Swenson Book Development LLC helps authors write, publish, and market their books. Specializing in narrative non-fiction and memoir, Jill Swenson, Ph.D., works with authors on books for the trade, academic, small and independent presses.

Swenson Book Development LLC prides itself on bringing important ideas to the marketplace and working with independent intellectuals.

Swenson Book Development LLC offers a full range of professional services to writers. Let us assist you in developing your book concept, writing a winning book proposal, and finding the right publisher. As an agent, Jill Swenson offers representation as an author's advocate. As a book development editor, Jill Swenson, Ph.D., offers customized professional editorial services, copyediting, coaching, and integrated marketing including the use of social media. Jill works with a small team of talent to shepherd your book through publication and beyond. Swenson Book Development LLC helps authors not only get published, but market and sell their books. At every stage of being an author, Swenson Book Development LLC serves as your book’s advocate.

We speak fluent "book."

"When I first contacted Jill, I had a rough draft of a manuscript and a book proposal. I had sent the book proposal out on my own in an attempt to secure an agent, but had barely received a nibble of interest. Jill reviewed the proposal and explained it included a few red flags that would have prevented almost any agent from representing the book. With her guidance, I revised the proposal, then secured an agent, and in turn, a publishing deal. Jill understands the publishing industry and is a tireless advocate for her authors. She provides a mix of guidance and inspiration sprinkled with a little tough love. Quite simply, I couldn’t imagine publishing a book without her involvement.
Carolyn Porter, author, Marcel’s Letters: The Moving Story About a Font and the Search for One Man’s Fate (Skyhorse).

"Jill Swenson is smart about both the writing process and the book publishing world. This is key for any writer looking to get their work published. She is honest and practical with writers in her detailed and big picture feedback. She’s always encouraging, and appropriately honest when the writing needs minor and major revisions. I hired Jill as a book development editor, but also found a friend and tireless advocate for my project and writing." - Elizabeth Rynecki, author of Chasing Portraits: A Great-Granddaughter’s Quest for Her Lost Art Legacy (Berkley/Penguin Random House).

“Jill is writing coach, advocate, and mentor all wrapped in one; she helped me find my voice. I know my work is in the best hands with Jill because she pushes and prods until it is the best it can be – and then she pushes some more. Jill’s edits, comments, and constant notes of encouragement are a tonic against writer’s angst. Moreover, Jill understands what it takes to make a book successful in today’s times. She knows the importance of social media: from Facebook and blogs, to Twitter and websites. Jill’s dedication, her obvious love of words, helped shepherd along my book from start to finish.” - Cathryn Prince, author of American Daredevil (Chicago Review Press).

"Writing a book can be like sitting in a room in the dark, alone, with a strong flashlight: you can see clearly what you feel or think, and maybe, hopefully, what you want to create, but have little or no idea what readers or publishers will want or how to go from your light to theirs. Jill was like turning the overhead lights on in the room." - Ira Rabois, author, Compassionate Critical Thinking: How Mindfulness, Creativity, Empathy, and Socratic Questioning Can Transform Teaching (Rowman & Littlefield).

"My mammal tracking guide would never have seen the light of day without Jill Swenson. Her thoughtful and penetrating editorial input helped me to transform my original, limited concept into a fully realized and publishable book. Jill guided me through the complicated process of preparing a book proposal and used her extensive knowledge of the publishing business to get my proposal to the most appropriate publishing houses. Jill is an excellent editor, and she makes her comments with a caring and encouraging attitude. Working with Jill has helped me to improve my writing, but I never felt pressured to make a change that I didn’t feel comfortable with." - Linda Spielman, author, A Field Guide to Tracking Mammals in the Northeast (Countryman Press).

Carolyn Porter, Elizabeth Rynecki, Larry Scheckel, Linda Spielman, Saadia Zahidi, Mark Hannah, Andrew Kessler, Ann Marie Ackermann.

Jean Benedict Raffa, The Soul's Twins, Schiffer, forthcoming. Larry Scheckel, 101, 102 Questions & Answers about Science series, Tumblehome Learning. Carolyn Porter, Marcel's Letters, Skyhorse, spring 2017. Elizabeth Rynecki, Chasing Portraits, NAL, Sept 6, 2016.

Ann Marie Ackermann, Death of an Assassin, IPPY Award. Elizabeth Rynecki, Chasing Portraits (documentary release in 2018). Carolyn Porter, Marcel's Letters, IPPY Award, 1st in Memoir Paris Book Festival 2018. Elaine Mansfield, Leaning Into Love, IPPY Award.

Ph.D. from The University of Chicago, Committee on Human Development
Former associate professor of journalism and media studies at Ithaca College
Coaching writers for more than 40 years