Jane Kennedy Mitchell - Writer/Editor/Poet

contact for price

Zip code

Type of work

Word count

Amount of work

Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can.

Check them out

Introduction: As an editor, I take a consulting approach with my clients. First, I help authors define their intentions behind writing and sharing their vision. Then together, we strive to express their thoughts and stories with authenticity, clarity, and passion. Editing is not for the writer but for the reader. So when I edit, I keep the range of possible readers in mind, eliminating stumbling blocks of errors and swamps of confusion, while fending off boredom with powerful words that hit home. I help writers attune their message and their words to their reader's readiness. I have 30 years of writing and editing experience. Plus, I have an undergraduate degree with honors in philosophy and a master's degree in teaching English. I took a graduate level class in grammar and love diagramming sentences. But as important, I read and write widely, ever expanding my knowledge base so that I can edit books on a variety of subjects, making sure that my clients sound authoritative. In addition to writing and editing clients, I work one-on-one or in small groups with students who desire to improve their writing skills. I have experience with students of all ages and enjoy teaching adults and teens who are learning to write and read English as a second language. I delight in meeting new writers and watching them develop their following as they improve the elegance and effectiveness of their writing. I love working on books and short pieces that entertain, open my eyes to another world, or inspire me to become a better person. On Thumbtack, I particularly seek to work with writers of thought-provoking fiction or inspirational non-fiction who want a relentless yet caring editor.

Overview

1 employee

15 years in business

Payment methods

Ask this pro about their preferred payment method.

Featured Projects

1 photo

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.

5.0

1 review

100%

Cathie S.

Feb 6, 2018

At the very beginning of our working relationship, Jane spent a GREAT deal of time helping me narrow down what the specific and unique focus of my book was, and the time she took to help me with this critical foundational aspect of the whole book was monumentally important. In similar fashion, she devoted a lot of time and expertise toward helping me identify and promote myself as a legitimate author whose voice and authority are valid and necessary. Then throughout the writing and editing stages, Jane engaged herself in the work not only as a copy editor but also as a potential consumer/reader of the book, which pushed me to make the content more coherent and more accessible to the reader. In addition to her knowledge and skills regarding format, style, and grammar, she has a good sense of how to maximize a book's chances of attracting, maintaining, and rewarding its readers. Additionally, throughout the entire project, Jane was just as attentive to what the book meant to ME, the author, as she was to what the book would mean to the reader. Overall, I enjoyed the working relationship that Jane and I had, and she helped me to grow in so many ways.

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have different prices per word for different types of editing, ranging from proofreading to substantial editing or rewriting. Highly technical editing may take more time, so I charge more per word. I prefer to see a sample and talk to the client about goals before I give a price. Some projects need very little editing and I do not want to overcharge or over-edit.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I meet with clients to get to know their audience and purpose for writing and determine the type and level of editing would be most advantageous to help them get their project ready for their audience. Most of my editing assignments include checking manuscripts for grammar and spelling errors as well as inconsistencies of style. But most clients ask me to do more. Some clients want me to help them restructure an entire book. Others want to distill a flow of words down to its essence. Others need to modulate their writer's voice so it resonates better with their ideal readers.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Masters in Teaching English plus graduate classes in journalism, literature and fiction writing. I also have an undergraduate degree in philosophy which helps me when I edit philosophical and religious works as well as poetry and fiction.