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Jennifer Howard

Writer, editor, journalist.

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Editing

“Jennifer is a first-rate editor and researcher who brings a keen eye, perceptive pen, and the passion of a deep reader to book projects. She intuitively understands the editorial process, from conception and outlining to structural editing and line level revision.  She combines organizational acumen with an artful ability to make complex nonfiction books cohere. Her years of experience as an accomplished researcher, fact checker, and copy editor are icing on the cake. I might add she’s a true pleasure to work with.”

—Stuart Roberts, former senior editor, Simon & Schuster

What I do

  • Project management. I have shepherded many books through the every stage of the editing, copyediting, and production process, and will help you keep track of key deadlines and tasks.
  • Developmental/substantive editing. I will help you shape a compelling argument, figure out the best structure, and identify and suggest fixes for narrative gaps or other problems. 
  • Line editing. I will help you burnish your prose, make your narrative flow smoothly from point to point, and avoid grammatical and stylistic errors.
  • Fact-checking and quality control. I will help you prepare a polished, professional manuscript ready to submit to editors and publishers. 
  • Coaching. I will work with you to solve structural or logistical problems holding you back, and give you constructive feedback and encouragement to get you to the finish line.

Rates

For smaller projects, I usually charge an hourly rate, depending on what kind of work is involved. For bigger projects, a project fee often works best for everybody. The initial consultation is free.

Current and recent editing projects

  • How to Invest: Masters on the Craft, by David M. Rubenstein (Simon & Schuster, Sept. 2022).
  • The American Experiment: Dialogues on a Dream, by David M. Rubenstein (Simon & Schuster, Sept. 2021). A collection of conversations with major American historians, artists, and other public figures.
  • How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers, by David M. Rubenstein (Simon & Schuster, 2020). Conversations with movers and shakers, based on Rubenstein’s “Peer to Peer” interview program.
  • The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians, by David M. Rubenstein (Simon & Schuster, 2019). Ron Chernow, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jon Meacham, and others explore U.S. history in these interviews.
  • Gleam Upon the Waves, by K.M. Alexander (2021). Book 4 of Alexander’s Bell Forging Cycle of Lovecraftian urban fantasy.

 

 

 

Recent Writing

  • Schools of Thought Control
  • The Publishing Ecosystem in the Digital Era: On John B. Thompson’s BOOK WARS
  • A paler shade of white: HAVING AND BEING HAD by Eula Biss

Recent Posts

  • February newsletter: Purple, green, and gold
  • January newsletter: Making space
  • December newsletter: Routines vs. resolutions

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About Jen

Jen Howard sitting in front of a brick wall. She is smiling.

Writer, journalist, editor, gadabout. Book- and nature lover. Washingtonian. LLC. Read more »

Latest Posts

  • February newsletter: Purple, green, and gold
  • January newsletter: Making space
  • December newsletter: Routines vs. resolutions
  • November newsletter: Platform fatigue
  • October newsletter: Five little pumpkins

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