Jo Mercer

Jo Mercer – Editor

Author and editor of 20 years who reads deeply, works quickly, and offers insight that will get you excited about your revisions.

Overview

I've been an active part of the publishing industry for over fifteen years – I’ve interned at a publishing company where I read submissions and wrote Revise & Resubmit reports, attended numerous SCBWI and Writer’s Digest conferences (both regional and national), have organized craft webinars and run writing workshops. I also co-host a revision podcast titles A Novel Ending.


I approach client manuscripts with the mindset that I am there to first understand what your intention was, and second, to help that come across more clearly or more richly on the page.


Traditionally published clients describe my editing style as “kind and astute” as well as “so well thought out and helpful.” Independently published clients say "I never want to write another book without Joanna Mercer. She did far more than help a debut author polish wild prose into something I’m proud to put into the world. Her masterful understanding of the craft, and her deep care for the integrity and vision of the story, truly helped elevate my first novel. Every revision and suggestion she made helped scenes read clearer and land even better. As I worked my way through edits, which included detailed notes and a wealth of knowledge, I felt myself growing in my own craft. Working with Joanna will not only make your story as polished as it can possibly be; it will make you a better writer.”



Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Epic Fantasy Romance Urban Fantasy Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS)
Awards
  • Moonbeam Award
  • Readers' Favorite Award
  • Canadian Book Club Finalist
  • The BookLife Prize finalist
Certifications
  • EFA member

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2017 — Present

My goal in offering editorial services is to shine a light and bring inspiration to the story you are aiming to tell. As explained by a client, “Mercer’s in-line commentary was enlightening… Never once were her comments condescending – all of her feedback was honest and straightforward and given in the spirit of truly wanting my manuscript to be the best it could be.”

I offer full manuscript critiques, developmental editing, line editing, proofreading, and copy-editing services.

Entangled Publishing

Sep, 2013 — Sep, 2014 (about 1 year)

My role here was to read manuscript submissions and write up editorial letters for the editor I worked under. On occasion, I was also in charge of Revise and Resubmit letters.

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