Book Editor & Author: holistic health, self-help, metaphysical, & spiritual topics

Jo-Ann Langtree has been in the writing and editing business for 25 years, specializing in self-help, holistic health, metaphysical and spiritual topics. Throughout the '90s, she served as Associate Editor of Body, Mind & Spirit, a national New Age magazine for which she edited all copy and wrote features and celebrity interviews (Caroline Myss, Ali MacGraw, Thomas Moore, Fritjof Capra, Deepak Chopra, Betty Eadie). Best received were her insights into the psycho-spiritual dynamics of homeopathy (how it works) and a series about bodily ecology, "The Shocking Truth About Your Colon -- And What You Can Do About It," which sparked close to 300 responses. Over the past several years, Jo-Ann has edited 30 books, 25 of which have been published.

Student writing/young-adult literature is another of Jo-Ann's specialties. As Senior Editor of Merlyn's Pen: The National Magazine of Student Writing (1985-2001), she edited and proofread all stories and poems for publication. During her tenure there, Merlyn's Pen won the EDPRESS Golden Lamp Award for instructional materials. She also authored numerous teachers' guides and direct-mail promotions, and edited 10 short-story anthologies for the magazine which have been translated and reprinted in Europe and the Far East. For several years, Jo-Ann served as Director of Merlyn's Pen's Mentors in Writing program, a semester-long writing tutorial for students in grades 6-12. She is presently a mentor for "Finding 'I' in the College Admission Essay," a tutorial for students which attempts to transform the often dreaded "personal statement" into an experience of discovery, awakening, and joy.

Jo-Ann also devoted four years to writing and editing for Aetna Life & Casualty. As Editor of Life NEWS, the Company's newspaper, she had sole responsibility for finding, developing, writing, and proofing all articles. Topics included new products, sales campaigns, insurance-agent interviews, personnel accolades, Company acquisitions and policies. What had previously been a drab "house organ" became, under her leadership, an eagerly anticipated read, sprinkled with subtle humor.

Jo-Ann holds a B.A. degree from the College of Mount Saint Vincent. She is the mother of three grown children and lives with her husband, Richard, near the shore of Narragansett Bay, in Rhode Island.

Specialties

Editing (Copyediting and Developmental)
Proofreading
Subjects: Spirituality, metaphysics, religion, theosophy, psychology,
holistic health, food supplements, homeopathy, nutrition, psychic phenomena, lucid dreaming, mystical experience, self-help, saints, masters, and gurus.

Books edited and published

Creating Space for Happiness: The Secret of Giving Room, by Dr. Anthony J. Castro, Prometheus Books, 2008

Lifetime Physique, by Stuart Schaefer, Body of Purpose, LLC

Where Are My Ankles? How Iyengar Yoga Rescued Me from Stress, Fear, and a Very Bad Back, by Deborah Rummelhart, Funny Path Publishing, LLC

License to Write: New Writing from Today's Authors Under 20 - - Merlyn's Pen, Inc.

White Knuckles: Thrillers and Other Stories -- by American Teen Writers, Merlyn's Pen, Inc.

The Wanderer -- by American Teen Writers, Merlyn's Pen, Inc.

The Moth Comes to the Flame, Vol. I -- by John Roberts, Roaring Lion Publishing

The Moth Comes to the Flame, Vol. II -- by John Roberts, Roaring Lion Publishing

The Magic Man -- by "Friends of Peter," Roaring Lion Publishing

The Golden Rules of Etiquette at The Plaza -- by Lyudmila Bloch, Fifth Avenue Press

Change Your Aura, Change Your Life -- by Barbara Y. Martin, WisdomLight Books

Cracking the Networking Code: Four Steps to Priceless Business Relationships -- by Dean Lindsay, World Gumbo Publishing

The Mindfulness Wheel -- by Frederick Burggraf, Day One Publishing

Your Birthday Sign Through Time -- by Rochelle Gordon & Nadia Stieglitz, Atria Books

Love Signs & You -- by Rochelle Gordon & Nadia Stieglitz, The Five Mile Press, Ltd.

