Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Reino.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I mention this on my website as well but, from the time I was a little girl and my father told me to look for the dancing elephants on the front lawn, I loved using my creativity and imagination. I always knew that my career would involve writing, although it was not until I became a mother that I realized my true calling was writing for children. I write both fiction and non-fiction with a focus on picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels.
However, the more I wrote, the more I realized that there are some seriously talented people out there who need an extra support system or guidance on how to navigate their manuscripts and the publishing industry. It was this realization that led me to become an Author Coach and Freelance Editor. I get to work with amazing writers spanning all kinds of projects.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In terms of my writing career, nothing about the publishing industry is a smooth road. It’s the nature of the industry. In traditional publishing, there are a lot of gatekeepers by the time your manuscript is published, so it is very much a waiting game. Like any writer, I have had my fair share of rejections which have made me pause for a bit and redirect my efforts.
Generating a steady income from writing alone takes time so, when my first book was published, I was still working a full-time job. I also had to juggle family responsibilities and had some health problems along the way. But, this was not completely a bad thing because it made me focus on what’s important and what I love to do which is writing, editing, and coaching other authors.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Author, Editor, & Author Coach – what should we know?
In addition to being a published author, I am an editor and author coach. As an editor, I specialize in developmental editing and manuscript evaluations making appropriate comments regarding the content and story structure of a manuscript, including big picture ideas such as plot, sub-plot, character arcs, tone, and voice for Young Adult and Adult Fiction. I also specialize in critiquing submission packages to agents and editors which include a writer’s query letter, synopsis, and proposal if querying a work of nonfiction.
As an author coach, I am basically a life coach for the modern day writer. It would be wonderful to attend writing conferences and workshops and spend days on a secluded island with writing friends to brainstorm ideas and write your next book, but this is not reality. My personal philosophy is all about being productive with the time you have and how to achieve “The Writer’s Zen” which is different for every writer based on lifestyle and responsibilities. It’s all about the mindset. I have a monthly #thewriterszen Twitter chat to talk about all things writing and ways to stress less to achieve writing goals. It’s been a lot of fun.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think acknowledging strengths and weaknesses are key. I’m fully aware of both and I embrace both. I focus my efforts on my strengths. I also think passion and drive is so important to success as well.
Pricing:
- Manuscript Evaluations $250.00
- Developmental Edits $3.00/per page (based on 250 words per page)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.jessicareino.me/
- Email: jnrlitauthor@gmail.com
- Instagram: JNRlitauthor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNRlitauthor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jnrlitauthor?lang=en
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