It is a truth universally acknowledged… that all writers need editors.

Do you have a romance, commercial fiction, young adult, or middle grade novel you’re seeking a professional editor for? I’m an experienced developmental editor with over 250 romance novels—and countless more thrillers, book club novels, young adult novels, and children’s books—under my belt. I would love to talk with you about your project!

My editorial experience runs the gamut, from Big Five publishers and New York Times bestselling authors, to debut indie authors, to the wildly popular world of serialization apps. I have glowing feedback from my clients—see below for some testimonials—and I aim to provide competitive rates, as I know how expensive and daunting the self-publishing process, and the agent/publisher search, can be.

I specialize in developmental editing (big picture notes and questions, as well as line edits and light copy edits). My rates also include a second read to make sure everything was addressed sufficiently.

* Please email me to discuss your project and for a quote/rates.

*Please note that at this time I am not taking on projects in the Christian/Inspirational and Western subgenres.

 Testimonials


  • USA Today bestselling author Alicia Hunter Pace:

    Jess is a phenomenal talent whose instincts are always spot on. Whether it’s unclear writing, an ineffectual plot point, or an underdeveloped character, she always sees the problem and provides a variety of possible solutions—yet she never tries to make the story her own. I have worked with Jess on thirteen full-length books and three novellas. She not only always makes it a better book but at the end of the project, I come away a better writer.

  • New York Times bestselling author Amy Ewing:

    Jess Verdi is a brilliant editor with a keen eye for detail and a gift for bringing out the best in a writer. I’ve had the privilege of working with her for seven years and my books are immeasurably better because of her advice and guidance. I can’t recommend her highly enough!

  • USA Today bestselling author Holley Trent:

    I’ve worked with Jess on nearly a dozen paranormal romances. I’ve come to rely on her editorial instincts, not only with world building and plot arcs in a long-running series, but also with character development. Believable and relatable characters should have emotions, and Jess is great at reminding you!

  • Pushcart Prize winner Joanna Lowell:

    Jess Verdi is a gifted writer, reader, and editor. She edited my jaunty contemporary romance and also my dark Gothic Victorian romance–two very different projects! She was able to see each manuscript on its own terms and to make each manuscript more truly the novel it wanted to be. That’s one of the things that’s so great about working with Jess. She doesn’t impose her editorial vision. Instead, she sees what you’re trying to do and helps you do it better. You get her edits and you say to yourself, “Oh, THAT’S what I meant!” And you feel super smart and shiny. Every writer should get to have that experience. Thank you, Jess!

  • Golden Heart®️ winner Michele Arris:

    Working with Jessica made editing my books such a rewarding process. Her expertise, attention to detail, and insightful perspective helped to better shape the content of my stories. It astounded me how her line editing suggestions stayed within “my” voice. She also gave well thought out explanations of all changes that were recommended, thus it helped to stretch my creativity as a writer. I look forward to working with her on future projects.

  • Acclaimed author Ruby Lang:

    Jessica Verdi has a gift for helping writers get to the heart of their story. She is a seasoned professional who combines a keen eye with a sense of compassion for one’s characters.

  • Award-winning author Daco S. Auffenorde:

    Jess Verdi is hands down the best editor I’ve ever worked with. I love this girl! She really knows how to make a book shine and has a keen eye that’ll help you shape and craft a novel to its finest. She’s worked with several of my books and will continue to be my go-to Girl Friday. I can’t recommend her more highly!

  • Acclaimed middle grade author Caela Carter:

    Jess is insightful, precise, and thorough. She is encouraging and knows how to elevate the best in a manuscript. Jess is punctual, professional, and all-around everything you want in an editor. I trust her with all of my work.

  • Acclaimed children's book author Corey Ann Haydu:

    Jess is a thoughtful and detail-oriented editor. She’s incredibly easy to work with, has a sharp eye and a special ability to articulate problems and solutions in the manuscripts she considers. Any writer who gets her insight on their work is lucky!