Yes! One Person Can Make a Difference -- by Stephen Bastien, Make a Difference Publishing

Born to Be: A Simple 4-Step Method to Reconnect with Your Special Abilities -- by Stephen Bastien, Make a Difference Publishing

How to Write Killer Sales Proposals -- by Bud Porter-Roth, Addison-Wesley

Ben Franklin: America's Original Entrepreneur -- by Blaine McCormick, Entrepreneur Press

Make Big Profits on EBay -- by Jacqueline Lynn, Entrepreneur Press

Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Home-based Business Handbook -- by James Stephenson, Entrepreneur Press

Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide -- by James Stephenson, Entrepreneur Press

From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Gourmet Specialty -- by Stephen Hall, Dearborn Press

The Secret of Life -- Ronan Rooney, Rooney Concepts International, Inc.

Maya -- Dane Alexander, Karl Dankert Publishing

Amen: The Occult Bloodline of the Grail, Michael El Nour, Antahkaranah

Entrepreneur Magazine's Legal Guide: Forming a Partnership and Making It
Work -- Ira Nottonson, Entrepreneur Press

Mental Mechanics: A Beginner's Manual -- Douglas McKee (online; publication
pending)

Feedback

"It has been a real pleasure to work with Jo-Ann. I found her to be positive, professional, and supportive. It was very easy to communicate with her about all aspects of editing. She responded enthusiastically to my queries and comments. Her explanations and remarks were helpful and usable. I would have no reservations in recommending her to other writers." (Contact information on request)

"Jo-Ann's edits were perfect...just what I was looking for. She knew exactly what I was trying to say, and captured the emotions I was trying to create. I had not read the book for a couple months, and it was like reading an amazing, new, book. I was inspired all over again...and I WROTE IT!" Stuart Schaefer, Lifetime Physique

"Along the way, I have used several editors. One is an English literature major whose current business is strictly editing, as well as a well known PhD, who has edited two Pulitzer Prize-winning books. Neither comes close to Ms. Langtree's ability in this field." Dane Alexander

"Jo-Ann excelled beyond my expectations! As soon as I received Jo-Ann's response, I knew she was the right person for the job. During the short time that Jo-Ann contracted with me for the developmental editing of my book, we were in contact with each other on a weekly basis. Her constructive criticism was up-front, honest, and most of all, right on. The amount of story development and detailed editing that she contributed was beyond the dollar value of the contract amount. She helped a first-time author with a good idea but with terrible grammar create something magical. I will hire her for my future projects. Thanks, Jo-Ann!" Jeff Gillespie

"YOU ARE THE BEST EDITOR EVER!!! I am so impressed by the tremendously professional and timely job you did, and also by the breadth of your talents. Not only were you incredibly accurate in technical grammatical minutiae, such as where to put quote marks and the accompanying punctuation marks, but your fact checking was superb. I really did not expect the level of corrections you did to my citations of technical legal material and medical journals. I was also impressed by your literary judgment and taste. At first I must admit, I suffered the novice author's reaction of 'How dare she suggest changes to my words!' but after I read your suggested changes and thought about them, I saw that you were right." Deborah Rummelhart

"Thank you, Jo-Ann. You have added so much quality, professionalism and clarity to the book and your reflective comments have been enlightening. I fell in love with the way you helped me describe the experience in nature--that small miraculous patch of ground and the greater expanse. I could feel you felt what I did. You have an amazing talent and I will always be indebted to you for working with me and blessed that we found you." Ronan Rooney, author, Rooney Concepts

"Jo-Ann is top notch. Her professionalism and easy-going personality made all the difference. I was extremely lucky to find her and plan to use her again and again. Jo-Ann is bright, fast and extremely easy to work with. Thank you for this opportunity to shout her praises." Dean Lindsay, ProgressAgents.com

"Jo-Ann did a wonderful, professional job on my manuscript project. Not only did she edit grammar and punctuation, but she also commented in areas where more clarity was needed for the story. She went over and beyond what I had expected. She was very prompt in replying to my e-mails with all questions or concerns that I had. I would definitely use Jo-Ann for other projects, and I would highly recommend her to others seeking assistance with theirs." Janet McMillin

