My background:
My name is Jena O’Connor. Storytelling is in my blood. I began writing the moment I could hold a pencil, composing heart-wrenching dramas centered around the demise of my favorite cat or comedic children’s stories to entertain my four younger sisters. My mother, always my biggest fan, was only an aspiring writer back then. I watched her bang away on the keys of her manual typewriter in a corner of our dining room day after day until finally publishing her first book when I was a sophomore in high school.
Today, the business of writing has become a family affair. My mother, Maggie Shayne, went on to become a New York Times bestselling author. She has long been my mentor, but has recently also become my editing partner.
My qualifications:
Other than an interest in writing and a family full of talented people, I would consider myself an expert in language.
- I have a BS in English and Secondary English Education.
- I have an MA in English.
- I have been a high school English teacher for 20-plus years.
- I have taught both college level writing and literature courses.
- I have experience editing manuscripts for both traditionally published and e-published authors.
- I have been the owner and lead editor for Practical Proofing for more than 8 years.
To book an edit with Jena, email me directly at jena@practicalproofing.com