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Janell’s Bio & Credentials

I spend my days editing fiction, mostly fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal fiction, romance, and mystery, and offer both developmental/substantive editing and copyediting/line editing.

I also format both ebooks and print books and design book covers of all kinds.

For authors who are not sure what they need or who just need a little push in the right direction, I offer coaching/consulting on writing and self-publishing topics. For self-publishers, I can handle the technical aspects you need to help you get your book online and available to readers on Amazon and many other retailers (including iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and more).

The owner of Speculations Editing Services and Robisch Editorial Services (the academic branch of my business), I am a published author and independent editor with more than 20 years of experience in the publishing industry and more than 15 years of experience as a full-time, independent editor.

I have experience in many fields, including fiction, science, social studies, education, computer science, architecture, interior design, and parenting and will consider most projects.

I look forward to talking with you about yours!

Credentials

  • I began writing seriously at the tender age of 14.
  • I helped my first author publish his book while I was still in college.
  • I began work in the publishing business in 1992 and have continuously worked in different areas of the industry since 1995, training in areas of editorial, production, and marketing.
  • I trained in-house as a copyeditor from 1998 to 2000 before becoming a full-time, independent editor in 2000.
  • I have worked on many media types, including books, short stories, poetry, magazine and journal articles, brochures, blog posts, business publications, and websites.
  • I have edited in many fields, including fiction, science, social studies, education, computer science, architecture, interior design, parenting, and business.
  • I am a full member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, Copyediting-L, the Virginia Writers Club, and Blue Ridge Writers, the founder and facilitator of Skyline Writers’ Circle, and and a guest member of Copyediting.com and the Association of Independent Publishing Professionals.

Continuing Education

I am a firm believer that learning is a lifelong process. I  try to keep my knowledge extensive and up to date. Informally, I use books, podcasts, blogs, and YouTube videos to increase and sharpen my knowledge of writing, editing, and publishing. I also take formal classes when I get the opportunity to learn from skilled instructors. Some of the relevant courses I have taken are listed below:

Professional Memberships

efa, editorial freelancers association, editor, member