EDITORIAL SERVICES

  • I specialize in developmental editing for fiction, creative nonfiction, and memoir. Since 2020, I've helped writers strengthen their manuscripts, navigate the publishing process, and reach their creative goals. Writers I've worked with have been accepted into MFA programs, published fiction and nonfiction, and secured book deals.

    Whether you're revising a short story or completing a book-length manuscript, I provide detailed margin notes on structure, character development, pacing, voice, and style, along with Zoom consultations to discuss feedback and next steps.

    I offer one-on-one writing coaching for writers seeking accountability, creative inspiration, or help establishing a writing practice, as well as MFA application consulting, including feedback on writing samples and personal statements.

    Whether you're preparing to submit to literary magazines, seeking an agent, pursuing independent publication, or revising a manuscript under contract, my goal is to help you bring your strongest work into the world without compromising your unique voice.

  • RATES:

    Full Manuscript (up to 70,000 words): $3,500–$4,000

    Partial Manuscript (up to 30,000 words): $1,500–$2,000

    Manuscripts over 70,000 words: Custom quote based on length and editorial needs

    Writing Coaching & Hourly Consultations: $75/hour

    MFA Application Consulting: $75/hour

    Rates vary depending on manuscript length, complexity, and the level of editorial support required.

TESTIMONIALS

Jennifer Lewis is one of the few instructors I have worked with who teaches a short story writing course. When her class, Short Story 1-2-3, ended, I had a complete first draft of my short story, "Life's Work." During and after class, Jennifer worked with me. She is a thoughtful and respectful editor who helped me articulate my intentions and craft a deeper meaning in my story. "Life's Work" is a finalist in the 2024 Rash Award in Fiction and will be published in the 2024 issue of Broad River Review. I continue to work with Jennifer and highly recommend her and her course. I am registered to take it a second time.

​—Patricia Ljutic

"Jennifer has transformed my writing--resulting in crisp, polished pieces that are ready to publish. She invests multiple re-reads to understand characters and bring out their true depth, cuts out distracting threads and pushes writers to unearth rich, compelling stories."

—Thomas Barron, author of Bocas, Bronte, and Bolinas   

​

"Jennifer is a caring, considerate editor. She believes in the lives and autonomy of characters, whether they are real or fictional. She speaks to their desires and their wills, advocating for everyone in a story to have their own dignity and be heard.

She does the most important thing an editor can do, which is tell the writer what they already know, but are unwilling to face. When she is a third of the way through giving me feedback on a piece, I resist it and wish she would just tell me I'm great. Two-thirds of the way through I realize she is right and that I can almost see the end of her sentence before she gets there. And after she is done giving me feedback I have a dozen new ideas of how to go deeper with my piece and make it more complete. Because of her input, my stories have more empathy, more depth, and feel like a truer expression of what I was hoping to say."

—Nick Jaina, author of Hitomi and Get It While You Can

Just wanted to express my sincere thanks for your class today. It was phenomenal - honestly the best learning experience I can remember. Beautifully organized and presented, super collegial and unintimidating. I got so much important information, and even better - encouragement. You are a wonderful teacher - a great writer, too!

​—Amy Bates