Great conversation and latte's just go together. Last week I had the opportunity to meet and talk with professional editor, proofreader and author, Jennie Jolly. Usually, my conversations are fear free, but I confess the thought of sitting down with someone who professionally fixes words for a living definitely had me on my "read, re-read, and read again toes."
Thankfully, my fear was short lived. From the moment we sat down, it was clear that our mutual love for words would take the lead. There's just something about meeting someone in person, something you just don't get through email, text messages, or webinars.
I quickly learned that Jennie was more than the editor behind the scenes making other people’s words shine; she is also a deeply invested, talented writer in her own right. Currently, she’s working on a children’s book (details to come), and is a contributing author in the anthology Becoming Unstoppable: How Ordinary Women Achieve Extraordinary Success. What sets Jennie apart is her ability to understand both sides of the process. The writer who pours it out, and the editor who helps shape it.
The art of proofreading and editing is more than just fixing typos. Its tracking changes, building style sheets, moving commas, catching spelling errors, and correcting grammar. Most readers never see that side of the process, which is exactly the point. No one wants their voice edited out of their own story. The goal isn’t always to rewrite, it’s to refine. Editing is not always about fixing what’s wrong but recognizing what’s right. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is being able to provide positive feedback, not just a list of corrections, but what’s already working.
Jennie shared how one writer had buried their strongest opening a few paragraphs down. The hook was there; it was just misplaced. Bringing the best parts forward so a story truly connects is where the focus lies. That balance between correcting and preserving makes all the difference and is where Jennie really shines.
If all you ever here from an editor is what’s wrong, it’s hard to feel confident. Most of the time, a complete overhaul is not necessary, and clients just need a little reassurance before they hit 'send'.
With just a few sips of latte left, our conversation shifted to the elephant in the room...AI. For writers, editors, and proofreaders, it's easy to assume the future looks a little bleak. AI is definitely one of the leading topics of 2026 and the concern is undeniable; however, Jennie believes, like me, that replacement isn’t on the horizon anytime soon. Jennie often asks this question, "Would you rather be known for pubic relations or public relations? If you leave your editing to AI, you might just find out the hard way that it doesn’t know the difference." Technology is a great tool that can help, but it doesn’t replace a real person who understands concept, tone, flow, intention, and human emotion.
So, how does someone end up in this line of work? For Jennie, it wasn’t some big, dramatic decision. She had unofficially been doing this her entire life. Proofreading everything in sight, even reading proofreading books for fun. Proofreading and editing are simply part of her DNA. Today, she helps her clients develop content they can be proud of. From books to emails and websites to general writing, she particularly loves helping with the kind of content that will continue to live online. Because if something is going to represent you over and over again, it should be something you feel good about.
At the end of the day, it’s more than just clean grammar, spelling, and word structure, it’s about confidence, clarity, and knowing your words are doing what you hoped they would. Think process, not perfection.
Are words your favorite thing in the world (besides chickens?) If not, that’s where Jennie Jolly comes in. Did you know that 81% of Americans feel that they have a book in them and should write it? That’s 200 million people! Maybe you’re one of those 200 million?
Jennie Jolly is a lifelong word aficionado and escapee from corporate bureaucracy. After years of hopping around (both states and jobs), she took the reins and crafted a life where her passion and profession intertwined. When Jennie’s editorial skills aren’t empowering authors to tell their stories with clarity and style, she’s hanging out with her family or living the fast life at tractor pulls and Blue Angels air shows.
For more information and great tips, be sure to visit Jenniejolly.com, subscribe to Cluck’n Good Proofreading Tips & Tricks and sign up to receive Fowl Language, a fun, engaging, and free newsletter that blends grammar tips, editing advice, and humor with a playful “chickens” theme. And yes, you can even request a free sample edit.
You will quickly discover that Jennie’s love for her “quirky” chickens, and her opportunistic cat, is only surpassed by her talent and passion for proofreading and editing.
Oh, and just for the record; yes, I admit it! I read and reread this chat several times before print!
Until next time.....Sip~Laugh~Repeat
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