Jessica’s thoughtful, in-depth approach to developmental editing is pitch perfect! Her insightful questions and comments struck right to the heart of the lingering issues in my book and gave me an easy springboard to dive back into rewrites. I can’t recommend her highly enough! ~ Cory Leonardo, Author of  The Simple Art of Flying (Aladdin/S&S) and The Emerald City Theater (Aladdin/S&S)

Are you a frustrated writer with dreams of becoming a published author? Have you queried manuscripts only to be given the feedback that your story “isn’t right” for a particular agent? Or that your readers aren’t connecting with the story/characters in the way you want them to? Have you shared with critique partners and beta readers, made every change you can think of, and still feel like something isn’t quite working, but you don’t know what to do next?

I’d love to help!

With a Columbia MBA in marketing, decades of writing, fact-checking, and editing across multiple industries, six years mentoring Pitch Wars, and four books with Greenwillow/HarperCollins across different genres to my name, I am uniquely suited to evaluate manuscripts.

I truly love using the decades I spent studying craft and story to help other writers level-up their skills. Due to my own writing commitments, I can only take on a limited number of clients each year. If interested, email me (info@jessicavitalis.com) a short summary of your story, word count, goals, and your preferred timing; I’ll contact you to discuss next steps.

My passion is middle grade and YA stories. I am not a good fit for graphic novels, time travel, portal stories, or high fantasy (i.e. stories that take place in worlds entirely different from ours).

Scope of Services
I provide a detailed edit letters that addresses the strengths and weaknesses of your story. Topics typically include theme, character development, setting, voice, plot, story structure, and more. I am known for detailed, comprehensive letters that delve deep into the heart of the story in order to help bring the author’s vision to the page.

Terms
Fees are nonrefundable unless I am, for any reason, unable to complete the work, in which case I will refund the prorated difference for the work that remains unfinished. Work will begin upon full payment (I live in Canada so payment can either be made by Zelle or a mailed check.) It is understood by both parties that I am a publishing author and may be working on, or at some point in the future may begin working on, a book with themes similar to ones found in my clients’ works.*

*This clause is included not because my clients need to worry about me stealing their story ideas (I have plenty of my own!), but because I never want to feel limited in the scope of my creative works. 

Testimonials
Jessica is one of the best editors I know in the children’s book world. She’s whip smart, clever, caring, communicative, and above all else demands deep and thoughtful analysis of all aspects in my work. Jessica has so many strengths as an editor, but her stand-out qualities include lightning-fast turnarounds on drafts, the ability to brainstorm on the fly, and editing with the careful precision of a traditional publisher. Jessica pushed me and challenged me to see my work as a professional…as a result of her guidance, I emerged from the editing experience feeling like I could handle anything as a writer. Her words of advice as well as her notes in my work have served me for every manuscript I’ve completed since…I continue to be grateful for Jessica’s expertise. ~Kit Rosewater, author of the The Derby Daredevils (Amulet)

Jessica has a particularly keen eye for overarching story issues that are difficult for writers to see when they’re close to their own story. She delivers feedback in an exceptionally kind and thoughtful manner which makes it easy to digest. In the past, she’s been instrumental for me in identifying the root causes of problems in my books and in brainstorming ways to resolve those problems. I highly suggest working with her! ~Juliana Brandt, author of The Wolf of Cape Fen (SourcebooksKids), A Wilder Magic (SourcebookKids), and Monsters in the Mist (SourcebookKids)

Jessica has a keen eye for both big picture and line level edits which took my manuscript from barely there to query ready! Her knowledge of story structure paired with a natural instinct about what works were invaluable. ~Maria Jose Fitzgerald, award-winning author of Turtles of the Midnight Moon (Penguin Random House)

Jessica’s warmth, enthusiasm and knowledge of craft were just what I needed to take my writing to the next level. I had so many “ah-hah” moments as I read her editorial letter that I knew I was in good hands. I attribute the confidence and excitement I’m feeling right now as I jump into a round of revisions with my agent to my experience with Jessica and my growth as a writer under her mentorship.  ~Heidi Stallman, Writer and Freelance Editor

Jessica was a pleasure to work with on developmental edits! She is insightful and thoughtful. She really helped me dig deeper into all areas of my manuscript, but her suggestions for strengthening various characters were exactly what I needed to hear. I would highly recommend her services. ~Niki Lenz, Author of Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen (Random House) and Team Gravy (Random House).

My manuscript was improved 110% through working with Jessica. I would never have found my agent a few weeks after Pitch Wars without her help. More than that I’ve become an inestimably better writer. I can’t recommend her strongly enough. Getting Jessica…is akin to winning the writing lottery.  ~Yael Mermelstein, award-winning author of I Promise You.

FAQ’s
1. Some of your testimonials mention mentoring. Will you mentor me? 
Due to my own writing deadlines, I am not currently offering mentorships. 

2. Many writers you work with go on to secure agents and/or book deals. Can you offer any guarantee with your services?
I wish I could, but my feedback is entirely subjective and publishing success is dependent on a variety of factors outside of my control.

3. How long will you take to evaluate my manuscript?
We will always discuss timing in advance, but depending on the package you select, you can generally expect to receive feedback 1-3 weeks after receipt of payment and materials.

4. Do you offer query/synopsis services?
I prefer to focus on story and find that all too often, writers polish their marketing materials before their manuscripts are ready.

5. Does your service include follow-up consultations?
As a courtesy to my clients, I will generally answer a limited number of respectful questions (via email) that may come up after I send the developmental edit letter.