developmental editing and book coaching for fiction writers
Providing compassionate and honest feedback on your novel—while honoring your voice
Consider me your professional second set of eyes.
Developmental Editing
Book Coaching
Query Letter Review
You don’t have to figure this out alone
You draft, revise, ask a few trusted friends to read your pages—and still, something doesn’t quite click.
The story isn’t landing the way you’d hoped.
Feedback is vague or contradictory.
You’re revising…but you’re not confident you’re revising the right things.
This is usually the moment writers start to wonder: Is it me? Or do I just need a different kind of support? (Spoiler…it’s not you!)
Here’s where a professional developmental editor can help.
Friends and beta readers can be wonderful cheerleaders, but they’re rarely equipped to provide specific, actionable feedback to help you solve deeper character and structural challenges of a novel.
Most writers I work with are wrestling with one (or more) of these concerns:
⇒“I’m getting feedback, but it’s confusing or superficial.”
Beta readers often react as readers, not as trained editors. You might hear “The character didn’t interest me.” or “This part felt slow.” How do you figure out how to fix the problem without breaking what’s already working?
⇒“I’ve revised this so many times, I can’t see it clearly anymore.”
When you’re too close to your manuscript, every change feels risky. It’s easy to second-guess yourself or tinker endlessly without any real forward momentum. (Tinkerers out there, I see you!)
⇒“I’m afraid of wasting time—or worse, querying/publishing something that isn’t ready.”
Without professional guidance, it’s hard to know whether you’re elevating your story or just rearranging sentences.
⇒”I haven’t received any manuscript requests from my query letter.”
It’s challenging to distill your entire novel into a one-page letter in a way that makes an agent take notice.
And, by the way, none of this means you’re not a wonderful writer or your story isn’t compelling. It means novels are complex, and crafting one is not a solo sport forever.
Professional Support,
Human Approach
I know how vulnerable it is to share a manuscript. I also know the publishing landscape—from the inside out—and what separates a promising draft from a truly compelling novel.
My approach is warm, honest, and collaborative. I take your work seriously, respect your instincts as a writer, and bring decades of editorial experience to the table so you’re not guessing your way forward.
You’ve already done the hardest part: you wrote the book.
Now let’s make it the strongest version of itself—together.
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing sets you up with a comprehensive review of your complete manuscript to provide you with professional insight into what’s working, what areas need your attention, and suggestions for revision.
When you work with me as your developmental editor, you’ll receive a comprehensive editorial report that breaks down key elements of your story—plot, pacing, character development, structure, and theme—along with practical revision suggestions and clear next steps. You’ll also get your manuscript back with thoughtful margin comments that explain why something works or where it may need attention.
This one’s for you if:
You’re ready for honest, professional feedback on a complete manuscript
You want guidance that’s constructive, supportive, and specific
You’re preparing for a serious revision toward publication
You know your story has potential but needs refinement and focus
You want expert insight without losing your voice or vision
Developmental Editing and
Book Coaching
for Fiction Writers
Book Coaching
Book coaching gives you a supportive partner who understands story craft and the emotional ups and downs of the writing process. I’m here to help you stay accountable, talk through challenges, brainstorm solutions, and make intentional progress on your book—without shame or pressure.
Our sessions are collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to where you are in your writing journey. You bring the story. I bring structure, insight, encouragement, and practical tools to help you keep going.
Check this one out if:
You’re in the murky middle and unsure where your story should go next
You have a strong idea but struggle to get words onto the page
You’ve finished a draft and feel overwhelmed by revision
You crave accountability but also want space to talk through doubts and ideas
You want professional guidance without the pressure of an intensive critique
Kind Words from Fellow Writers
Working with Jackie has proven to be a high value investment in the process of publishing my first book. The levels of expertise, detail, care, and attention that she provided has not only set me up for success, but she has taught me invaluable insights on how to craft a story that is engaging and satisfying. The quality of Jackie's work, notes, advice and feedback went beyond expectations. The personal interest and care she put into my manuscript, characters and overall themes were astounding. I'm not only anticipating rewriting with the useful edits she suggested, but also working with her again in the future.
-Heather O.
Jackie is a superb editor. Her notes were extensive, instructive and clear. She was brilliantly encouraging which made the whole experience positive and uplifting. I've worked with other editors, but Jackie is in another league, easily surpassing my expectations. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to other writers at whatever stage they are in their careers. She gets booked up quickly, but I promise she's worth the wait!
-Christina P.
Are you writing…
Romance
Historical Fiction
Women’s Fiction
Young Adult
Middle Grade
Upmarket
More Kind Words from Fellow Writers
Jackie was fantastic to work with. She provided excellent, concise, and clear notes that all made sense. When I was considering quotes from editors, she was happy to answer any questions I had and was always prompt with her responses - despite the five-hour time difference! I really enjoyed talking to her on Zoom, where she allowed me to ask any question about her notes - no question was too small or silly!
-Molly H.
Pick Jackie! She is an excellent editor and knows the publishing business well. Her comments were very thoughtful and she provided me exactly what I needed in a development edit of my first draft. She provided me with so much to digest, including many questions I need to answer about my story and my characters. Thank you, Jackie! If one day I am lucky enough to get published, I know she will have played a major role in putting me in the best possible position to achieve that goal.
-Scott J.
Jackie made me feel like I have something to say, my work is valuable, and my story is worth telling. She brought up excellent points, always with workable solutions ready. I've learned so much about the craft! And my characters have a better chance of landing on a shelf near you, because Jackie helped me bring them to life. I'm so grateful!
-Juliana W.
I’m your new editor,
Jackie Cangro
That’s me: birdwatcher, ice cream aficionado, and editing professional.
Partnering with you to make your book shine is what I love to do because you’re trusting me with your ideas, your vision, and your labor of love. That kind of trust matters, and I don’t take it for granted.
I’m proud when I help an author elevate their manuscript, get noticed by an agent, and hand their book to family members and friends, but I’m most proud when they say, “This is exactly the book I was trying to write.” That moment—when your vision feels clear, confident, and fully realized—is the real success.
If you’re ready to dig deep, refine your ideas, and bring your manuscript to its fullest potential, I can’t wait to hear from you!