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? Have you shared with critique partners and beta readers and still feel like something isn’t quite working, but you don’t know what to do next? Or maybe you're working on your first story and need guidance?

I’d love to help!

With a Columbia MBA, decades of writing, fact-checking, and editing across multiple industries, six years mentoring Pitch Wars, almost two decades studying craft, and four books across different genres to my name, I am an award-winning author and developmental editor uniquely suited to evaluate manuscripts.

I am known for detailed, comprehensive edit letters that delve deep into the heart of the story. My feedback is tailored to each manuscript and ranges from big pictures issues such as structure 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.

Please note: I am not a good fit for graphic novels, time travel, or portal stories.

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 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 the world of books and beyond. She will not work with anyone who discriminates against marginalized or underrepresented people, either on the page or off.