You don’t just want a finished book. You want readers to feel excited about your story.
You’ve considered doing it all on your own, but as soon as you reopen your document for the thousandth time, you realize you’re feeling unsure…and maybe a bit stressed.
You think that an editor will suggest too many changes so you’ll never be able to have a book you feel proud of.
Whenever you try to restructure or self-edit your story, you start to question your abilities as a writer.
What if it didn’t have to be so complicated?
Wouldn’t it feel amazing to…
Be able to publish your book confidently?
Have your readerS connect with your story emotionally?
Feel excitement about your manuscript?
My fiction editing services can make that dream a reality.
Here’s my promise to you, as your fiction book editor
Here is how working with me is different:
support
Helping writers feel supported while collaborating on their stories is the core of my work, not an afterthought.
quality
I can help you deliver a high-quality book that still sounds like you by getting to know you and your story.
ease
I specialize in helping you feel at ease about your story—without forcing cookie-cutter edits.
education
I’m educated in the publishing industry’s best practices so I can assist you in publishing a story that resonates.
Historical Fiction Author
"After speaking to Jessica, I was sad we lived so far apart, we couldn't brainstorm in person! But despite geography, I was confident about her ability to do the work. Jessica "saw" my voice right away, and her edits included grammar but also went deeper - making sure things felt right, made sense, and fit with the characters. I loved that she understood what I was doing and came along for the ride! The only hard part of working with Jessica was that I had to wait for my turn. (I'm not naturally patient!). I recommend Jessica and have actually already recommended her to my screenwriting partner!"
Paranormal Romance Author
“I have searched for years to find an exceptional editor to help me bring my stories to the world, and that’s Jessica. I was hesitant to work with an editor again based on unsatisfactory relationships I've had with editors in the past. I was so happy and engaged by Jessica’s content on TikTok, and she has remained true to the welcoming and energetic vibe of her posts! I enjoyed that she LISTENS and truly cares about the author, the work and the process. I cannot explain how absolutely vulnerable of a predicament it is to share the literary workings of the mind with someone else. Thank you for making this process possible and enjoyable!"
Romance Author
"I had nerves about signing the first important contract for my manuscript, of course. It’s a big step, financially and mentally! But after meeting Jessica, I felt at ease and READY. She is so personable, and it’s been great getting to know her! Jessica made me feel comfortable handing over my most vulnerable work to date. She treated me like a legit author, and for an indie working on her debut, that’s an enormous boost in confidence. Jessica’s professionalism helped me focus and push myself, and her thorough report brought up a lot of great, important areas to improve. Jessica’s feedback and work has energized me to give this novel my all, and publishing feels within reach! I would recommend J. Berry Editorial to other romance authors and indie authors of other genres as well (and I have!)."
Fantasy Author
Moja Ma’at
“I hesitated before hiring an editor because I'm a first-time author and am playing it by ear, learning as I go. I'm a photographer, and the first thing I noticed was Jessica's picture. The photographer did an excellent job of conveying something in her that is lovely. One can't photograph something that isn't already there, and it's a beautiful portrait. She made the entire editing process go smoothly, and I needed it to go smoothly! Jessica was engaging and welcoming, which I appreciated because I was nervous. I appreciated her insight and that she wasn't overbearing in her thoughts about my book. I would definitely recommend Jessica! She is professional and comes across as even-tempered and consistent."
"Since it was my first book, I wasn’t sure of the process or how many changes would be suggested. I loved the way changes were suggested. It didn’t feel pushy or set in stone. I would recommend her editing services to others! I loved the suggestions for line editing, and copyediting is something that still makes no sense to me. I would recommend both."
Contemporary Romance Author
Sci-Fi, Space Opera
"I loved that I felt like I was really able to connect with Jessica when working together. As someone new to the writing community, it was invaluable to feel like I was working with someone who understood me and my work and how we were able to have meaningful dialogue. Additionally, the fact that Jessica is also a fellow fantasy reader made a huge difference in how effective her edits were.
I would definitely recommend J. Berry Editorial to any other fantasy authors, especially for the fact that she understands the genre on such a deep level and applies that lens to delivering the best manuscript possible!"
Paranormal Romance Author
“I have searched for years to find an exceptional editor to help me bring my stories to the world, and that’s Jessica. I was hesitant to work with an editor again based on unsatisfactory relationships I've had with editors in the past. I was so happy and engaged by Jessica’s content on TikTok, and she has remained true to the welcoming and energetic vibe of her posts! I enjoyed that she LISTENS and truly cares about the author, the work and the process. I cannot explain how absolutely vulnerable of a predicament it is to share the literary workings of the mind with someone else. Thank you for making this process possible and enjoyable!"
Fantasy Author
Moja Ma’at
“I hesitated before hiring an editor because I'm a first-time author and am playing it by ear, learning as I go. I'm a photographer, and the first thing I noticed was Jessica's picture. The photographer did an excellent job of conveying something in her that is lovely. One can't photograph something that isn't already there, and it's a beautiful portrait. She made the entire editing process go smoothly, and I needed it to go smoothly! Jessica was engaging and welcoming, which I appreciated because I was nervous. I appreciated her insight and that she wasn't overbearing in her thoughts about my book. I would definitely recommend Jessica! She is professional and comes across as even-tempered and consistent."
