Jain Lemos - Editor
As a developmental editor, I make sure your text is organized, well thought out, consistent, accessible and enjoyable to read.
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Overview
I specialize in non-fiction editing, especially manuscripts requiring research and fact-checking. I enjoy working on a variety of genres, from memoirs and inspirational books to cookbooks and historical fiction. I work very efficiently with a high attention to detail and communication. My approach is to achieve excellence in all my undertakings, and I work to make sure our collaboration is exciting and productive.
With decades of publishing experience, starting as an in-house editor at Harper Collins with a New York Times #1 bestseller, I am primarily an advocate for the reader. My broad knowledge and life experience is extremely valuable to many audience types. What’s more, I truly care about your book as though it were my own and not just another job to get through.
Areas addressed in developmental editing includes overall thesis development and message strength to make sure the reader stays on the journey with you in the most compelling way. In the copy editing phase, I do a line-by-line read, fix errors, format for consistency, research facts, cross-check references, and edit for overall clarity. I also make comments and suggestions on your manuscript’s structure, flow, and tone. Finally, I format your Word document for the pre-design phase and provide a style guide for the proofreader.
Reedsy Testimonials:
“Jain is a rigorous practitioner of her craft. Efficient. A straight talker. She provided a great deal more than expected.” —Chip Hunter
“Working with Jain is a true pleasure. She has taken my manuscript and turned it from barely acceptable into a document that sounds great!” —William Merck
“This was a fantastic experience which exceeded all my expectations!” —John Holsinger
“Jain becomes invested in the project… she goes to great lengths to ensure the book is not only accurate and believable for the reader, but that it is engaging and flows.” —Jo Dibblee
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Inspirational
Photography
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Plays & Screenplays
Work experience
Writer, Editor
Jain Lemos Productions
July, 2005
–
Present
(over 17 years)
Decades of experience working with top creative teams at Twentieth Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Harper Collins, Chronicle Books, National Geographic and Lonely Planet. As an in-house editor at Harper Collins, I produced the behind‐the‐scenes New York Times No. 1 bestseller, James Cameron’s Titanic, and edited dozens of titles including celebrity biographies and documentary coffee table books. Working independently since 2005, I continue to provide editing and publishing services to new and established authors.
Portfolio (16 selected works)
Write, Open, Act: An Intentional Life Planning Workbook
Lee S Weinstein
AS SEEN IN THE NEW YORK TIMES! If life were a project and you knew you had a limited time to get it done, wouldn't it make sense to develop a plan? "Write, Open, Act: An Intentional Life Planning Workbook" delivers a life of promise and purpose. No one wants to be lying on their deathbed wishing they would have done this or that.This book helps people achieve their life dreams, even when day-t... read more
So, You Want to Be a Leader: Secrets of a Lifetime of Success
Merck II, William F.
Not to Reason Why
Decker, Robert L.
The first major "insulin-conscious" cookbook with true culinary appeal combines the latest medical data with great dining instincts to offer delectable recipes for Grilled Shrimp with Red Pepper-Caper Sauce; Chickpea, Fennel, and Red Pepper Salad; and Fresh Figs with Virtual Mascarpone, among many others. 50,000 first printing. Tour.
I Can't Always See My Path...But I Keep On Walking
Richard Turner
My Path is an elegant and beautiful book, a collaboration of Turner's poetry and nature photography. It has been praised by George Lepp, Field Editor for Outdoor Photographer Magazine and Dewitt Jones, 20 years a National Geographic photo journalist, and by nationally prominent spiritual leaders. Readers say the images are "stunning", the words "deeply moving".
A Journey Through Literary America
Thomas R. Hummel
This 304 page coffee table book takes a look at 26 of America s great authors and the places that inspired them. Unique to this book of literary biography is the element of the photograph. With over 140 photographs throughout, the images add mood and dimension to the writing and they are often shockingly close to what the featured authors described in their own words. Lushly illustrated, and b... read more
Healthcare today sits at the center of a perfect storm whose effects are inescapable for every living person from infancy to death. Driven by greed and unbridled power, the greatest healthcare system on earth has been brought to its knees and future prospects promise a medical care disaster in the U.S. and around the world.
