Jen Newens, Editor in Oakland, CA, USA

Overview

During my decades-long career in book publishing, I've been a writer, editor, and publisher, which gives me great insight into all sides of the publishing industry. I was a cookbook editor for many years, working for the renowned Williams-Sonoma cookbook program, commissioning titles and editing the beautifully photographed cookbooks. More recently, I ran an indie press and acquired multiple titles per year for our program. I personally edited all of the cookbooks, health and wellbeing titles, and DIY books on our list.

I love to help writers develop and strengthen their voice and sharpen their writing skills with a market-forward sensibility. My goal is to help you discover your personal writing style and hone it to give your manuscript the best possible chance in the bookselling landscape.

If you engage me, I will:

Help you move past self-doubt to become a more confident writer

Guide you to deliver an appealing and saleable manuscript

Coach you with a direct, but empathetic style to find your authentic voice

Offer you business savvy from my years of publishing industry experience

Convince you that the serial comma is the best comma

Amuse you with stories of my two black cats and their antics (optional)

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Query Letter Review

Non-Fiction

Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits DIY & Crafts Health & Wellbeing

Languages

English (US)

Work experience

Owner

Self-employed

Feb, 2023 — Present

After decades working for publishing companies, I have decided to open my own business to coach writers and small book publishers. I have a wealth of experience from writing and editing, to acquiring and publishing books, to working with salespeople and retailers.

Publishing Director

West Margin Press

Sep, 2015 — Dec, 2022 (about 7 years)

I ran West Margin Press, an indie press owned by Ingram Content Group, for seven years. While there, I cultivated relationships with a wide range of authors and literary agents to acquire 25-30 titles per year, among them cookbooks, health and wellness titles, and DIY guides. I also led the business to profitability for the first time in its history.

Associate Publisher

Weldon Owen

Jan, 2002 — May, 2015 (over 13 years)

For thirteen years, I was an editor and publisher for the Williams-Sonoma proprietary cookbook program. I also worked with celebrity chefs and well-known cookbook authors on general cookbooks, and health and wellbeing titles.