Sci-Fi, Space Opera
"I loved that I felt like I was really able to connect with Jessica when working together. As someone new to the writing community, it was invaluable to feel like I was working with someone who understood me and my work and how we were able to have meaningful dialogue. Additionally, the fact that Jessica is also a fellow fantasy reader made a huge difference in how effective her edits were.
I would definitely recommend J. Berry Editorial to any other fantasy authors, especially for the fact that she understands the genre on such a deep level and applies that lens to delivering the best manuscript possible!"
Historical Fiction Author
"After speaking to Jessica, I was sad we lived so far apart, we couldn't brainstorm in person! But despite geography, I was confident about her ability to do the work. Jessica "saw" my voice right away, and her edits included grammar but also went deeper - making sure things felt right, made sense, and fit with the characters. I loved that she understood what I was doing and came along for the ride! The only hard part of working with Jessica was that I had to wait for my turn. (I'm not naturally patient!). I recommend Jessica and have actually already recommended her to my screenwriting partner!"
Romance Author
"I had nerves about signing the first important contract for my manuscript, of course. It’s a big step, financially and mentally! But after meeting Jessica, I felt at ease and READY. She is so personable, and it’s been great getting to know her! Jessica made me feel comfortable handing over my most vulnerable work to date. She treated me like a legit author, and for an indie working on her debut, that’s an enormous boost in confidence. Jessica’s professionalism helped me focus and push myself, and her thorough report brought up a lot of great, important areas to improve. Jessica’s feedback and work has energized me to give this novel my all, and publishing feels within reach! I would recommend J. Berry Editorial to other romance authors and indie authors of other genres as well (and I have!)."
"Since it was my first book, I wasn’t sure of the process or how many changes would be suggested. I loved the way changes were suggested. It didn’t feel pushy or set in stone. I would recommend her editing services to others! I loved the suggestions for line editing, and copyediting is something that still makes no sense to me. I would recommend both."
Contemporary Romance Author
Ways to Work with Me
With a manuscript evaluation you’ll:
- Gain a clearer understanding of your story's direction and potential
- Identify and refine plot elements resulting in a cohesive and engaging narrative
- Receive tailored advice specific to your manuscript's needs
Manuscript Evaluation
Starting at $1250 for up to 60,000 words
single service 1/2
get a quote
Developmental editing includes:
- In-line comments in your story, pointing out exactly what's working, what could be improved, and that helps to leave the guesswork out of your revisions.
- A comprehensive editorial report of the plot, pacing, characters, themes, and more, to help you create a story that hooks your readers from beginning to end.
- An analysis of the organization, chapter order, scene transitions, and flow of your manuscript, giving you valuable insights and suggestions to finally understand what your readers want.
- Thorough analysis of your characters, as they are an important part of any interesting story. I will evaluate their motivations, actions, and goals to help you ensure they're consistent, fully developed, and relatable.
- Options like payment plans, a free discovery call, and an offboarding call so you’ll feel more confident about the next steps to take to improve your story.
Developmental Editing
Starting at $0.04 per word
single service 2/2
get a quote
The Tether
editing package 1
package service 1/3
find out more
The Confidant
editing package 2
package service 2/3
find out more
The Hero
editing package 3
package service 3/3
find out more
Here’s a clear guideline for working with me on your big-picture edits:
developmental editing or manuscript evaluation
1. Ask Questions
Reach out to me to get started by filling out my free quote form or booking a discovery call. This helps us make sure we are a great fit for each other and lets me know if I can help you with your story’s needs.
2. Get Your Custom Quote
Send a chapter of your story to me for a free, tailor-made proposal. It’s difficult to provide a sample edit with suggestions when working on big-picture edits without reading the entire story first. However, if requested, I will provide in-line comments on a sample edit of five pages, as long as you understand these suggestions will likely change once I have a better understanding of your story as a whole.
3. Make It Official
Next, we will both sign a contract to protect each of our work, and you’ll pay your deposit. I offer payment plans to fit your needs. Just ask!
4. Sit Back & Relax
It’s time for you to enjoy having an expert second-set of eyes to read your manuscript so you can relax and take a break from restructuring your story over and over again.
5. Get a Welcome Packet
You’ll receive your welcome packet with details to keep everything streamlined and guide you through the process, keeping everything low-key and calm.
6. Open Communication
I will check in with you throughout the project with any questions or to just update you on the progress. No worrying about what’s going on or if I’ve fallen off the face of the earth. 😄
7. Receive Your Manuscript
Pay the final invoice, and receive your newly polished manuscript.
8. Follow-Up Questions
Set up a call if preferred, or chat by email to discuss any follow-up questions you have about your edits.
As your book editor, I understand how hard you’ve worked on your manuscript, and I’ll treat your story with the respect it deserves. I provide detailed feedback to help you identify areas of your manuscript that can be improved and communicate with you every step of the way. I aim to be reliable, transparent, and professional, and am here to help you polish your words in order to get your unique message across to readers.
An editor’s job in providing big-picture edits is to point out what’s working and what isn’t, based on factual information, not simply opinions, resulting in an engaging story that readers will connect with.
As the writer, it is your book and your words. You are free to use the suggestions you like and decline any others. It is ultimately your decision. So make the best choice for yourself and your book.
Feel at-ease and confident about your revisions with a clear plan
Got Qs? I’ve got As.
Get Started
Let me help you tell your story.
Let’s get started on your book editing journey. Fill out the form below for a free editing quote, or sign up for a free discovery call here.
