My Editing Experience

As a freelance editor for the past three years, I’ve edited award-winning pitches, essays, and manuscripts. My clients are published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and other national outlets. Moreover, I’m a freelance copyeditor for Penguin Random House. In that role, I’ve helped nonfiction, fiction, and poetry manuscripts come to life, including Tolani Akinola’s novel Leave Your Mess at Home. 

I regularly attend editor and agent events to understand what they are currently commissioning and give you the most updated suggestions possible. I love providing developmental feedback as well as copyediting and proofreading. My approach is to gain a deep understanding of your writerly intentions and tailor my feedback to your goals.  

Helping writers has always been central to my life. Before becoming a freelance editor, I founded my own writing center at the public high school where I taught. In addition, I spent years as a writing center consultant helping graduate students at NYU and The New School edit manuscripts and journalistic essays. I have also served as a nonfiction reader for LIT magazine and a fiction reader for the Iron Horse Literary Review. 

Contact Me

Asynchronous Edits

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Single Sessions

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Ongoing Sessions

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Consulting Services

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Asynchronous Edits • Single Sessions • Ongoing Sessions • Consulting Services •

Services and Pricing

  • Asynchronous Edits: Pitch or Query Letter 

    Written in-line comments on your work. When you share your document, you will explain your goals for your work and the type of feedback you seek. I will write detailed comments in response as well as a longer note with my overall feedback by an agreed-upon date. Cost: $90

    *Same-day asynchronous edits are offered for an additional $30

    Asynchronous Edits: Essay

    Written in-line comments on your work. When you share your document, you will explain your goals and the type of feedback you seek. I will write detailed comments in response as well as a longer note with my overall feedback by an agreed-upon date. Cost: $100 (If your essay will take longer than an hour to read and edit, we will discuss an increased rate) 

    *Same-day asynchronous edits are offered for an additional $100

    Asynchronous Edits: Book Proposal or Manuscript

    Written in-line comments on your work. When you share your document, you will explain your goals and the type of feedback you seek. I will write detailed comments in response as well as a longer note with my overall feedback by an agreed-upon date. Cost: $100 per hour 

    Asynchronous Edits: New York Times Modern Love: Tiny Love Story

    Written in-line comments on your work. When you share your document, you will explain your goals and the type of feedback you seek. I will write detailed comments in response as well as a longer note with my overall feedback by an agreed-upon date. Cost: $30 

    *Same-day asynchronous edits are offered for an additional $15

  • Single Editing Session: Pitch or Query Letter 

    An hour-long Zoom session to edit your pitch or query letter. I will read your materials live during the session, provide written feedback through detailed in-line comments, discuss my feedback with you, and help you start revising. If possible, I will share additional editor or agent names that might be a fit for your work. Cost: $125

    Single Editing Session: Essay

    An hour-long Zoom session to discuss feedback on your essay. Prior to our session, you will share your goals for your work and the type of feedback you seek. Based on that, I will read and make in-line comments prior to our session. I will then discuss the feedback with you live on Zoom and help you start revising. Cost: $170 (If your essay will take longer than an hour to read and edit, we will discuss an increased rate)

    Single Editing Session: Book Proposal or Manuscript 

    An hour-long Zoom session to discuss feedback on your essay, book proposal, or manuscript. Prior to our session, you will share your goals for your work and the type of feedback you seek. Based on that, I will read and make in-line comments on your work prior to our session. I will then discuss the feedback with you live on Zoom and help you start revising. Cost: $100 per hour plus $70 for our Zoom session

    Single Editing Session: New York Times Modern Love: Tiny Love Story

    A 30-minute Zoom session to discuss feedback on your work. I will read your materials live during the session, provide written feedback through detailed in-line comments, discuss my feedback with you, and help you start revising. Cost: $45

    Single Developmental Session: Book, Pitch, or Essay

    An hour-long Zoom session focused on developing and planning a book, pitch, or essay that you still need to talk through. You are encouraged to bring an outline, notes, research, or excerpts of your project. You are also welcome to just bring a verbal concept that we can talk through. You will leave the session with a detailed notes document, including action items. Cost: $100

