Jessie Campbell

Jessie Campbell – Editor

Freelance editor offering top-notch manuscript editing with a backlist of bestselling authors who repeatedly choose me for every new release

Overview

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!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Fantasy Historical Fiction LGBTQ Fiction Paranormal Romance Science Fiction Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • TEFL

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2015 — Present

Previously a freelance editor, I launched a full-service editing services company and now lead a diverse team of talented developmental editors, copyeditors, and proofreaders to serve my rapidly growing client list. We’re a small but dedicated team with combined editing experience across nearly all genres of both fiction and nonfiction, as well as web content editing and book blurb writing. I am passionate about what I do, and my industry know-how goes far beyond grammar.

After a few years, I expanded my services to include book coaching due to popular demand from existing clients. This involves weekly accountability sessions and assignments to help writers finish their books.

Note: I am an advanced Spanish speaker. Although I don’t edit Spanish manuscripts, I am qualified to correct small amounts of Spanish in English-language books.

BookBub and Chirp

Jan, 2016 — Present

I work with BookBub and Chirp book data, manage content, proofread book blurbs, assemble emails to millions of members, proofread partner and reader blogs, and much more. BookBub is considered the gold standard in ebook marketing, and my wealth of knowledge from years of working on the front lines of their product extends beyond simple email marketing. I have natural expertise in publisher descriptions, genre audience expectations, cover trends, and much more. Also, audiobooks are exploding right now, and my back-end presence on the Chirp team from day one has given me unparalleled insight into that world.
Note: My clients do not receive special treatment regarding BookBub services; my work at BookBub and Chirp is totally separate from my editorial business.

Pelican Publishing Company

Sep, 2015 — Nov, 2015 (2 months)

I worked as an intern in the largest independent book published in the US South. Because it is a small organization, I saw the full scope of editorial duties, including acquisitions.

- Edited full book manuscripts—both copyediting and developmental editing.
- Provided substantive edits on full books to be released in the coming season, including two adult nonfiction books and several children’s picture books.
- Proofread typeset copy and edited book projects.
- Evaluated manuscripts under consideration before they went to the editorial board.
- Sat in on, and sometimes led, talent management meetings to help guide authors through the editorial process.
- Reviewed rough and final art for accuracy, consistency, and style.
- Proofread typeset books for missed errors at a late stage.

Self-employed

Jan, 2008 — Present

I have edited hundreds of manuscripts through my writing groups. My first short story publication (of many) was in 2008. I was a panelist and insider at UTOPiAcon from its inception in 2012. I wrote and shelved two novels—epic fantasy followed by historical fiction—so I have an intimate understanding of the grueling process you just went through writing your book as well as the ins and outs of world-building and intricate research (and the perils of the dreaded info-dump).

Portfolio

The movie “Nottinghill” with a dash of flames.World-renowned author Rebecca Finlay seems to have it all—award-winning books, fame and fortune—but her reality is bleaker than the public eye sees. Widowed three years ago, she tries to juggle her celebrity status... read more
This is not The Little Red Riding Hood we grew up with. Supernatural races—vampires, werewolves, witches, you name it—all exist. Eighteen-year-old Rue Chaperon and her family belong to an elite hunting society, the S.H.A—Supernatural Hunting Association—and wh... read more
Adler Berriman “Barry” Seal had a brief, but spectacular, career as a cocaine smuggler-turned DEA informant. At the height of his career, he was under investigation by the DEA in Mena, Arkansas, and New Orleans, Louisiana, in addition to being under the watchf... read more
When the diviners were rounded up and slaughtered in World War II, they were believed by a few Nazi supporters to be extinct. Fourteen-year-old Bradley doesn’t know his people’s existence is that dire of a secret. Not until he reunites with his godsister, who ... read more
After the deaths of her father and sister, Lou Harrison hopes that moving to Somerville with her mother will be the fresh start they need—but the secrets that hide in the small town threaten to shatter the order of Lou’s life all over again. Somerville is stil... read more
Hercules faces his biggest challenge yet—the Louisiana swamps! Including battles with a twelve-clawed crawfish and the taming of a raging hurricane, this Cajun reimagining of the Hercules legend stirs together myth, culture, and Louisiana spice. Sent down to t... read more
Natasha’s life begins the night she is turned. With the ability to channel fire, a gift that only belongs to the witches, she becomes a terror— not only to the packs, but all the supernatural breeds. She’s known as Blaze. The deadliest vampire out there.But Bl... read more
Now that Mary van Amsterdam is dead, she can finally live.The Amsterdam Afterlife empowered Mary, in a way she’d only dreamed of in the living realm. She's devoted herself to the Tragically Dead in Recovery—quirky dead animals, struggling to come to terms with... read more
No Be From Hia

