Editing Services for Writers and Aspiring Authors
Who I Am
A story has never been just a story: they’re life experiences, lessons, tragedies, triumphs; transformation and descent; love made, and love lost. They’re adventures detailing the intricacies of the human experience, the secrets of the self, and the art of psychological transformation. Story is the most intimate experience of empathy on paper, accomplished by a willingness to step into the mind of the other. By understanding what you are not, you gain insight into who you are.
Ultimately, they’re the maps that help us navigate the inevitable force of change. You have a story you want to tell, and there is a reader waiting for your words, your characters, your plot. My goal is to help you pull your intrusive thoughts into the world, because the things you have to say, well . . . no one else can say it quite like you. With my freelance experience, having worked one-on-one with numerous authors, and collaborating with publishing houses such as Mahanna Press, following the work I completed for my school’s literary magazine, Pathfinder—all en route to obtaining my master’s degree in Creative Writing—I hope to bring my expertise to your work.
As an aspiring author myself, I understand the unique struggle and inner turmoil that come with the writing process. I’m currently working on refining a collection of stories myself (two novellas, a novelette, and more than a few short stories) to publish. And I love working with stories that include strong thematic undertones and memorable characters. This is what I’m drawn to in my own practice, and the reason why I choose to work with every genre of fiction. In my process, I hope to not only become intimate with your writing, but also you as the person who shares the same goal as I.
The work that follows after the first draft is done can often feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Working with a professional can bring clarity and direction to your process.
Ultimately, they’re the maps that help us navigate the inevitable force of change. You have a story you want to tell, and there is a reader waiting for your words, your characters, your plot. My goal is to help you pull your intrusive thoughts into the world, because the things you have to say, well . . . no one else can say it quite like you. With my freelance experience, having worked one-on-one with numerous authors, and collaborating with publishing houses such as Mahanna Press, following the work I completed for my school’s literary magazine, Pathfinder—all en route to obtaining my master’s degree in Creative Writing—I hope to bring my expertise to your work.
As an aspiring author myself, I understand the unique struggle and inner turmoil that come with the writing process. I’m currently working on refining a collection of stories myself (two novellas, a novelette, and more than a few short stories) to publish. And I love working with stories that include strong thematic undertones and memorable characters. This is what I’m drawn to in my own practice, and the reason why I choose to work with every genre of fiction. In my process, I hope to not only become intimate with your writing, but also you as the person who shares the same goal as I.
The work that follows after the first draft is done can often feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Working with a professional can bring clarity and direction to your process.
Jonathan McCloud
Freelance Editor and Writer
Yes, There Are Two of Us
Seeing double? No? Oh, well . . . are you sure? You said you don’t care? . . . actually, don’t even worry about it. Just wanted to say that we’re…ya know, twins—identical thank-you-very much.
Well, my name is Jaelan McCloud, and I work primarily as a copyeditor and proofreader. Outside of the work I do with Acorn Publishing, I also do freelance work with other publishing houses such as Milkweed Editions and Mahanna Press. And, of course, I’m always in contact with other aspiring authors looking to get their book edited by a professional before they self-publish their work, or send it off to agents.
Each level of editing within the book publishing process is precious in its own right—but copyediting holds a special place in my heart. Yes, we fix grammar and punctuation, edit syntax, correct diction and what not . . . but at the root of this process is the understanding that words are the basic unit of thought. We sift through manuscripts and eliminate their lumps so that each sentence and paragraph
feel as refined as they can be; we examine symbols and isolate the best of the best so that your readers only have the purest forms of thought to ponder on.
Every simile, metaphor, analogy, personification, and motif, alongside punctuation and grammar, are subject to the copyeditors scrutiny. Why something like a simple comma holds massive, metacognitive implications, or how a period can change the entire meaning of a sentence, is lost to the average reader . . . but not to the copyeditor.
Since my brother is such a fantastic developmental editor, and might not always have time to fit in a copyediting project, he insisted I show face and offer my services as well. I work with a very wide range of genres—historical fiction, romance, mystery, and nonfiction here and there—but the projects I love to work on the most are science fiction and fantasy. Here’s a brief overview of my services. Below, I have attached my contact information, as well as my Upwork page that includes my portfolio.
Well, my name is Jaelan McCloud, and I work primarily as a copyeditor and proofreader. Outside of the work I do with Acorn Publishing, I also do freelance work with other publishing houses such as Milkweed Editions and Mahanna Press. And, of course, I’m always in contact with other aspiring authors looking to get their book edited by a professional before they self-publish their work, or send it off to agents.
Each level of editing within the book publishing process is precious in its own right—but copyediting holds a special place in my heart. Yes, we fix grammar and punctuation, edit syntax, correct diction and what not . . . but at the root of this process is the understanding that words are the basic unit of thought. We sift through manuscripts and eliminate their lumps so that each sentence and paragraph
feel as refined as they can be; we examine symbols and isolate the best of the best so that your readers only have the purest forms of thought to ponder on.
Every simile, metaphor, analogy, personification, and motif, alongside punctuation and grammar, are subject to the copyeditors scrutiny. Why something like a simple comma holds massive, metacognitive implications, or how a period can change the entire meaning of a sentence, is lost to the average reader . . . but not to the copyeditor.
Since my brother is such a fantastic developmental editor, and might not always have time to fit in a copyediting project, he insisted I show face and offer my services as well. I work with a very wide range of genres—historical fiction, romance, mystery, and nonfiction here and there—but the projects I love to work on the most are science fiction and fantasy. Here’s a brief overview of my services. Below, I have attached my contact information, as well as my Upwork page that includes my portfolio.
Jaelan McCloud
Freelance Copyeditor | Acron Press
How We Can Help You
Editing is an investment, and I want it to be as accessible and affordable as possible. Payment plans are available and tailored to your project upon proposal.
Free Sample Line Edit
A free 1,500-word sample edit lets you see my style, my process, and how I refine your voice so you know I’m the right editor for you.
Developmental Edits
A deep look at plot, character, pacing, and theme to ensure your story’s structure is sound and your narrative runs smoothly.
Line Editing
Refines voice, flow, clarity, and style—shaping sentences, tightening prose, and aligning mechanics with industry-standard rules.
Copyedits/Proofreading
The final polish: correcting errors, inconsistencies, and formatting so your manuscript is clean and print-ready.
Beta Reading
Intuitive reader feedback that shows how your story lands—its clarity, impact, character strength, and audience appeal.
Script/Stageplay Reading
Insightful notes on character, structure, and emotional impact to strengthen your script beyond formatting and technical craft.
What Authors Like You Are Saying
Clients value my thoughtful guidance, detailed feedback, and the way I illuminate the heart of their stories.
I was stuck in the middle of a character-driven novel and facing serious writer’s block. His insights into character development...
Liora Yoael
Author
Jonathan is intelligent, insightful, accurate, and well educated. His literary skills are impressive, and he is an editor who cares.
Will Nesbitt
Author
Jon beta-read a 3000-word sci-fi short story for me. His feedback was timely, thoughtful, and thorough, and he did a great job at...
Brooke Lanier
Author
Awesome person to work with. Left super detailed comments on my manuscript, which really helped me see what was and wasn't...
Destenie Nock
Author