  • Ongoing Editing Sessions: Pitch or Query Letter

    Hour-long weekly or biweekly sessions. I will read your materials live during the session, provide written feedback through detailed in-line comments, discuss my feedback with you, and help you start revising. If possible, I will share additional editor or agent names that might be a fit for your work. Flexible availability, including weekends. Cost: $100 per session, with a 3-session minimum within 5 weeks

    Ongoing Editing Sessions: Essay, Book Proposal, or Manuscript 

    Hour-long weekly or biweekly sessions. You have the option for me to read your materials live during the session or read them in advance. For both options, I will provide written feedback through detailed in-line comments, discuss my feedback with you, and help you start revising. If possible, I will share additional editor or agent names that might be a fit for your work. Flexible availability, including weekends. 

    Cost for reading live: $100 per session, with a 3-session minimum within 5 weeks. 

    Cost for reading in advance: $150 per session, with a 3-session minimum within 5 weeks (If your materials will take longer than an hour to read and edit, we will discuss an increased rate)

    Ongoing Developmental Sessions: Book, Pitch, or Essay

    Hour-long weekly or biweekly sessions focused on developing and planning a book, pitch, or essay that you still need to talk through. You are encouraged to bring an outline, notes, research, or excerpts of your project. You are also welcome to just bring a verbal concept that we can talk through. You will leave the session with a detailed notes document, including action items. Cost: $80

  • Single Freelancing Session 

    An hour-long introduction to freelance writing. I’ll share how to pitch, stay organized, and land big bylines while working full-time. I’ll also connect you with mentors who have guided me and answer any of your questions. I’ll tailor the session for writers who don’t know anything at all about freelancing and for somewhat experienced writers who are looking to refine their process. Cost: $100

    Single Publishing Session 

    An hour-long introduction to book publishing. I’ll explain what I’ve learned about book proposals, query letters, and finding the right agents and editors for your book. I’ll also recommend major players in the publishing world to follow for more advice. Cost: $100

    Single Organizational Session

    An hour-long working session to organize your writing life. Possible activities include organizing files into labeled Google Drive folders, developing a pitching or querying tracker, creating email templates for pitch follow-ups, and making a document with information about writing residencies, fellowships, awards, and grants. Cost: $125 

    Ongoing Organizational Sessions

    Hour-long working sessions for ongoing organization. Meetings can be monthly, biweekly, or weekly. Best suited for writers who seek accountability for staying organized. Cost: $100 per session, with a 3-session minimum within 5 weeks

  • “Jacqueline is a kind, empathetic, and thoughtful editor who has helped me think about the core of my story: what I am really trying to say. She helps peel back layers to get to the heart of your purpose for writing. She offers clear, concise edits and asks the right questions to shed light on what’s distracting in a piece. <b>Her experience publishing in various outlets and writing all types of stories makes her a great editor for those just starting out and experienced freelancers alike.”</b>

    – Madison Chapman, freelancer with essays in The New York Times: Tiny Love Story, TIME, HuffPost, Outside Magazine, Ms. Magazine, Jenny Magazine, and more.

  • “Jacqueline is an amazing writer and editor. She has helped me with numerous projects I’ve worked on. <b>You can always count on her to provide honest and helpful feedback for your writing.</b>”

    – Orlando Mendiola, author of the children’s book The Last Tamale (Harper Collins, 2024 and 2025) and articles in WIRED 

  • "Jacqueline LeKachman possesses all the qualities of a good editor. She communicates clearly and gives helpful, specific feedback while respecting the writer’s unique voice. <b>She also works without ego and focuses on improving, not rewriting, the writer’s work.</b> I highly recommend her services. She gave me especially helpful edits for my piece in <i>New York Magazine: The Cut.”

    – Emillio Mesa, freelancer with essays in The York Times, Business Insider, The New York Times: Tiny Love Story, OUT Magazine, New York Magazine: Grub Street, HuffPost, Allrecipes, QUARTZ, and more. 

  • "Jacqueline's advice and editorial touch brightens the written word. <b>When she works with me on essays and pitches, I always come away eager to dig in, ready to love my own work again.</b>”

    – Donna Miele, author of the forthcoming memoir Pain Country (Sibylline Press, 2027). 

Contact

If you're interested in working with me, complete the form with a few details about your project.