Janan Sarwar

Janan Sarwar – Editor

Developmental editor & publishing coach with 12+ yrs experience turning ideas into impactful medical, health, & nonfiction educational books

Overview

I’m a publishing strategist, developmental editor, and TEDx speaker with more than a decade of experience helping authors transform ideas into books that matter. As the founder of Global Bookshelves International, a mission-driven publishing house, I’ve guided over 200 projects across nonfiction, children’s literature, and memoir. My focus is on amplifying underrepresented voices and shaping inclusive, equity-centered stories that make an impact. With a background spanning traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing, I bring both creative insight and business savvy to every project.

When you work with me, you’ll gain not only an editor but also a collaborative partner who cares deeply about your vision. I specialize in clarifying structure and flow, drawing out your authentic voice, and creating an editorial roadmap tailored to where you are in your journey. Whether you’re writing a children’s book with heart, a health guide rooted in expertise, or a memoir meant to inspire change, I’ll help you shape your manuscript into its best form. My style is honest, encouraging, and strategic—I’ll cheer you on, challenge you when needed, and make sure your book is ready to shine in today’s publishing world.

Experience highlights:

10+ years in publishing and editorial work

200+ books and publishing projects completed

Founder of two publishing companies (self-publishing support + hybrid press)

TEDx speaker on the transformative power of stories

Services
Non-Fiction
Education & Reference Health & Wellbeing Medicine, Nursing, & Dentistry
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Health Authority Books

Dec, 2024 — Present
Acquire books, provide marketing guidance, and interact with health authorities in the Health Authority space, an imprint of Indie Books International.

Self-employed

Dec, 2021 — Present
Helped authors with nonfiction memoirs in the developmental editing sphere. Assisted with self-publishing projects as well as those for Global Bookshelves.

American Pharmacists Association

Jun, 2014 — Aug, 2021 (about 7 years)
Assisted book publishing projects from initial assessment to publication for over 40 textbook titles. The content area was STEM-related and nonfiction memoirs and content for pharmacists, pharmacy students, and technicians.

Portfolio

Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Bypass Pharmacy Burnout: Chaning you Trajectory to Enhance your Experience

Alvarez, Nancy, Ed.

American Pharmacists Association

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Complete Review for the Pharmacy Technician

Kristin Wiisanen

American Pharmacists Association

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
The APhA Complete Review for Pharmacy

Chyka, Peter A., Ed.

American Pharmacists Association

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The Apha Complete Review for the FPGEE

Bradley A. Boucher

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Book Coaching
Communication in Interprofessional Care

Zubin Austin

American Pharmacists Association

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Peripheral Brain for the Pharmacist

Abrons, Jeanine

American Pharmacists Association

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
A Pharmacist Parent’s Guide to Work-Life Balance

Soliman, Suzanne

American Pharmacists Association

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Copy Editing Proofreading
Just One: A Journey of Perseverance and Conviction

Akhras, Nour

Global Bookshelves International

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Mazahir's Marvelous First Fast: A Ramadan Story

Hamad, Wasiba

Global Bookshelves International

Copy Editing Proofreading
COVID Long-Hauler: My Life Since COVID

Kabbani, Salam

Global Bookshelves International, LLC

Copy Editing Proofreading
Diversifying Anatomical Models

Carroll, Jazmine

Global Bookshelves International, LLC

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching

Janan has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Nour A.

Nour A.

Jan, 2026

Pinned
This was such a beautiful journey; I learnt so much for your professional experience which really strengthened the book and took it to another level. It’s been a pleasure collaborating with you, and I’m so grateful for the care you took with my work.
Janan S.
It was a true honor to collaborate on this very meaningful project. Looking forward to staying connected and seeing where this work goes from here! Thank you again for the trust.
Joseph H.

Joseph H.

Jan, 2026

Pinned
Janan is a fantastic book coach. She demonstrates strong range to understand complicated projects and concepts. Her communication skills make the work efficient, and easier to understand.
Rosa H.

Rosa H.

Dec, 2025

Pinned
As a first time author, Dr. Janan Sarwar's coaching through the self-publishing journey was incredibly valuable. She took me from not knowing where to start, through all the granular details to accomplish my big picture goal. At times when I got discouraged, she was encouraging and reminded me ...
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Janan S.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words, Rosa! They truly mean a lot to me. Walking alongside you in your publishing journey has been an honor, and seeing + hearing "Speak Up, Start Now" come t...
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SCOTT S.

SCOTT S.

Apr, 2026

Janan was great, I look forward to working with her on future projects as she was very informative and knowledgeable about the process of writing a book.
Angel T.

Angel T.

Apr, 2026

Im waiting for an Editorial review but I need to meet with her first. Shes very punctual.
Janan S.
Thank you, Angel! It seems I may not have received the full file for an editorial review. Looking forward to meeting about your project.

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Most recent contributions

What is the best part about book coaching via Reedsy?

When you write a book, it’s so important to get feedback from someone who is an expert in the genre you are working on. Reedsy offers the opportunity for authors to find a coach who is immersed in their field and ready to review their manuscript. As a book coach, it is imperative for me to unders...
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