Sirah Jarocki

Sirah Jarocki – Editor

Careful inspections, thorough explanations, and considerate guidance for inclusive picture books and middle grade novels.

Overview

Sirah has been a freelance editor since 2012, primarily working on books and articles for young readers. She specializes in picture books and middle grade novels, but she also works on graphic novels, children's nonfiction, and select books for adults if they're in an area of interest. Before becoming an editor, Sirah was a kindergarten teacher, which gives her a unique ability to offer helpful criticism and explanations. Sirah makes a strong effort to stay on the cusp of popular children's books to help you create a book that kids want to pick up and won't be able to put down.

Sirah particularly likes working with first-time authors and young writers. While she specializes in developmental editing and copy editing, she loves doing editorial assessments for any book. Her goal is to help you create a book that both feels like your own and still maintains the highest standards of writing. She loves inclusive stories, particularly those focused on people with disabilities, and she has a hard time saying no to a book about social justice or environmental protection. Sirah is patient and enthusiastic and willing to offer thorough guidance to help you move closer to publishing with confidence.


Please note that I do not offer proofreading for novels, and I have strict submission guidelines for copyediting. My goal is to create good literature that I'd be proud to have my name on. While I will consider working on pet projects, I have many years of experience launching award-winning books meant to turn a profit, and I charge accordingly.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Bachelor's in English and Journalism

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2013 — Present

I got my start as a freelance editor for academic essays. Around the same time, I began writing paid book reviews as an elementary school editor. In 2018, I began to work with small presses to write ad copy and blurbs for books, including working with search engine optimization (SEO) and product descriptions. This eventually led to collaborations involving analyzing books for blogs and working with authors to avoid bad reviews. Throughout the past ten years, this position has evolved to include a lot of writing about books and evaluating what readers are looking for. I still enjoy blogging and working with small presses from time to time, even though I now work primarily as a developmental editor for picture books and middle grade novels with Reedsy.

Sirah has 262 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Laurel V.

Laurel V.

Apr, 2024

I have worked on several books with Sirah now and am always impressed by her insight and devotion to improving the stories. I highly recommend her.
Barbara F.

Barbara F.

Apr, 2024

Once again, Sirah provided comprehensive editing and proofreading at the highest level. She is exacting, insightful, and a great communicator. I am always impressed by the scope of her skills, her competence, and her professionalism. I give her my highest recommendation.
Sue W.

Sue W.

Apr, 2024

It was a pleasure working with Sirah. She was quick to respond; gave a written feedback and notes on the work carried out; offered advice and suggestions. Sirah had certainly read my brief about the book and her comments were tailored to this. She was quick to reply to any questions. I was confident that the 'blurb' fitted the book. Thank you Sirah
Jess S.

Jess S.

Mar, 2024

Sirah was such a joy to work with. I had worked on this book over a year ago and hired someone to edit it through Fiverr. They pointed me in a new direction and I put the book on the back burner because I didn’t know where to begin. Sirah gave me a much more personalized and involved experience. I will definitely be collaborating with her for the rest of the books in my series!
Susan F.

Susan F.

Mar, 2024

Sirah made the editing process a breeze and was an excellent communicator throughout the time we worked together.

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