I’m a freelance fiction editor and author who lives in Minnesota with my amazing husband and children, four cats, and a bearded dragon. I specialize in speculative fiction and love collaborating with authors to bring their vision for their stories to fruition!
Experience
As an author, I’ve been studying writing craft for over 20 years, so I have a strong understanding of how fiction works. I hold an MFA in creative writing and have taken multiple editing classes through the Editorial Freelancers Association. While teaching fiction writing, grammar, and rhetoric at North Central University in Minneapolis, I discovered my passion for helping writers improve their skills. I’ve served as a mentor for the WriteMentor program and had the pleasure of coaching authors as they prepared manuscripts for submission. Through it all, I’ve realized how rewarding it is to partner with authors in transforming their stories.
My Writing
I write speculative young adult and middle grade fiction that explores themes of identity, belonging, and how we try to fill the hollows within our souls. My short fiction has been published in The Quotable and The Gateway Review.
More About Me
My favorite genres to read (and write!) are magical realism, contemporary fantasy, and sweet romance. I have the most experience working with upper middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction. My editing specialties are novels with speculative elements, whether epic fantasy or a real-world story with a mere hint of magic; contemporary upper MG or YA stories with romantic subplots; and stories that blend genres. However, I am open to any genre and age level except picture books and erotica or stories with high levels of spice. I am not a good fit for novels with themes that ultimately disparage faith or people of faith, BUT I love stories that wrestle with difficult aspects of faith or challenge hypocrisy. My favorite books are those that reflect God in some way, even if they’re not overtly religious or squeaky clean.
I have spent several years working in special education and am a strong advocate for stories that include authentic representation of people with disabilities.
My husband and I met during a live action role play—because nothing inspires love like running around a hotel in costume and defeating imaginary monsters together.
I love cute animals of any type, especially otters. When I’m at a zoo, I squeal a lot. This is a source of embarrassment to my teenagers.
“Jodi was an amazing mentor who challenged me to think carefully about the themes of my novel. Her guidance helped me to rewrite my manuscript so that it was the best it could be. Jodi was supportive throughout this process, and her enthusiasm for my writing was so encouraging. Her patient and professional manner meant that working with her was a thoroughly positive experience.”
— Catherine Ogston
Jodi Herlick 