Jill Dearman – Editor

Are you seeking an eclectic editor with decades of experience, referrals upon request, a head for business and a bod for sin? (Pop culture afficionados to the front!) Look no further. I am the author of seven books including Bang the Keys, a book for writers published by Penguin, and Jazzed, a historical true crime novel, and recipient of the coveted Kirkus star. I am also a PT Prof. of Writing in Liberal Studies at NYU; for a decade I taught classes in editing at NYU, as well. In addition, I am a renowned writing coach and workshop leader. As an author, I am repped by a super-agent and am colleagues with many more agents and editors. I will help bring your projects to fruition in the real world before depression or drink destroy your nerve!

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. A manuscript is like a fine piece of music. Pitch and tone are essential, as well as the overall impact of the composition. A sensitive ear, experience and skill, and a love of the craft are the key elements that YOU should be seeking in an editor. In working on a manuscript, I take care to read for tone, and note what is most compelling in the parts and the whole of the work, as well as portions that lack narrative momentum. I embody your ideal reader, the one who really “gets” you and expects and desires your best tale, and your strongest storytelling skills. I treat your work like a child, whom I have been honored with the gift of Godmothering. Like you, I aim to remove the obstacles from your baby’s life, and help that being to grow and thrive in the real world, in keeping with her true nature. For without that spark of uniqueness, and the irresistible energy of an extraordinary creation, how can we expect your work to strike a universal chord in the outer world?