"Jo-Ann is wonderful to work with, high spirited and fast. She skillfully uses a greatly extended vocabulary, knows the grammar, and her style does not overlap the author's. With my best wishes for the Network." Michael El Nour

"I knew Jo-Ann was the right choice to edit my book when she enthusiastically wrote, 'I've been having a 30 year love affair with the English language!' A true professional, her commitment to detail was constant throughout her work as she evaluated each work for its appropriateness. She certainly was a master with the grammar/punctuation yet she offered so much more. I guarantee you will not go wrong if you hire her." Anthony Castro, clinical psychologist

Submission

Please fill out this form to request a quote

Cut and paste the questions and answers into an e-mail:

2008@book-editing.com

Required:
Submit a sample of your book manuscript or story (Word/DOC or RTF attachment preferred). The sample should be 5-50 pages. Large files should be zipped. Attachment not required if writing has not started (e.g., because you're looking for a ghostwriter).

Along with a sample, the following information is required. Ignore questions that do not apply to your project (e.g., footnotes).

(01) Word count of complete project (under "Tools" in MS Word):

(02) Put your 100-word (approx) synopsis/description here (or attach):

(03) Describe your genre and topic (e.g., nonfiction/self-help, science fiction, horror, romance, mystery, Western, young adult, children, poetry, Christian, creative nonfiction, literary):

(04) Deadline date, if any, for return of complete project. (Please be realistic. Remember that professional editors usually have a project in process.):

(05) If you have no immediate deadline, when do you want to start the editing process?: (For instance: within 30 days, within 60 days, within 90 days, 4-12 months)

(06) Level of editing desired/expected --

Copyediting / Proofreading / Line Editing (e.g., English corrections, typos, paragraph and sentence structure, word use)
Developmental (e.g., help with the big picture, such as flow/pacing, telling the story, characterization, structure, style)
Rewriting / Ghostwriting
Critique / Evaluation

(07) Number of charts/tables/pictures (if any):

(08) Writing style/format manual (e.g., Chicago Manual, APA, MLA), if applicable:

(09) Number of footnotes/references:

(10) Do you have a contract with an agent or publisher?:

(11) Do you plan to self-publish?:

(12) What is your budget for the entire project? $ ________________

(13) Your name:

(14) E-mail addresses:

(15) Day/evening phone numbers (required -- in case the response to your e-mail bounces or the editors need clarification regarding the scope of service needed, deadline, etc.):

(16) City, State, Country (or time zone):

(17) The name(s) of the editor(s)/writer(s) you'd like to contact.
(If no names are selected, your e-mail will be sent to several consultants chosen by the coordinator):

(18) How did you learn about our service?:

(19) Attach writing sample(s) (e.g., prologue, chapter 1, proposal, query)

Notes:

No hidden charges
We won't quote you one price and charge you another. When possible, we'll provide you with a per-word or per-page rate so you'll know up front exactly how much your project will cost. (Of course, we ask that you fairly represent the scope of your project.)

To learn more about the rates charged by professional editors, please see: Editorial Freelancers Association

It is a mistaken notion that freelance editors work "on spec" (speculation) with no payment to the editor. It is basically asking the editor to work for free. There's no guarantee that a book will see a profit (or even be published). The editors posted here do not work on spec.

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Note: Price quotes and time estimates for individual editors cannot be given over the phone or via chat. This is a network of freelance editors with varying prices and work schedules (see our FAQ). To obtain a price quote please follow the procedures listed on our quotes page. Contact live support if you do not receive a response within three hours. It is possible that your submission was not received. You may also page the network coordinator by leaving voicemail or sending a fax to 469-789-3030.

Please be as complete as possible in representing your project's scope and size so you will receive the most accurate estimate.

Disclaimer: Your agreement, whether oral or written, is with your freelance editor / proofreader / writer, not with the freelance network as a whole or its coordinator.