Natasha Omokhodion- Kalulu Banda

A homecoming tale of a family brought together by migration and torn apart by tragedy and secrets. In a search for identity, love and acceptance - two ordinary girls travel from London to Lusaka to Lagos in order to save their family and discover their destiny... read more
Join Abby Steel on a series of breathtaking international adventures with Steel Journeys - an all-female motorcycle touring company where she calls all the shots. From huts to hotels, it's never the same adventure twice.Book 1: The Road To PatagoniaTo some peo... read more
Half Sword

Matson, Christopher

THE WARMUP GUY

Robert Perlow

A comedy show where no one is laughing is anything but funny, so from the late 1970s to the early 2000s, stand-up comedian Robert Perlow made it his mission to keep the energy flowing on television sets. Perlow perfected his routine as a warmup guy on the sets... read more
Two people begrudgingly perfect for each other, creates the ideal recipe for imperfect love.At 24 years old, Holly Scallanger has the perfect life. Everything a girl could want; a beautiful man, a stunning home, as well as being in the midst of preparing for t... read more
Was Dr. Etienne Deschamps a vicious murderer, or insane? The French dentist made his home in the French Quarter of New Orleans. In addition to traditional dental procedures, he treated patients by using his supposed magnetic and hypnotic powers, frequently usi... read more
On July 18, 1969, Ted Kennedy drove his Oldsmobile 88 off Dike Bridge and into Poucha Pond in Chappaquiddick, Massachusetts, after a night of partying in nearby Edgartown. Kennedy was unharmed and returned to Edgartown as if nothing had happened. His cousin Jo... read more
Mr. Sandman, send me a dream, ta da da da.....Seventeen year old Chastity Blake knows the Sandman is just a silly children's story parents tell their children to get them to sleep. At least she thought it was, until the day a mysterious, light golden sand appe... read more
A fascinating look at the brave belles of Missouri! Wives, sisters, daughters, lovers, friends, and mothers—they risked their lives and their freedom to give aid and comfort to their menfolk. In spite of the danger, they persevered in feeding, clothing, and sh... read more
Ethan Sutcliff seems like a normal seventeen-year-old—at least that's what he's trying to portray. In a secret society run by the Supernaturals, Ethan is what witches call a Bender. Benders are Witches' Guardians, who are able to control a witches' ability, be... read more
Please note that this is not for YA Audience like the Dragonian SeriesEveryone knows the Rubicon is predestined for evil, and the alpha dragon does nothing to change their opinions of him. What they don't know is that he harbors a secret, a secret that can set... read more
REVOLUTION A 5th Year Anniversary Anthology for UTOPiA 2016 A diverse and celebratory collection of stories based on the theme of Revolution. With eight stories written in a variety of genres, from Paranormal Romance, to Sci-Fi Dystopia, to Magic Realism, to P... read more
Moonbeam follows Blake and Elena ten years later from where the last novel, Starlight, ended.What if your 'what if' becomes finally an option. Would you go and change the past...?
PLEASE NOTE THAT IT'S A DARK FANTASY AND NOT FOR YAEveryone in Paegeia knows that only one Rubicon dragon lives at a time.If more than one, they will destroy Paegeia and eventually the rest of the world as they crave that constant power for dominance.Blake Lea... read more
The Curse

Kristin Ping

Dreamcatchers can't ward off nightmares if your nightmare is your reality? Moving to a small town is the last thing Melanie wanted, but her entire family, even her identical twin, Emily, assures her it's the best thing for her family. But Melanie knows it's ju... read more
Chastity Blake discovered the hard way what she was: a modern-day Sandman. But things aren't looking up for Chastity. She is guarding a secret deep within her — her dark sand, or what Reverians call her Shadow. Shadow Casters are known for their dark dreams, t... read more

Jessie has 12 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Vanessa T.

Vanessa T.

Mar, 2023

This has been my third collaboration with Jessie and her team and I plan to keep coming back. They are so helpful in finding the weak places in my stories and providing ways to improve.
alex R.

alex R.

Apr, 2022

Jessie and Rita did a great job on cleaning up my writing with some key notes to make the manuscript better.
Vanessa T.

Vanessa T.

Mar, 2022

This is my second project with Jessie and her team. Their feedback has been instrumental in helping me actually learn how to write and craft a great story.
Jeremy P.

Jeremy P.

Jan, 2022

Working with Jessie and her team was the best decision I've made so far in this process of writing my first book. I initially thought I needed only final editing, but after her first assessment she helped me understand the need for developmental editing and explained what that would actually involve. They were punctual with their timelines, flexible in letting me push it back the second round ...
Read more
Christopher M.

Christopher M.

Jul, 2021

Jessie and her team provided a competent, hands-on editing service. She was flexible, adapting her approach to the needs of my draft and meticulous in sorting through the rather complex story structure she was given. I will use Jessie's services again.

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