Jo-Ann Langtree has been in the writing and editing business for 25 years, specializing in self-help, holistic health, metaphysical and spiritual topics. Throughout the '90s, she served as Associate Editor of Body, Mind & Spirit, a national New Age magazine for which she edited all copy and wrote features and celebrity interviews (Caroline Myss, Ali MacGraw, Thomas Moore, Fritjof Capra, Deepak Chopra, Betty Eadie). Best received were her insights into the psycho-spiritual dynamics of homeopathy (how it works) and a series about bodily ecology, "The Shocking Truth About Your Colon -- And What You Can Do About It," which sparked close to 300 responses. Over the past several years, Jo-Ann has edited 30 books, 25 of which have been published.

Student writing/young-adult literature is another of Jo-Ann's specialties. As Senior Editor of Merlyn's Pen: The National Magazine of Student Writing (1985-2001), she edited and proofread all stories and poems for publication. During her tenure there, Merlyn's Pen won the EDPRESS Golden Lamp Award for instructional materials. She also authored numerous teachers' guides and direct-mail promotions, and edited 10 short-story anthologies for the magazine which have been translated and reprinted in Europe and the Far East. For several years, Jo-Ann served as Director of Merlyn's Pen's Mentors in Writing program, a semester-long writing tutorial for students in grades 6-12. She is presently a mentor for "Finding 'I' in the College Admission Essay," a tutorial for students which attempts to transform the often dreaded "personal statement" into an experience of discovery, awakening, and joy.

Jo-Ann also devoted four years to writing and editing for Aetna Life & Casualty. As Editor of Life NEWS, the Company's newspaper, she had sole responsibility for finding, developing, writing, and proofing all articles. Topics included new products, sales campaigns, insurance-agent interviews, personnel accolades, Company acquisitions and policies. What had previously been a drab "house organ" became, under her leadership, an eagerly anticipated read, sprinkled with subtle humor.

Jo-Ann holds a B.A. degree from the College of Mount Saint Vincent. She is the mother of three grown children and lives with her husband, Richard, near the shore of Narragansett Bay, in Rhode Island.

Specialties

• Editing (Copyediting and Developmental)
• Proofreading
• Subjects: Spirituality, metaphysics, religion, theosophy, psychology,
  holistic health, food supplements, homeopathy, nutrition, psychic phenomena, lucid dreaming, mystical experience, self-help, saints, masters, and gurus.

Books edited and published

Creating Space for Happiness: The Secret of Giving Room, by Dr. Anthony J. Castro, Prometheus Books, 2008

Lifetime Physique, by Stuart Schaefer, Body of Purpose, LLC

Where Are My Ankles? How Iyengar Yoga Rescued Me from Stress, Fear, and a Very Bad Back, by Deborah Rummelhart, Funny Path Publishing, LLC

License to Write: New Writing from Today's Authors Under 20 - - Merlyn's Pen, Inc.

White Knuckles: Thrillers and Other Stories --  by American Teen Writers, Merlyn's Pen, Inc.

The Secret of Life -- Ronan Rooney, Rooney Concepts International, Inc.

Maya -- Dane Alexander, Karl Dankert Publishing

Amen: The Occult Bloodline of the Grail, Michael El Nour, Antahkaranah

Entrepreneur Magazine's Legal Guide: Forming a Partnership and Making It
Work -- Ira Nottonson, Entrepreneur Press

Mental Mechanics: A Beginner's Manual -- Douglas McKee (online; publication
pending)

Feedback

"It has been a real pleasure to work with Jo-Ann. I found her to be positive, professional, and supportive. It was very easy to communicate with her about all aspects of editing. She responded enthusiastically to my queries and comments. Her explanations and remarks were helpful and usable. I would have no reservations in recommending her to other writers." (Contact information on request)

"Jo-Ann's edits were perfect...just what I was looking for. She knew exactly what I was trying to say, and captured the emotions I was trying to create. I had not read the book for a couple months, and it was like reading an amazing, new, book. I was inspired all over again...and I WROTE IT!" Stuart Schaefer, Lifetime Physique

"Along the way, I have used several editors. One is an English literature major whose current business is strictly editing, as well as a well known PhD, who has edited two Pulitzer Prize-winning books. Neither comes close to Ms. Langtree's ability in this field." Dane Alexander

"Jo-Ann excelled beyond my expectations! As soon as I received Jo-Ann's response, I knew she was the right person for the job. During the short time that Jo-Ann contracted with me for the developmental editing of my book, we were in contact with each other on a weekly basis. Her constructive criticism was up-front, honest, and most of all, right on. The amount of story development and detailed editing that she contributed was beyond the dollar value of the contract amount. She helped a first-time author with a good idea but with terrible grammar create something magical. I will hire her for my future projects. Thanks, Jo-Ann!" Jeff Gillespie

"YOU ARE THE BEST EDITOR EVER!!!  I am so impressed by the tremendously professional and timely job you did, and also by the breadth of your talents.  Not only were you incredibly accurate in technical grammatical minutiae, such as where to put quote marks and the accompanying punctuation marks, but your fact checking was superb.  I really did not expect the level of corrections you did to my citations of technical legal material and medical journals.  I was also impressed by your literary judgment and taste.  At first I must admit, I suffered the novice author's reaction of 'How dare she suggest changes to my words!' but after I read your suggested changes and thought about them, I saw that you were right." Deborah Rummelhart

"Thank you, Jo-Ann. You have added so much quality, professionalism and clarity to the book and your reflective comments have been enlightening. I fell in love with the way you helped me describe the experience in nature--that small miraculous patch of ground and the greater expanse. I could feel you felt what I did. You have an amazing talent and I will always be indebted to you for working with me and blessed that we found you." Ronan Rooney, author, Rooney Concepts

"Jo-Ann is top notch. Her professionalism and easy-going personality made all the difference. I was extremely lucky to find her and plan to use her again and again. Jo-Ann is bright, fast and extremely easy to work with. Thank you for this opportunity to shout her praises." Dean Lindsay, ProgressAgents.com

"Jo-Ann did a wonderful, professional job on my manuscript project. Not only did she edit grammar and punctuation, but she also commented in areas where more clarity was needed for the story. She went over and beyond what I had expected. She was very prompt in replying to my e-mails with all questions or concerns that I had. I would definitely use Jo-Ann for other projects, and I would highly recommend her to others seeking assistance with theirs." Janet McMillin

"Jo-Ann is wonderful to work with, high spirited and fast. She skillfully uses a greatly extended vocabulary, knows  the grammar, and her style does not overlap the author's. With my best wishes for the Network." Michael El Nour