Jennifer Mann

Jennifer Mann – Editor

Big dreams + ideas, those are the books for me! I specialize in historical, romance, fantasy, and contemporary novels + nonfiction history.

Overview

I am a long-time editor, lecturer, mentor, as well an award-winning poet and writer. I have lectured and taught at AWP, NCTE, and SCBWI, edited for WNDB Short Story Contests and the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature, as well as mentored writers through Author Mentor Match—walking writers through outlining, the writing process, aiding in securing an agent, and submission and publication.


All of my mentees have gone on to publication. I have been freelance editing since 2002 for Highlights for Children/Boyds Mills Press/Calkins Creek, the Vermont College of Fine Arts Young Writers Network, and the VCFA Writer to Writer Network. I earned an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2017.


My editorial talents extend from working with big picture edits straight down to line editing. Character and dialogue are my specialities. Plot will always be secondary, drawing from character actions and desires. Writers tend to focus on beginnings and endings, for good reason. My editorial skills will focus on the muddled middle—where I believe a story wins or loses a reader’s interest.


Feedback will be a combination of overall editorial thoughts, line edits, and extensive live interviews.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction History
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Romantic Comedy
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Massachusetts Book Award Honor
  • Highlight Fiction Award for Poetry
  • Disability Visibility Grant
  • Massachusetts Cultural Grant for Writing for Children
Certifications
  • MFA Vermont College of Fine Arts
  • Picture Book Intensive, Vermont College of Fine Arts

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2002 — Present

Freelance editor for Highlights for Children, Boyd’s Mills Press, Calkins Creek, and the Vermont College of Fine Arts Young Writers Network.

NYC Board of Education

Aug, 1988 — Jun, 1994 (almost 6 years)

Taught English composition and writing with OES for the NYC BOE for incarcerated young adults.

Jennifer has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Craig K.

Craig K.

Oct, 2024

Wonderful working with Jennifer again, great input and insight to professionalism.
Francesca M.

Francesca M.

Jul, 2024

I am very green in the field of writing and Jen quickly directed me to changes that improved my manuscript greatly. She is attentive and straightforward. She left me with a plan on how to continue to move forward and she will continue to offer guidance throughout my journey. I feel fortunate to have worked with her.
Pamela H.

Pamela H.

Jun, 2024

I have an ongoing relationship with Jennifer and utilize her services to help elevate my work. She is amazing and very flexible with her time.
Pamela H.

Pamela H.

May, 2024

I had an incredible experience working with Jennifer. Her expertise in writing is truly outstanding, and her natural ability to teach made each session highly enriching. Jennifer is not only patient and knowledgeable but also adept at tailoring her teaching to meet individual needs. She equipped me with several effective strategies that significantly boosted my confidence and skills. Thanks to ...
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Cathy T.

Cathy T.

Apr, 2024

Jennifer did an extensive read-through and evaluation for me, and she was amazing! She helped me transform my very bloated manuscript into something much more readable, and hopefully publishable someday. Her experience, both as a writer and editor, clearly showed through her insightful comments and suggestions. She also had a light touch with criticism---getting the point across without disc...
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