Jodi Fodor - Editor

Los Angeles, CA, United States

I'm an editor with an MFA in creative writing, so I have the magic tools to make words sing. And I'm speedy! Let's develop your best idea.

Overview

I'm a writer, editor, book doctor, ghost. And because I'm also an English teacher, I'm passionate about words, writing style, grammar, and language!

I've found that I'm an effective "idea coach"; I find it thrilling to help people figure out what they want to say and then guide them toward a compelling way to say it. Every writing assignment must first consider its audience. I say, write your narrative as if it's a private exchange between you and the reader. Just as in life, that kind of personal interaction often results in feelings of connection, understanding, and maybe even some of those gorgeous moments we call epiphanies.
And it makes them want to come back.

My specialty is writing lean prose that never drags. My cooking contains a lot of fat. My writing does not.

A lover of scientific method and a lifelong student of psychology, I like to observe and listen, which helps me look quickly beneath the surface to understand the heart of an issue. This will be an asset to you if you want my help creating a piece of writing that hits (as we like to say in music) "the center of the note." It's beautiful to the ear.

One more thing: whether developing ideas, writing, or reworking other people's drafts--I'm quick!

Services

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment

Languages

English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (SA) English (UK) English (US)

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Education & Reference Self-help & Self-improvement Social & Behavioral Sciences

Fiction

Children's - Middle Grade Humor & Comedy Literature Short Story Young Adult & Teen

Certifications

MFA, Creative Writing

Awards

Common Sense Media's ON For Learning Award

Work experience

Writer/Editor/Developer

Self-employed

January, 1993 – Present (over 24 years)

Because my clients represent such a broad range of industries and interests, I've developed the ability to write and edit effectively across genres, themes, and subjects.

I've worked as a writer, editor, and developer of ideas in business, education, music, tech, and toys, and I've studied fiction writing extensively. I've written, doctored, and ghosted some very exciting essays, articles, speeches, marketing campaigns, books, and sections of books. Some of my clients are represented by their logos in the Gallery section of this profile.

I'm the creator and content developer of the award-winning vocabulary app, SAT Word Slam. It's snarky, so it was a lot of fun to write.

And I'm a former college English teacher (and current English and writing tutor), so I truly care about language; my standards are high (just ask my students). Several times a week, I refer to grammar and style guides just for fun. Yes, fun!

Portfolio (4 selected works)

Girl Walks Out of a Bar: A Memoir

Lisa F. Smith

"Lisa Smith gives us a darkly comic, honest, and completely relatable inside look at high-functioning addiction in the world of corporate law-a sort of 'Sex and the Psych Ward.' It's inspiring, informative, and impossible to put down." --Jennifer Belle, best-selling author of High Maintenance and The Seven Year Bitch "Whether she's telling the town car driver to turn around so she can ditch sh... read more

The Paladin Prophecy: Book 1

Mark Frost

From the co-creator of the groundbreaking television show Twin Peaks comes an exciting adventure series with a unique combination of mystery, heart-pounding action, and the supernatural. Meet your new action-adventure addiction!Will West is careful to live life under the radar. At his parents' insistence, he's made sure to get mediocre grades and to stay in the middle of the pack on his cross-... read more

The Little Book of Healthy Beauty: Simple Daily Habits to Get You Glowing

Dr. Pina LoGiudice

As seen on Dr. Oz, a revolutionary, naturopathic plan that enhances beauty, improves health, and reverses aging, Dr. Pina's powerful program is guaranteed to make you glow from the inside out.The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to use the most natural methods to achieve optimal health and beauty. People who follow this philosophy have a "glow"--an almost indescribable radiance, beauty, ... read more

Motown in Love: Lyrics from the Golden Era

Here at last: all the words to all the great love songs from the golden era of Motown, when the Motown sound dominated the charts and kids fell in love, broke up, and fell in love again to its irresistibly danceable hits. Born in inner-city Detroit but loved by people all around the world, the songs of Motown remain unmistakable and unforgettable: “I’ll Be There,” “My Girl,” “Ain’t No Mountain... read more