Editing
services

My approach is rigorous but collaborative. I won’t try to turn your writing into something it isn’t. I’ll read closely, ask the questions the manuscript raises, and give you clear, constructive guidance you can use.

Every project is different. Use the contact form to tell me what you’re working on, its length, and the kind of help you are looking for. I’ll reply with availability, a suggested approach and a quotation before you commit to anything.

Mark Burrow, author of BUNCH OF PSYCHOS and COO

Intuitively, I knew something was not working with my novel and it had been nagging away at me for ages. I was, therefore, very fortunate to have Jennifer McMahon read the work as she quickly zeroed-in on the elements that needed fixing – her feedback was totally on the money. Jennifer has a great understanding of dialogue, character and plot and she gets you thinking about your work and questioning it in the right way. I should add as well, she provides this critique with empathy and emotional intelligence, which helps when you realise you’ve got some work ahead of you.

Barbara Byar, prize-winning author of IN THE DESERT

Jennifer is an outstanding editor who identifies what's working and what needs more attention and thought in your writing. Insightful, patient, and encouraging, I highly recommend Jennifer if you want someone to help you get the best out of your writing.

Jean O'Brien

Jennifer McMahon did a wonderful job of editing a manuscript for me - she's extremely thorough and informed, and excellent at spotting things that writers miss in their own edits. Brilliant on the prose level and also on the level of structure, plot and character. Jennifer's feedback was rigorous while also being very empathetic and constructive. I can't recommend her editing service enough.

Theresa Ryder – award-winning fiction writer and playwright

Jennifer took on my novel for a developmental edit. She gave me much time and attention throughout the process and was always aligned to my writing style, offering praise and encouragement along with the hard truths, which were landed with the courtesy afforded to a fellow writer. Her knowledge was hugely beneficial, and as an admirer of her writing, I respected her suggestions on moving or cutting scenes, considering POV, and merging characters. She not only shaped up that novel, but has made me a better writer now that I can apply her insights to other projects. I would highly recommend her work, especially if working toward your first publication.

Julian Judge, author of THE WALL BEHIND THE WELL

Over a period of six months in 2025, I availed of both a developmental and copy edit with Jennifer McMahon. After initial enquiries, which were handled promptly, I was struck by how much time she devoted to understanding the story I wished to tell. I had not expected this. She explained later that before she begins an edit, she is very aware of firstly understanding what the author is trying to achieve. Her editorial work begins with this understanding. As regards her copy edit, I now know what it means to have a manuscript ‘polished’. When I reflect on the amount of time she spent on the manuscript the end result was extremely well worth the money.