about 3 years)

Upstart Crow Literary

Jan, 2011 — Jun, 2011 (5 months)

Evaluated queries and sample pages from writers seeking representation from literary agent specializing in children's literature. Provided feedback on requested partial and full manuscripts, and in-depth editing on manuscripts written by existing clients.

Portfolio

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest

Hartman, Aubrey

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

The Empty Place

Cole, Olivia A

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

What Wakes the Bells

Tesch, Elle

Feiwel & Friends

Unsteady: A Novel

Corinne, Peyton

The Key & the Flame

Caterer, Claire M.

Pandemic

Ventresca, Yvonne

Skip to the End

Holt, Jeremy

Skinned

Holt, Jeremy

Superior

Lack, Jessica

Jessica has 12 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

John P.

John P.

Jun, 2024

Jessica gave good suggestions and pointed out corrections that I had not noticed. Her knowlege of marketing by genres was especially helpful and has prevented me from going in the wrong direction with this novel.
Rebekah W.

Rebekah W.

Mar, 2024

Jessica did a fabulous job at getting my manuscript ready for the wider world. She has a keen eye for improvements that make a burgeoning story pop. Highly recommend!
Jordan F.

Jordan F.

Jan, 2024

Very impressed with how quick Jessica's work was! She has been a tremendous help in keeping me on track to publish my upcoming debut novel at my intended time period.
Jordan F.

Jordan F.

Dec, 2023

Jessica was a wonderful copy editor for me! Her advice has really helped me to provide the proper polish that my novel needs and I appreciate the fact that she's not shy to admit how much she's been enjoying my writing, providing occasional compliments and lighthearted comments on my story's use of description and humor. Her tips have injected a lot of confidence into me as a writer, helping me...
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Sydney T.

Sydney T.

Nov, 2023

Jessica is amazing. She takes her time and is very thorough. She answers any questions you have with great detail. I loved working with her.

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