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, the first five pages of your WIP, and your preferred timing; I’ll contact you to discuss whether we are a good fit.
Scope of Services
My passion is middle grade stories. I am not a good fit for graphic novels, portal stories, or high fantasy (i.e. stories that take place in worlds entirely different from ours). I will, on occasion, consider YA stories. In terms of feedback, I make extensive notes in the manuscript as I read (I find it is helpful for authors to know what their readers are thinking). In addition, I will provide an edit letter summarizing the overall strengths and weaknesses in the manuscript. This letter typically includes topics such as theme, character development, setting, voice, plot, etc. I am known for detailed, comprehensive edit letters that delve into the heart of the story to help bring the author’s vision to the page. (If you are not willing to rip your story apart and piece it back together, we may not be a great fit, as my suggestions nearly always involve major rewrites.)
Please note that this service is for developmental edits only; while I may, on occasion, flag grammatical issues or typos, copy editing services are not included in this package.
Fees
U.S.: $1500 payable by Zelle or check in advance (sorry, no venmo)
Canada: $1950+13% HST payable by e-transfer in advance
Fees are for manuscripts up to 60,000 words in length. Additional word count fees negotiated on a per project basis.
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. 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.
Confidentiality
As an agented writer, I understand that discretion is an essential part of this industry; inquiries and stories will be kept in the strictest confidence.
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)
The absolute best recommendations I can give for Jessica come from two people, my agent and my critique partner. When I was in the midst of revisions, my CP read what I had. Then she read it again after Jessica got a hold of it and ran her amazing, fine-tooth, line edit comb over it. She said something along the lines of, “I don’t know what you did, but it’s so much better. It’s told so much more confidently now.” Then, on the call with my my agent (Elizabeth Harding) she said several times, “The manuscript is really, really polished.” I owe both of those compliments to Jessica. She will make you work and mark up your manuscript with so much virtual red pen you might have a heart attack. And then you’ll get to work and end up with a “confident,” “polished” manuscript. ~Amanda Rawson Hill, Author of The Three Rules of Everyday Magic (Boyds Mills Press), You’ll find Me, and The Hope of Elephants (Charlesbridge).
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?
No. My feedback is entirely subjective and publishing success is dependent on a variety of factors outside of my control.
3. I cannot afford a full critique. Can I send you my first (x) number of pages?
Sorry, I’m not able to offer partials. Just as a doctor wouldn’t work on your heart without understanding how the rest of your body functions, all of the parts of a story work together. My feedback on an opening, for example, may be heavily influenced by how the book proceeds and eventually wraps up, something I can only ascertain by evaluating the manuscript as a whole.
4. How long will you take to evaluate my manuscript?
Unless we have discussed otherwise, you can generally expect to receive feedback 2-4 weeks after receipt of payment and materials.
5. Do you offer query/synopsis services?
No, I prefer to focus on story and find that all too often, writers polish their marketing materials before their manuscripts are ready.
6. Does your service include follow-up consultations?
No. However, 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. I reserve the right to cut off communication should any client be argumentative, derogatory, rude, or abuse this offer.
7. I am a new writer. Can you help me?
In general, my services are better suited to more experienced writers who already have the basics under their belts and have experience receiving feedback from critique partners and beta readers, etc. If you are at the beginning of your writing journey, I’d encourage you to take advantage of the many wonderful craft books and podcasts available and begin looking for a writing community to help build your skills.