Jessie Campbell – Editor

I’m passionate about making every manuscript the best it can be. I partner with each client to help them realize their vision for their career. My coworkers call me “the grammar queen,” and my clients have said working with me is like going to “writing school” (in a good way). Also, I’m dedicated to centering marginalized voices in every way I can and promoting diversity and inclusion in everything I do.

I’ve been an editor since 2015—in traditional publishing, freelancing with independent authors, and book marketing. In addition, I attend publishing conferences and serve on expert panels. By choosing me, you’ll benefit from this rich experience in the book world on top of my expertise in making books shine.

Most of my business comes from referrals and repeat clients. My client list includes a mix of brand-new writers, USA Today bestselling authors, and writers who are somewhere in between. Testimonials are available upon request.

Here’s how it works. Once I learn more about you and your vision, I’ll present a detailed plan of how I will partner with you to give your manuscript the best possible service. No surprises and open communication, always. And I promise not to overpromise. Every potential client receives a free sample edit and an optional consultation video chat before committing. That’s because I want you to feel confident you’ve picked the right editor for you.

Developmental editing:

I’ll take an objective look at your plot, character development, storytelling, tone, world-building, order, flow, readability, pacing, characterization, setting, and more, keeping an eye on your vision, target audience, and industry/genre standards. I’ll help resolve subplots, round out or merge characters, and develop motivations and emotions within a plausible plot. I’ll work to enhance the aspects of your writing that make you exceptional.

Copyediting:

Copyediting is my most popular and most robust editing service. I’ll work through every single sentence of your manuscript to help you make it the best it can be—both in terms of the writing itself AND the storytelling. I’ll correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, style, usage, too-long sentences, overuse of italics and exclamation points, and excessive passive voice. I’ll flag doubtful facts, contradictory passages, and jumbled timelines. I’ll scrutinize for consistency—both within a project and across a series.

Proofreading:

Proofreading is a magnifying glass focused on cleaning up your writing—but not the narrative itself. I’ll check grammar, punctuation, spelling, style adherence, and verbiage. Note: I decline proofreading jobs for extremely rough manuscripts; I believe it is a disservice to authors to skip ahead to proofreading before a manuscript is ready.

If you hire me, you’ll gain a partner and a coach, someone who will work tirelessly to maximize your manuscript’s potential. Writing is intensely personal, and you need an editor who’s kind and fun to work with, one who is aligned with your goals. You need someone in your corner who will make you feel empowered, not defeated. Submit your brief to me to find out if that someone is me!