Professional services with a boutique touch

You've contacted dozens of literary agents, but none of them have answered your queries.
You've written your dissertation, and now your advisor recommends a copy edit.
You were planning to compile your own index, but the deadline is in four weeks and you're teaching five classes this term.
You've got a great story idea, but you need help getting started.
You can't decide between traditional publishing and self publishing.

Your project deserves to shine. Blue Legend Manuscript Services can help.

Why choose Blue Legend?

Hi! I'm Jessica Zellers. I spent seventeen years as a librarian in public and academic libraries, learning what readers want. In that time I freelanced as an editor, indexer, and writer, learning what writers need.

I work with creative writers, graduate students and academics, publishers, businesses, nonprofits, and anyone who puts words on a page or a screen. Typically I charge by the project, not by the hour, so you'll never have to worry about going beyond your budget.

I studied story craft with Jim Butcher, New York Times bestselling author of the Dresden Files series. I studied creative writing and developmental editing with Ron Rash, winner of the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award, best known for his novel Serena.

I know what it's like to write an academic text and have a copy editor drill through it. I've done that twice. (That's how I learned a valuable lesson: it is always worth it to pay someone else to prepare your index. So, so worth it.)

I know what it's like to write a novel and get a literary agent. I've done that twice, too.

My style is friendly and approachable. I don't simply make corrections: I offer suggestions and explanations. The process should feel like a conversation, not a disciplinary action.

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"An exceptional writer herself, Jessica brings thoughtfulness, clarity, dedication, and a sense of humor to any editing project she undertakes. I was lucky enough to work with her on a manuscript, and the suggestions she gave me elevated my writing to a different level. So what are you waiting for? Reach out and get started!"
Ben Gott, novelist and middle grades English teacher

"Jessica Zellers possesses a witty way with words, a zest for editing, and a gift for meeting deadlines quickly and efficiently."
Autumn Winters, Recommendations Lead for EBSCO Publishing's NoveList

Specialties

I work with documents to be published in American English for an adult-level audience. No poetry or screenplays, please.

For academic manuscripts: I am most eager to work with pieces in the humanities and social sciences and fine and performing arts.

For popular nonfiction: my favorites are memoirs, sociology, science, history, economics, and anything about race, gender, sexuality, religion, and culture.

For popular fiction: I am such a sucker for fantasy, horror, and science fiction.

I enjoy many types of editing. My sweet spot is line editing mixed with copy editing.

I have broad tastes. If your manuscript falls outside these categories, get in touch!

contact me