Editing & Manuscript Consultation
I'm a veteran editor who’s worked with best-selling authors, first-time novelists, entrepreneurs, memoirists, and dozens of others. In addition to serving as the Developmental Editor for Story Terrace's Memoir Pro—US program, I take on outside clients and am eager to collaborate with you to bring out the best version of your essay, story, or book. My goal is to make the material as dynamic as possible by carefully thinking about clarity, language, tone, voice, pacing, structure, argument, and character development, plus other relevant narrative and rhetorical elements. I offer line editing, developmental editing, as well as content strategizing. My specialty is nonfiction, though I do work with fiction writers, too.
Book Collaborations & Ghostwriting
I'm fascinated by stories and the unusual paths people take. I’ve collaborated with storytellers on over 15 books, ranging from celebrity memoirs published by major imprints to fascinating, independently published nonfiction books. Recent clients have included a military nurse, magician, superintendent, TV executive, mountaineer, and fast food tycoon, along with other folks from all walks of life.
My style is inquisitive, encouraging, and focused. I aim to capture my client's voice with a high fidelity so it really feels like YOUR book. The process revolves around core interview time so we can generate the foundational material before I begin shaping, elevating, writing, and expanding. After a review of any other supplemental material, I present an outline and sample chapter for discussion, followed by a full draft, and then 1-2 rounds of revision. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work closely together on what is invariably a profound and illuminating literary adventure.
Copywriting
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Need help with a bio, website, guide, tagline, email campaign, or blog? Former clients have included Indeed, McKinsey & Company, Quartz, GE, Answers.com, Quora, Endalgo, Mack Weldon, Paul Evans, INDOCHINO, Bombas, Janji, Story Terrace, Atlas Obscura, Buffalo Trace,
Sportsbettingdime.com, Vivial, Narratively, Bright Money, Bonora Rountree, PatBO, Alluma, GatherBay, The Helen
Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies, and others. Portfolio available upon request.
Coaching & Mentorship
I work with rookie writers just starting out as well as more seasoned professionals grappling with longer projects. Typically, this service combines periodic check-ins with editing. We would meet to go over written material, discuss process, talk out story elements that need development, troubleshoot any snarls that have come up, and set goals. Along the way, I provide encouragement, prompts, readings, tools, tactics, feedback, and more. I am a thoughtful and kind person who comes from the Dear Sugar school of literary guidance.
Speaking Engagements
From time to time, I am asked to do a talk, workshop, or seminar for small groups. Past topics have included storytelling, craft, No One You Know, strangers, and the writing life.
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If you'd like to know more about any of these offerings, just shoot me a note. AMA!
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Testimonials​
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“I just found my new drug. No, it’s not so mind-altering pill you take before raving your face off late into the night and it’s not something mundane like booze or coffee. I turned in my very rough, very early first draft of my book and have been watching Jason (my editor) leave edits and comments in the Google Doc. Honestly? It’s better than crack.”
—Developmental Edit client
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“Your partnership on this book took it from an idea to reality. Your skill as a listener inspires me. Your expertise as a writer is the fuel in the gas tank, the pedals of the bike, the sneakers to the walk that is this book. Jason self-described his role to me as taking my ideas (the bricks) and adding mortar. Thanks for being the best book mason I could have partnered with. For those looking for a partner to write a book with I couldn’t recommend Jason’s expertise enough.”
— Nonfiction collaboration client
"Jason. It's beautiful. I love it. It brings on tears when I read it, and I've read it many times. Thank you so much. Words can not express how fortunate I am to have you as my partner in this monumental life project."
— Memoir collaboration client
“Jason! This dream project of mine could not have come out any better... and I have YOU to thank for it! It could not have been done without you! You captured my message and personality, and made it perfect. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, is all I know to say! You were the perfect writer for this project.”
— Memoir collaboration client