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 10 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Julia K.

Julia K.

Sep, 2026

Jill provided an editorial letter that addressed both my larger structural and content questions and more granular aspects of my work. Although the letter was relatively short, each comment, whether highlighting a strong section or identifying totally garbage content (my own words, Jill was more ...
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Gail T.

Gail T.

Sep, 2026

I really appreciate Jill's approach, communication style, and expertise! If you're wondering whether you should take the leap, do it!
Christina K.

Christina K.

Mar, 2026

Jill Dearman was amazing to work with. Her developmental edit of my manuscript was timely and professional- her feedback was very encouraging and her notes on my book have helped so much- She is amazing to work with and her big note tips really helped me to elevate my manuscript from a diary - t...
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Zach T.

Zach T.

Jan, 2026

Jill gave a sample of her work when I was soliciting editors which really helped me to understand her process and helped me to see what I would be getting out of having a developmental editor. She finished ahead of schedule and provided phenomenal feedback that will not only help me to make this ...
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Jill D.
Thank you, Zach! It was my pleasure!
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!

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