Jillian Manning

Jillian Manning – Editor

Hello, writers! After a decade on the editorial side of the publishing industry, I am now a freelance editor for children's books.

Overview

Hello! Jillian here (she/her). I am a former YA and children's acquisitions editor and have edited books for award-winning and bestselling authors, as well as renowned athletes and celebrities. But my favorite manuscripts are from talented, emerging writers ready to start an amazing career.

I have worked for Sourcebooks (imprints: Jabberwocky and Fire) and HarperCollins (imprints: Blink and Zonderkidz). I've had the honor to edit authors like Kwame Alexander, Zoraida Cordova, Rin Chupeco, Cory McCarthy, Miranda Kenneally, Allison Gervais, and many more.

I currently offer developmental (macro) editing, copyediting, and proofreading services for picture books. I also offer query letter reviews for young adult, middle grade, and picture books.

As far as an editing ethos goes, I love my Chicago Manual of Style and will wield it, but I defer to the importance of voice, especially when writing for young people.

Please note: I am NOT a fit for horror, urban/paranormal fantasy, or religious work.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • University of Denver Publishing Institute
  • University of Chicago Advanced Manuscript Editing Program
  • Yale Book Publishing Course

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2018 — Present

HarperCollins Publishers

Sep, 2014 — Jan, 2018 (over 3 years)

Sourcebooks, Inc.

Sep, 2012 — Sep, 2014 (about 2 years)

Independent Publisher Magazine

Jun, 2011 — Dec, 2020 (over 9 years)

Jillian has 21 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ashley S.

Ashley S.

Nov, 2024

Pinned
I was so impressed working with Jillian. Her edits were insightful and thoughtful and it definitely improved my story. She is professional, welcoming and I found her edits very valuable. I highly recommend working with Jillian!
Caroline K.

Caroline K.

Nov, 2023

Pinned
Working with Jillian was the best! She helped me through a very challenging project, which is a second edition of a book that I have already published. I am so pleased with the result! She is extremely detail-oriented and a very positive person to work with – I look forward to working with her...
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Jillian R.

Jillian R.

Jan, 2021

Pinned
Jillian did wonders with a full edit of my picture book manuscript and a query review. Not only does she have the sharpest grammar eye I have ever seen, she is also a true pleasure to work with & extremely easy to reach with questions & clarifications. As a new aspiring author on the Kidlit scene...
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Ashley S.

Ashley S.

Apr, 2025

I highly recommend working with Jillian! She has been wonderful, friendly and incredibly insightful. Her editing and guidance has been a huge help to me in improving and polishing my text. I am so grateful to her and would love to work with her again.
Stacie F.

Stacie F.

Feb, 2024

I truly enjoyed working with Jillian. She was very helpful, offered great insights and gave me the confidence to move forward in sending our my query. Thank you, Jillian!

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