Jessica Nelson

copyEDITOR & proofreader

I have been a freelance editor and writer for four years, and am also a member of the editing team at Indie Books Gone Wild. As a lifelong reader and nitpicker, I am passionate about both a good story arc and the fine details. I can help you trim the fat in your story, strengthen verbs, and tone up grammar.

From herding stray commas to hunting down plot holes, my goal is to be helpful. This means I will respect your unique voice, and I will explain my changes or query with suggestions where a bigger fix is needed. I accept work in all fiction genres, with emphasis on speculative fiction, paranormal, romance, and YA.

My education includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and a certificate in teaching English as a second language. I have taught writing to seventh graders, college students, and adult literacy learners. I also spent seven years writing and editing for a university magazine before I began editing fiction professionally. I regularly consult the Chicago Manual of Style (16th ed.) and the Copyeditor's Handbook for grammar emergencies, and I'm a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association. I've published one short story in the anthology Chinaberries and Crows, and also write for clients in the forestry industry.

Natasha Hanova

Content editor & writing coach

I write YA and adult paranormal and dystopian fiction. I love discussing the craft with others, regardless of where they are on the writing journey. At conferences, I can often be found huddled in a corner with a small group of people chatting about their work. Recently, someone dubbed me the plot whisperer. It was then that I realized how much I enjoy working with writers to finesse their projects and decided to offer my services to a broader audience.

I want your manuscript to shine. This may include smoothing out plot issues, fleshing out flat characters, amping up the tension/conflict, enriching your setting, and/or worldbuilding. My goal is to collaborate with you in finding your manuscript's voice. I accept work in all fiction genres, with emphasis on PNR, dark fantasy, romance, and YA. I'd love to see more diverse fiction. 

I earned my bachelor's degree in Communications Arts; however, the written word has always been my passion. I've taught writing workshops and have presented at a writer's conference. I currently serve as Prose Editor for Kansas City Voices Magazine. I also have more than ten years of experience critiquing manuscripts within my critique group, as well as a number of projects on the side.