Jonathan Wright

Jonathan Wright – Editor

An obsessive copy editor with thirty years of hard-hitting, results-driven copy editing for numerous publishers and individual authors.

Overview

Copy editing is my tenacious passion and a fiercely integral part of who I have been for the past three decades. Molding copy into easy-to-understand, error-free reading material brings me great satisfaction as a meticulous editor who has worked with newspapers, Christian book publishers, and editorial services. Editing book manuscripts, however, has been my strength over the years, and it gives me great pleasure to fine-tune a writer's words into professional, easy-to-ready copy.

Questions? I ask questions—boy, do I ever! If something you're written doesn’t quite make sense, if a statement or statistic doesn’t ring true, I'll research it or post a query to you to confirm its accuracy. In this day of instant information retrieval when facts can be easily checked by virtually anyone in a matter of seconds, it’s more important than ever to be accurate. However, my sometimes-pesky questions aren’t limited simply to facts. I also ask about the efficacy of certain elements of your writing that may or may not create the results you wanted. Words are great tools when used properly, and running interference in questioning an author’s intentions when needed is a vital responsibility of any copy editor.

Without a doubt, I’m what you would call a “reader’s advocate.” When working on a manuscript, I’m constantly ruminating on how the reader will perceive your words. If you fail to clarify a term, statement, or opinion that will leave questions in the reader’s mind and create confusion, I’ll work on that with you to assure that those items are made clear. Additionally, I constantly focus on assuring that your wording is smooth and uninterrupted by confusing elements. A reader should not have to back up and reread a passage to determine what you were really trying to say. Sometimes exhausting but, of course, ultimately rewarding--these are just a few of the multitude of items I focus on in making your manuscript shine!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Inspirational Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Christian Fiction Historical Fiction Historical Romance Middle Grade
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Certa Publishing

May, 2019 — Present

Copy editing a variety of manuscripts, conforming them to proper style. Providing questions regarding various concerns or needed changes.

Dust Jacket Press

Sep, 2017 — Present

Copy editing book manuscripts from a variety of authors. Communicating with authors regarding various corrections and other modifications. Checking page proofs at least twice (often many more times) and assuring that all final changes have been made, along with examining the proofs for any last changes needed.

CED

Aug, 2016 — Present

Editing and proofreading a variety of book manuscripts and other projects, Communicating with authors in making corrections and other modifications according to proper style.

Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City

Jan, 1993 — Dec, 2014 (almost 22 years)

Provided copy editing services for a wide variety of Christian books. Checked page proofs. Worked with authors to clarify any problem areas. Submitted applications for Cataloging-in-Publication data. Guided authors in securing permission for use of copyrighted material when needed. Wrote back-cover copy and some promotional material as requested.

Portfolio

Keeping Kyla

Crombie, Joan

Jonathan has 37 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Carly W.

Carly W.

Mar, 2024

Jonathan is wonderful, patient and helpful. This was my second time working with Jonathan and it was just as successful as the first time working with him. His edits are clear and precise and sometimes of his suggestions are things I didn’t see at first glance, but I was happy he brought them to my attention. Thanks again for all your help Jonathan.
Jonathan W.
Carly is such a gracious, industrious author, always open to suggestions to make her writing the best possible. It's a pleasure working with her!
Michael Anthony C.

Michael Anthony C.

Mar, 2024

Jonathan was worth every penny! He did a fantastic job proofreading and some "light" editing on my manuscript! I would highly recommend him to any aspiring author!
Jonathan W.
Michael is great! It was a wonderful privilege working for him.
Shammrie B.

Shammrie B.

Dec, 2023

Jonathan was professional and responsive. He reviewed my manuscript in a timely manner. I appreciate his kindness and encouragement.
Jonathan W.
Great working with Shammrie! A good writer with deep insight.
Ernie C.

Ernie C.

Nov, 2023

Thank you, Jonathan, for bringing your expertise and experience to my manuscript. You were thorough, concise, and timely with this project. I look forward to working with you on my next book. Thanks again.
Jonathan W.
Ernie is a great author and a pleasure to work with. It's always a pleasure to serve authors like him!
Nathan R.

Nathan R.

Oct, 2023

Jonathan was a pleasure to work with. His communication was always timely and professional, and he was very encouraging throughout the process. His work was spot on, and he was willing to talk through some of the nuances. I would highly recommend Jonathan, and I will certainly use him again for future projects.
Jonathan W.
Nate was a genuine pleasure to work for. He's a great writer, and his work is professional and very well done! --Jonathan

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