Jessica Powers – Editor

Hi! I love books and I love a killer essay or short story or poem. Story is one of the best ways to connect people and engage hearts, minds, and spirits.

I have been an editor and publicist in the publishing industry for twenty-two years. Both as a full-time employee for a publisher focused on multicultural titles for children and adults, and as owner of my own publishing company that publishes literary novels, short story collections, memoir, crime fiction, and children's and young adult titles, I bring to the table a deep and wide experience in both editing and marketing. All in all, I have edited and marketed over three hundred books in all genres and for all ages. I have worked in almost every aspect of the book publishing business and love to help writers bring their work to the next level.

I can offer not only developmental and assessment editorial services, copyediting and proofreading, but also marketing and publicity services, self-publishing and publishing consulting advice, and editorial/marketing assessments that include a comparative analysis of your book. I was one of six Publishers Weekly's Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the publishing industry for 2019.

I'm an award-winning author of nine published books for children, young adults, and adults, under the name J.L. Powers. These include The Confessional; This Thing Called the Future; That Mad Game: Growing Up in a Warzone; Amina: Through My Eyes; Colors of the Wind: The Story of Blind Artist and Champion Runner George Mendoza; Broken Circle; and Under Water. I have also written and published hundreds of articles, essays, short stories, poems, and book reviews as a freelance writer.

No matter where writers begin, or what level of accomplishment they have already achieved or wish to achieve, I love the mentoring process. I would love to work with you.

Quotes From Writers

“Jessica has edited four of my book-length manuscripts over the past decade, and I couldn't be happier or more appreciate... She has a sharp and intuitive editorial eye that she applies at both the global and line-editing levels. Jessica perceptively critiques and agilely advises, addressing the full gamut... Each time I work with her, I become a better writer, and my manuscripts reflect that. Run, don't walk, to her editorial services!” Shirley Vernick, author of The Blood Lie, Remember Dippy, The Black Butterfly, and Falling Stars

“Notes from Jessica are a precious, aha-moment gift from a wise mentor. Her discerning eye and pointed yet encouraging comments cut to the chase about what works and what doesn’t... I'm grateful for her critiques that've been integral in refining my three published novels and fourth in progress. I highly recommend her services.” Sonia Patel, author of Rani Patel In Full Effect; Jaya and Rasa; and Bloody Seoul.

“Jessica has worked as an editor of my fantasy novels for the past ten years. I completely trust her intuition and guidance and love working with her.” George Mendoza, author of the Spirit Man trilogy