Hello! Tasteful Editing is owned by Jenna Nelson Patton.
I am an experienced developmental editor and copy editor with specialties in cookbooks, mind/body/spirit, wellness, gardening, and hobbies. I work with large publishers and small presses, best-selling authors and first-time writers. When you work with me, you’ll find that I truly enjoy what I do.
Meet Your Editor: Jenna
I began editing twelve years ago because I enjoy helping authors set their readers up for success. I like working with languages and being a part of the team that turns a manuscript into a finished book. I learn something new from every project, and it seems like there is always a new trend or ingredient to keep things interesting.
Below is some of my recent work. Please see my portfolio page for more examples, or just reach out and tell me about your project.
Education
PhD, Emory University
MA, Université de Montréal
BA, University of Pittsburgh
Training
Editing, University of Chicago (ongoing)
Plain Language, Simon Fraser University
Indexing, University of California–Berkeley
Copyediting, University of California–San Diego
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Food & Cookbooks
Wellness
I enjoy working with authors who help their readers make lifestyle changes and reach challenging new goals.
Mind/body/Spirit
I develop projects that help readers to unlock their inner strength, set intentions, and invite healing.
Gardening & Hobbies
I also specialize in projects that inspire readers—and kids—to explore their creativity and the natural world.
What you can expect from Tasteful Editing
Quality Work
- excellent nonfiction developmental editing and copy editing
- reliable turnaround times and availability for questions after the edit is complete
Excellent Service
- timely updates to the project manager and editor during the edit
- a style sheet for every project to help your proofreader and indexer work efficiently
Author-Friendly Editing
- quality comments and queries that are—above all—respectful
- a flexible editor who enjoys working with authors to make every book the best it can be
Why Cookbooks?
For me, cookbook editing is a perfect combination of the things I know and enjoy.
- I am the daughter of a food scientist. While I was growing up, I learned about ingredients in our backyard garden, and I learned to cook using the industrial stand mixer in our kitchen. I am an active, lifelong home cook.
- I am involved in food communities. I serve on the board of directors for the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting Maine’s farmers, strengthening our local food network, and fighting food insecurity in our state. I am also a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
- I test recipes for some outstanding cookbook authors. Recipe testing helps me approach every project with even more appreciation for the author’s creativity and hard work.
- I understand the chef and the home cook, and I know how to balance their needs on the page. For every editing project, I work to ensure that every page is clear, complete, and engaging. I apply your house style carefully, and I work with authors productively. I have extensive experience with special diets (e.g., vegan, vegetarian, raw, Paleo, AIP, and Keto). I am comfortable working with nutritional analysis, metric conversions, and complex methods.
Jenna is an amazing editor, driven to improve the meaning and material in the author’s voice. She’s not content until both the publisher and the author are. Highly communicative, and with an intelligent and compassionate book-side manner, working with Jenna is a wonderful experience that I wish every author could share.
It was a pleasure to see Jenna copyedit one of the cookbooks I co-penned. Her expertise, attention to detail, and respect for the message to be conveyed, all greatly helped make the book even better than I hoped for. I look forward to working with Jenna again soon!
When I am not digging through style guides and working with awesome authors, I enjoy life in Maine with my husband, Russell Patton, and our amazing little dog. We like running, hiking in Acadia, and going to see live music—anything from the Descendents to Nick Cave to the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.
Learning: The Healing Wisdom of Africa by Malidoma Patrice Somé
Reading: Absolutely on Music: Conversations with Seiji Ozawa by Haruki Murakami
Listening: Mika Vainio // Einstürzende Neubauten // field recordings
Watching: Where Is the Friend’s Home? by Abbas Kiarostami
Cooking: The Georgian Feast: The Vibrant Culture and Savory Food of the Republic of Georgia by Darra Goldstein
Running: Acadia half-marathon (June 2022) MDI half-marathon (October 2022) & the Millinocket half-marathon (December 2022)
