Testimonials
‘Jen, thanks for all your hard work. You always delivered on time and your attention to detail and sage advice throughout was a huge contribution. The book is far better for having had your wonderful editorial expertise put to it. Thank you!’ Simon Mustoe, author, How to Survive the Next 100 Years: Lessons from Nature
‘I wholeheartedly recommend Jen for any editing and proofreading services. She had a brilliant understanding of the brief, applying her expert insights and editing skills in a very speedy manner. Her communication was clear and the experience was a total pleasure. I would highly recommend her services.’
Jennipher McDonald, PhD, Curtin University
‘Jen edited both my thesis and my literary novel. She was an absolute breeze to work with. Her work is A-grade and she is a fabulous communicator. I also found her rates were well within reach and great value. I can’t recommend her enough.’
Paul J. Laverty, author & PhD student, Curtin University
‘Jen is absolutely the best person to have in your corner when you are writing and pitching your manuscript to a publisher or literary agent. She gifts you a tool box on how to create the best pitch, cover letter and synopsis that gives you the best chance of success. I am writing a novel using dialect, so having Jen’s editorial and academic expertise is a rare and fabulous gift.’
Justine Sless, author & comedian
‘I am thrilled to have discovered Jen. Not only has she had me as a podcast guest on Northern Voices, inviting some great discussions around my novel, The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn, but she also offers some fabulous editing and mentoring services. Jen edited my query letter and synopsis and I am now re-entering the query trenches with renewed optimism, with my pitch sharpened and energised.
I will return to Jen for a full manuscript assessment when book two is written and ready, as she sure has a way with words.’ Sue Reed, author, The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn
‘Jen has a perfect literary eye for assessing manuscripts and she found what was needed to make my manuscript stand out.’ G.D. Ison, emerging writer
‘Jen rescued me from days of web searches and disappointment as I tried to craft a novel synopsis and query letter that gave the impression I knew what I was doing. Her literary experience and industry insights were invaluable and helped me secure a full manuscript request. I would not only recommend her services to everyone but I would (and will) be hitting her up for advice again.’ Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, journalist & writer
‘Jen was an incredibly valuable resource when it came to copy-editing with a dialect in mind, not only for authenticity but for maintaining dialect consistency throughout. The children’s publishing industry has really shifted in recent years to trying to become more inclusive, and that also means seeing characters and hearing voices from around the UK that readers are able to recognise themselves in and connect with. Being a Southerner working on a book with a Northern dialect, having Jen was a massive asset during this process, and she even gave me some insight on a more structural area of the text I wanted a fresh pair of eyes on!’ Jadene Squires, Hachette Children’s Editor
‘I have employed Jen for several years as a university tutor across various classes. There’s no shortage of people that I could employ in this role, but the reason I keep coming back to Jen is because, firstly, she’s incredibly reliable and timely, and secondly, she has great attention to detail. With Jen, I never have to concern myself with whether or not the job is going to get done, nor do I have to worry about if she’s going to work to the high standard I expect. I know what I’m going to get, and it’s unfailingly excellent!’
Per Henningsgaard, Senior Lecturer/Major Coordinator – Professional Writing and Publishing, Curtin University
‘Our tech company hired Jen to create articles for a regular newsletter marketing campaign for a period extending over a year. Not only were Jen’s articles wonderfully written with a great balance of technical information and casual free-flowing tone, she drove the entire process of idea generation, setting out the newsletters with graphics and images and keeping track of posting schedules. She was fabulously easy to work with, autonomous and we couldn’t recommend her highly enough to anyone looking for a top notch copywriter and marketing campaign manager.’
Sam Lander, Director, PayNow Pty Ltd
FAQs
What’s your policy on refunds and cancellations?
My refund, cancellation and non-payment policy is outlined in the contract you’ll receive when we start working together.
What are your qualifications?
I have a MA (Hons) in English and Scottish Literature from Edinburgh University, an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University, London and (almost) a PhD in Creative Writing from Curtin University. On a more practical level, I’ve been working as a journalist, editor and writer in the media and publishing industries in the UK and Australia for over 10 years. I also teach writing, editing and publishing at university level.
Do I have to be located in the UK or Australia to access your services?
Geographically, no. I’m happy to work with people from anywhere in the world who are writing in English. But I do have strong networks in the UK and Australian publishing industries.
Are there any types of projects you don’t work with?
Yes. I don’t take poetry, picture books, high sci-fi and fantasy, erotica or romance. That’s not because I don’t like these type of books, but because I don’t have a lot of experience in these areas and it’s better to seek advice from someone who does. If you’re unsure as to whether I might be able to work on your project, drop me a line and give me some details so we can figure it out.
Are your rates for writer services so low because you’re no good?
No. I’m very good – see the testimonials above. My rates are so low compared to other providers because during my PhD research I found that one of the greatest barriers to seeing more diversity of writers and writing in the industry was financial accessibility. I want to help people achieve their writing goals in an affordable way and in doing so remove that financial barrier to good editorial and writing advice.
What if I can’t afford the service I need?
Removing that financial barrier is really important to me. I believe that everyone, no matter their circumstances, should have access to writing, mentoring and editorial services. I have options to pay in instalments or even to secure a reduced rate if you’re on a low income. Drop me a line via the Contact page and we can talk things through.
Why do you have different rates for writers and publishers?
We’re back to accessibility. Publishers are businesses that have budgets, sales and can afford to pay employees and contractors fairly. Writers are often seeking editorial services to improve their work and might be on limited budgets. Good editing services should be affordable for those looking to improve their manuscripts or self-publish.
I work night shifts or just don’t have a lot of time. Can I still sign up for mentoring?
Absolutely! Being based in Australia means I’m in the strange position of being awake when most people in the UK are asleep. So if you’re a night owl or an early bird, or just need mentoring sessions outside of working hours then this is the perfect way to do that. If you’re short on time, I can also offer shorter sessions, too. Get in touch via the Contact page and we can make things work for you.
The only time I have is on weekends. Do you work then?
Where possible I try to keep my working hours out of the weekends. But I understand that shifts, night work, children, commitments and many other things don’t always mean that’s possible for everyone. I do have limited spots available on weekends but these can only be booked after an advance discussion of your circumstances and at an agreed time that works for both of us. Due to the timing of these sessions, non-attendance will incur a fee.
I’m worried that my writing isn’t good enough.
Ah, good old imposter syndrome. We’ve all been there – including me. Though it’s difficult to feel like your writing is valuable and important – especially with such a lack of diversity in publishing – rest assured, it is! My services for writers serve a dual purpose to give you solid advice on your actual writing and also to boost your confidence as a writer and get you ready for submission.
But you’re in Australia. What’s that got to do with writers in the UK?
I’m originally from Wingate, a small pit village in County Durham and grew up in the UK. I moved to Australia when I was 29 and now I live here because my husband has a full-time job in Brisbane. But I have lots of contacts in the UK and still have family there so I’m back for regular visits. My PhD looked at biases against Northern and working-class writers and I’m still very much an advocate for these groups despite my geographic location.
Jen Bowden 