Jessica Vitalis – Editor

Are you a frustrated writer with dreams of becoming a published author? Have you queried manuscripts only to be given the feedback that your story “isn’t right” for a particular agent? Or that your readers aren’t connecting with the story/characters in the way you want them to? Are you planning to self publish and want to make sure you're putting your best work into the world? Or maybe you're working on your first story and need guidance?

I’d love to help!

With almost two decades studying craft and four traditionally published (HarperCollins) books across different genres, I am an award-winning author and developmental editor uniquely suited to evaluate manuscripts.

I am known for detailed, comprehensive assessments that delve deep into the heart of the story. My feedback is individually tailored and ranges from big pictures issues such as plot and character development to craft tips designed to help level up your writing skills so that you walk away with new tools to help you attack your current revisions and shape future stories.

Because my analysis often identifies structural opportunities for improvement, my feedback is best suited for writers willing to tackle big revisions in order to maximize their story's potential.

Testimonials:

Jessica is one of the best editors I know in the children’s book world. She’s whip smart, clever, caring, communicative, and above all else demands deep and thoughtful analysis of all aspects of my work. Jessica pushed me and challenged me to see my work as a professional…as a result of her guidance, I emerged from the editing experience feeling like I could handle anything as a writer. Her words of advice as well as her notes in my work have served me for every manuscript I’ve completed…I continue to be grateful for Jessica’s expertise. -Author Kit Rosewater (Amulet and Delacorte)

Jessica’s thoughtful, in-depth approach to developmental editing is pitch perfect! Her insightful questions and comments struck right to the heart of the lingering issues in my book and gave me an easy springboard to dive back into rewrites. I can’t recommend her highly enough! ~ Author Cory Leonardo (Aladdin)

Jessica has a keen eye for both big picture and line level edits which took my manuscript from barely there to query ready! Her knowledge of story structure paired with a natural instinct about what works were invaluable. ~Award-winning author María José Fitzgerald (Penguin Random House)

Jessica has a particularly keen eye for overarching story issues that are difficult for writers to see when they’re close to their own story. She delivers feedback in an exceptionally kind and thoughtful manner which makes it easy to digest...she's been instrumental for me in identifying the root causes of problems in my books and in brainstorming ways to resolve those problems. I highly suggest working with her! ~Juliana Brandt (Sourcebook and Aladdin)

Note: Jessica supports equity and inclusivity in books and beyond. She will not work with anyone who discriminates against marginalized or underrepresented people, either on the page or off.