Janie Chodosh
Editor
Janie Chodosh is the award winning author of four books, all of which deal with science, nature, conservation and the natural world. Her book, The Elephant Doctor of India, received a starred review in Booklist and was featured in the 2021 Earth Day edition of Time Magazine for Kids. Dr. Jane Goodall called Chodosh's book, Wild Lives, Leading Conservations on the Planet and the Animals They Love, “inspiring, fascinating and important.” Death Spiral, book one in the Faith Flores young-adult, science-mystery series won first place in the National Federation of Press Women Book Awards. Janie has also authored several articles about conservation for MUSE magazine. She has worked with numerous authors for over a decade to help them find their voice in a variety of projects from narrative nonfiction to prose for middle grade readers to adults.
Besides being a writer and editor, Janie is an ecologist with a master's degree in environmental science from the University of Montana where she was awarded the Dean's Award for her research and thesis on migratory songbirds. She is passionate about merging the natural world into writing and helping others do the same. Janie lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she enjoys bird watching and spending time in the mountains.
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
Nonfiction (especially related to conservation, the environment, ecology and animals)
Middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction of any genre
Memoir
AVAILABLE FOR
Manuscript critiques, developmental editing, and content editing
“I can't recommend Janie Chodosh highly enough. She is experienced, creative, insightful, and extremely good at identifying what works well and what doesn't work so well in a manuscript, all the while remaining sensitive to what you're trying to achieve. And if you've never worked with an editor before, worry not! She is kind, warm, and supportive. You won't regret working with her.”
-Jacqueline Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
“Janie is an insightful, generous, and smart reader. She was a huge help to me in refining my memoir, raising key questions and making suggestions I could use to take my manuscript to the next level.”
-Susanna Space, memoir, work-in-progress
“I have worked with Janie Chodosh for six years, since I began writing creative non-fiction. My work blends science and story, offering glimpses into other-than-human elements in hopes of inspiring people-place connection. Ms. Chodosh is an astute reader and listener, attuning to critical undercurrents that form the “truth” of each story. She is able to skillfully and artfully ask questions, filtering and offering feedback about the most vibrant and salient features to bring forward. With Janie, I always feel comfortable and confident and, after each conversation exploring my work, I am better able to see and realize the strongest components of the stories and how best to bring them forward. With an extensive background in ecology including field work in many remote locations, a deep understanding and reverence for plants and animals, and an accomplished published works repertoire, Janie brings a solid and loving foundation of experience to her work as a writer and editor. Her reflection and feedback have become essential elements in my wiring process and, since working with Ms. Chodosh, I have had a number of stand-alone essays published and have recently signed contracts for three books with a reputable press. I cannot recommend Ms. Chodosh highly enough.”
-Christie Green, Moonlight Elk, University of New Mexico Press, 2024
“I have worked with Janie Chodosh for more than twenty years. She has been a suburb editor for my manuscripts. Her feedback is always helpful in advancing my plot and characters. She has a deep understanding and love of the natural world, and this has been helpful to me, as this is largely my subject matter. Our relationship as writers has been a complete and satisfying success for me.”