Jodi Fodor - Editor

I'm a very experienced editor who's worked on countless manuscripts for literary agencies and publishers; to name just a few: Penguin-Random House, SheWritesPress, McGraw-Hill, Serendipity Literary Agency, and Windword Literary Services. And because I'm also an English teacher, I'm passionate about words, writing style, grammar, and language.

We’re all drawing from the same word and punctuation pool, but when the right words are presented in just the right order, that’s magic. A well-crafted sentence can make readers ponder or laugh or weep. Sometimes it can even make them change.

My cooking contains a lot of fat; my writing and editing do not.

I'm an "idea coach." It's thrilling to help people figure out what they want to say and then guide them toward a compelling way to say it. If your narrative feels like a private exchange between you and the reader, the writing creates a connection that makes your work unforgettable. Sometimes you’ll even inspire epiphanies.

Most recently I’ve worked on memoir, fiction, YA, psychology/self-help, and business.

I’ve been a business and education freelance writer and editor since college. I had a couple of corporate jobs, wore a lot of suits, and led a lot of meetings. Then I became an entrepreneur. I can help you speak clearly to these audiences.

I’ve also taught and tutored hundreds of kids and young adults. I relate to them very well, so I can help you with your YA project or education title and with books that could be reinvented as apps. I had an award-winning app on the App Store for several years, and first it was a book.

I’ve been a professional singer for 17 years, performing with rock, pop, blues, and jazz duos and bands, so if your idea has something to do with the music world, I have a special perspective on that.

My MFA thesis is a 120-page collection of short stories. After two years in that very spirited fiction writing workshop, I know a few things about crafting stories.

My undergrad degree is in psychology, and during those studies I developed a love of scientific method. I also learned how to observe, which helps me quickly grasp 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 fast.

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REVIEWS

Mark Frost
Co-creator, Twin Peaks. Screenwriter, The Fantastic Four, Storyville. Author, The Paladin Prophecy, The Greatest Game Ever Played, The Secret History of Twin Peaks.

“In addition to having a superb editorial eye and spot-on narrative instincts, Jodi’s knowledge of the YA audience is so comprehensive I call her ‘the teen whisperer’. Her help in shading the voices of characters in this ever-evolving cohort was invaluable.”

Lisa F. Smith, Esq
Author, Girl Walks Out of a Bar

“My memoir, Girl Walks Out of a Bar—the colorful story of my descent into and recovery from addiction—would not be the bestseller that it is without Jodi Fodor. She provided a level of editing and revision that I hadn't even imagined. I had worked on this manuscript for many years, from scribbling the earliest ideas and passages to the formulation and reworking of a manuscript in workshops and with mentors—I thought the book was ready. But then Jodi got involved. With her doctoring, the pace increased, 60 pages were cut from the manuscript, and the story began to soar with visuals, humor, crisp dialogue, and metaphor. And she completely captured my voice, which I found fascinating. And now the book is flying off the shelves. It sold out its first printing in a week. I can't wait to work with her again!”

Katharine Sands
Agent, Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency

“Jodi Fodor is a truly excellent editorial collaborator. Keenly on-target, ever diligent and always on-time, Jodi is a delightful person to deal with - and a total pro. She brings her special blend of abilities - dramatic insight, dexterous text - to a myriad of writing projects, and does so with panache. Working with Jodi, I personally enjoy seeing clients' voices come alive, and their books published to acclaim. On behalf of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, I enthusiastically recommend Jodi Fodor - and ringingly endorse her!”

Herb Jordan
Writer, producer, composer. Owner, Adage Group. Author, Motown in Love

“Jodi and I have collaborated on a number of projects, including TV treatments, screenplays, nonfiction books, short fiction, and essays. I find her contributions invaluable, as she has the creativity of a true artist and the sharp eye of world-class editor. She comes to the table with ideas, and she creates the kind of energy that makes even more ideas come to life. For Motown in Love, she thoroughly researched and edited the content, revised the foreward, and kept the project moving for an on-time delivery to the publisher. As I wrote in the acknowledgments of that book, ‘Let it be said, every book should have a Jodi Fodor.’”

Tim Clegg
CEO, Americhip, Americhip Books

“Jodi has a special gift with words. Every time I show her a speech or essay I’ve written that I think is close to perfect, she turns it into something infinitely better. I can’t explain it really, it’s that ability that certain professionals have, and they make it look so easy. When you hear her version you can actually feel how smooth it is. Her writing can be very subtle or powerful, serious or funny. . . it’s a gift.”

Toni Robino
Owner/CEO, Windword Literary Services, LLC

“Jodi Fodor is one of the most creative, talented and skillful writers that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. In addition to having all the qualities that a successful writer and editor need to bring a book to fruition, Jodi has keen insights and a wonderful sense of humor.”