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.

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 51 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

J K F.

J K F.

Mar, 2025

This is my first project, and it went like clockwork. The copyeditor was meticulous in his corrections. I am very satisfied with the results.
Jonathan W.
Thanks, Joseph. It was a real pleasure working for you, and I hope I can do so again!
Steve C.

Steve C.

Feb, 2025

Jonathan work was extremely professional. He went over and above what the project called for, while delivering a great end result. His communications were prompt, clear, and responsive.
Jonathan W.
I genuinely enjoyed working for Steve and am so happy he is pleased with the work he received. It was a privilege!
Sam D.

Sam D.

Jan, 2025

I engaged Jonathan to copy edit my first self-published book. I initially thought I could do everything needed to get the book published but was shocked at how many errors I missed in the final draft - too close to the project, I guess. Jonathan edited and corrected the book in accordance with the Chicago Manual of Style. He completed the review very quickly and delivered exactly what I needed....
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Jonathan W.
Thanks very much for your wonderful assessment, Sam. You are a pleasure to work with, and I hope I can serve you again! --Jonathan
Carly W.

Carly W.

Jan, 2025

This was my third time working with Jonathan, and as always, he did an amazing job. He is very professional, patient and thorough with his edits and explanation of edits. I would definitely recommend him for a good option for a Christian editor here on Reedsy. Jonathan helped me with my poetry book this time around and he took on a new territory with an open heart and eyes ready for edits. He a...
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Jonathan W.
Such kind words, Carly! Thanks for being open to my comments and maintaining patience with me too as I work hard to explain my edits. I appreciate your desire to be the best writer possible and to...
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Jon C.

Jon C.

Jan, 2025

Jonathan helped get my work up to Chicago style editing standards and answered the questions I had in some of the suggested edits. He was able to complete the project in a reasonable time at a good price compared to other editors. Regardless of the editor you choose though, always make sure you read and understand the suggested changes and make sure they fit with your tone and style and don't...
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Jonathan W.
A wonderful author and a pleasure to work with!

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