I founded Historical Editorial in 2011. Since then I've edited nearly 500 manuscripts, helped hundreds of authors achieve their goals, and now I'm offering coaching services to authors who would like more in-depth guidance or accountability through the novel-writing process.
I love historical fiction! I work with all of its subgenres, including romance (I LOVE romance!), mystery, dual timeline, inspirational, fantasy, supernatural, Gothic, LGBTQ, literary, and young adult. I work with authors who are traditionally published, or hope to be, and indie authors. I am a big supporter of the indie community.
I hold a BA in history from Virginia Tech and a copyediting certification from UCSD. I am a voracious reader with an analytical mind, an eye for detail, and a passion for historical fiction and good books in general. I’m reading the new releases you’re reading. (And I may have edited a few of them, wink.) I’m crushing on the authors you’re crushing on. I’m reading their newsletters, attending the conferences, following the market news, chatting in the same groups, celebrating successes, commiserating over setbacks. This in-depth knowledge of the historical fiction community allows me to help my clients position their work for success in the marketplace.
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| Meeting Diana Gabaldon. James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser forevah! |
I am a contributing member of the Historical Novel Society, having written features for their website and print magazine, presented at conferences, and served as Volunteer Coordinator for the Portland and Maryland conferences. I had the honor of serving as Conference Chair for the virtual 2021 HNS North America Conference, the 2023 HNS North America Conference in San Antonio, and I am currently serving as Conference Chair for 2025 in Las Vegas.
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| Meeting Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks at HNS2017 |
I love connecting with fellow book lovers, so feel free to friend me on Facebook and Goodreads and follow me on Instagram.
Check out my interview with indieBRAG!
When I'm not working, I love to travel, visiting historic sites, having some fun in the sun, and eating good food! My hobbies include photography, gardening, observing nature and wildlife, and, of course, reading. I am a farmer's daughter—my dad raises Black Angus beef cattle—and I was raised with goats and pigs and chickens too. I am a country girl at heart, but I love a big-city getaway, and I'm determined to see as much of Europe as possible! In addition to history and reading, I love dogs, music, craft beer, and football. I live on a farm in Virginia with my family and a spoiled-rotten German Shepherd.
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| Me and my Sassy |
If you'd like to chat with me about coaching or editing, send an inquiry with a brief synopsis to: jennyq@historicaleditorial.com or submit this form.
I love speaking to writing groups! Does your group have questions about the intricacies of editing historical fiction? How the editorial or coaching process works? Navigating the different publishing paths? Email me to inquire about speaking to your group! jennyq@historicaleditorial.com
Don't wait to contact me! My schedule is typically filled 4-5 months in advance.
Credentials
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, History
Minor in English
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Copyediting Certification
(120 hours)
University of California, San Diego
Professional Organizations:
Historical Novel Society
Historical Writers of America
Editorial Freelancers Association