Meet the Team: Jen Jandavs-Hedlin
By Jen Jandavs-Hedlin

As a Publishing Consultant, Jen Jandavs-Hedlin is on the front lines of the publishing experience: searching out new authors and manuscripts, discussing partnership possibilities, and organizing publishing plans for writers. Learn more about her today on the blog!

WAP: How long have you been working in the publishing industry?

I began working at Word Alive Press in spring of 2009, and prior to that I worked for a publisher of association magazines and directories for around six years. So, I’ve been occupied with trim sizes, cover designs, and print dates for quite a while now.

WAP: What do you like best about your job?

The stories. Long before reading the actual novels, biographies, children’s books, etc., that we publish, hearing the greater story of the author and how they were led to write this book and the role it plays in their lives is a privilege.

WAP: What is some advice you have for aspiring writers?

Be willing to let go of the first draft, so you can write the second, third, fourth, etc. When it comes to honing your craft, there is really no substitute for practice, and sometimes that means putting aside your first efforts so you can move on to write the next, likely better, version.

WAP: What is your all-time favorite book?

That’s a really hard question! Defining favourite as “most impactful” I would say Dangerous Wonder by Michael Yaconelli, which is about having a child-like faith. I have reread that book more than any other in my library and I gain something new from it every single time.

WAP: What do you do in your spare time?

I love to cook and bake. I appreciate the precision required in making perfect croissants, pasta, or hollandaise, but also the creativity in bringing unexpected flavours together.

WAP: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one thing with you, what would you bring and why?

Bible aside, probably a cello or violin. I have always wanted to learn to play, but never made the time, so if I’m stuck there anyway… And, as an added bonus, then I would be the only witness to the potentially terrible sounds that I produced at first. ;o)

About this Contributor:

Jen Jandavs-Hedlin has worked in the publishing industry for over a decade and is passionate about helping authors to share their stories. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing, and organizing her home into boxes and containers. Jen lives in Winnipeg with her husband, and their canine companion, Montgomery.