Jill Dearman

Jill Dearman – Editor

Crime, LGBTQ, memoir, self-help, new age editor. Author: BANG THE KEYS (Penguin), for writers. Here to nail your vision & voice with verve!

Overview

The X factor cannot be taught or bought, but as an editor my goal is to be an alchemist of the WOW for you. Developmental editing, manuscript critiques, and query editing are my specialties. In working on a manuscript, I take special care to note what is most compelling in the parts and the whole of the work, as well as portions that need an infusion of energy. I embody your ideal reader, the one who really “gets” you and expects and desires your best tale, your strongest storytelling skills. For without that spark of uniqueness, and the irresistible magnetism of an extraordinary creation, how can we expect your work to strike a universal chord in the outer world?

I am the author of seven books including Bang the Keys, a book for writers published by Penguin. I am also a Prof. of Writing in Liberal Studies at NYU; for a decade I taught classes in editing at NYU, as well. In addition, I have connections to many agents and editors, and will help bring your projects to fruition in the real world before depression or drink destroy your nerve!

Finally, I am also the author of two astrology books from St. Martins and an expert in metaphysical material. If desired, I also can tap into your chart to help you discover the magic in your writing!

Voila!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Historical Fiction LGBTQ Fiction Mystery & Crime Short Story Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • My novel Jazzed was chosen by Kirkus as one of their Best Historical Fiction Books of 2022

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2003 — Present
Eclectic editor, NYU writing prof. and well-published author. I have over 20 years experience and specialize in helping my authors seal the deal.

The New York City Department of Education

Jun, 2013 — Jan, 2018 (over 4 years)
I edited public-facing publications at the NYC Department of Education which were sent out to over a million parents and families.

New York University

Sep, 2001 — Present
I teach writing in Liberal Studies at NYU. Before that, I taught writing in the Journalism Dept. where I also created & taught editing courses.

Jill has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Rasheed A.

Rasheed A.

Oct, 2025

I enjoyed working with Jill. She read my transcript and left notes on passages that she thought merited more explanation or to be cut. She was generous with praise, but I felt rather rushed by her, and wanted to ask her more questions.
Jill D.
Please note, upon repeated nudges from client about the project, I turned it in one full month ahead of time!
laurell L.

laurell L.

Sep, 2025

I'm very thankful I found Jill for this project. She is clear and direct. Her enthusiasm for my project made me fall in love with writing all over again. Her editing of the project was right on, and the needed changes really made the end result a strong piece of work. I would definitively work...
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Jill D.
It has been an absolute pleasure!
Teri G.

Teri G.

Jan, 2025

I loved working with Jill! She was professional and worked with me like a coach, I was hoping she would be. Jill was encouraging, thorough, respectful, very clear and concise. I feel as though she was vested in my project and in helping me to improve my book. This was a great experience. I would ...
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Teri G.

Teri G.

Jan, 2025

Jill was/is very professional, responsive and thoughtful in our work together. Not only did I enjoy working with Jill, but I particularly appreciated her also being good at explaining her process, which allowed a back and forth between us. She made no assumptions and asked me relevant and insight...
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Ned E.

Ned E.

Feb, 2024

Jill is an incredibly insightful, enthusiastic and considerate editor, equal parts encouraging and guiding. I've enjoyed every aspect of working with her and would do so again in a heartbeat.

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