Thank God I'm Crazy: A Journey to Sanity
Grace Avalon
What happens when crazy becomes real? At twenty-two, Grace Avalon left her body to be swept into luminous kaleidoscopic light bearing images of places she’d never seen. Escaping from her abusive life, in joyous laughter she surrendered to the light. Her husband placed her in a mental hospital—over twenty years the places in her euphoric visions actually came true. Marianne Williamson, author o... read more
Conversations With US: Great Lakes States
Chris Register
Forget the pollsters and pundits—America can speak for itself. Are you ready to undertake an epic two-wheeled journey through all 50 of the United States to hear what our nation has to say? Conversations With US chronicles some 16,000 miles of raw adventure and unfiltered perspectives as cycling journalist Chris Register and his touring bike set out to uncover the truth about our shared hopes,... read more
Good For One Ride
Gary McGinnis
I’m forty-five years from The Tet Offensive in Vietnam, but I remember it as if the bodies in the streets of Hue were still warm. I’ve read hundreds of books about that war and written several, but the one thing that most often eludes these stories, my own included, is the terrifying sense of anticipation that every soldier carries through every day and then brings home to live with for the re... read more
Home renovation just got easier with The Home Renovation Workbook. This indispensable planner is a complete interactive, hands-on guide to home remodeling. From creating a floor plan to hiring help, this workbook is the key to getting the work done right (the first time). It takes homeowners through the entire process, tackling big-picture issues such as avoiding budget and schedule pitfalls, ... read more
Based on a documentary film, a photographic celebration of this strong bond explores the powerful connection between mothers and their daughters through five life cycles
James Cameron's Titanic
Ed W. Marsh
Some jump, some fall, each dotting the water's surface like the period at the end of a sentence. Then, the stern slips under the water, plunging everyone into a coldness so intense it is indistinguishable from fire. Ten minutes. Twenty minutes. The inchoate wail of 1500 souls slowly fades to individual cries from the darkness. We know you can hear us! Save one life! 700 survivors stand by in l... read more
Complete: The Remodeler's 3 Stage Antidote to Chaos
Leslie Capps
Using lessons learned in a DIY house remodel, this book unveils the simple secret to taming chaos. Create peace, freedom and connection out of chaos by becoming a completist! The habit of jumping from project to project without finishing any spawns anchors which weigh us down and stop our forward momentum. By following and completing the three progressive stages of remodeling, the effects of c... read more
Stage Monkey: A Memoir by CHIP HUNTER
Hunter, Chip
Jain has 11 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
When I first met Jain I was at a total stand still with my book. I was unsure which direction to go in and had not worked on it in over a year. After her editorial assessment, I was energized and had clear ideas on how to progress. She is very thorough and is not only giving me editorial advice, but helping me with advice on how to self publish. I cannot recommend her enough. Do not hesi...
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Brian Benfield, June 2022
Jain is the consummate professional.
Jain becomes invested in the project so much that she goes to great lengths to ensure the book is not only accurate and believable for the reader but that it is engaging and flows. Her research skills are impeccable, and her suggestions made me drill down, creating a MUCH better book.
Writing is, at times, daunting and overwhelming, but working with Ja...
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Jo Dibblee, June 2022
Working with Jain is a true pleasure. As a person working on my first book, she explains things I need to know in a very clear and understandable way, without making me feel defensive about all that I don't know. She has taken my manuscript and turned it from barely acceptable into a document that sounds great! Jain kept my personality in the writing while improving it's structure and clar...
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william Merck, December 2021
As a non-writer first time author I thought I knew what I was doing. Don't we all? Working with Jain saved my book. Sometimes finding what your looking for is right in front of you ,and sometimes it the luck of the draw. In this case it was both. There is not enough room here to say all that could be said. But be advised, I'm a tough customer and don't give five stars freely. The best thin...
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Milo Martin, July 2021
Jain responded with excellent feedback, comments and suggestions. She reviewed my draft and provided the response as promised with a very quick turnaround.
Bob Decker, June 2021
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