Hi, I’m Jesse.

I’m an editor at Ballantine BOOKS, an imprint of Random House.

My current list of authors includes Alexia Arthurs, Adrian Bliss, Jinwoo Chong, Katie Collom, Megan Cummins, Rose Dommu, Joy Fielding, Callie Kazumi, Jennette McCurdy, Shelly Jay Shore, Catherine Steadman, and Leigh Stein.

Books I’ve Edited

Works-in-Progress

BEST WOMAN
ROSE DOMMU

A debut novel from the creator of the Mall Goth Substack, for fans of My Best Friend’s Wedding and Detransition, Baby, about a trans woman who must return to her Florida hometown to be the “best woman” at her brother’s wedding, but a white lie that gets her closer to her high school crush, the maid of honor, threatens to jeopardize more than just their new found connection.

ATOMIC HEARTS
MEGAN CUMMINS

A debut novel about coming of age in the opioid crisis, from the Managing Editor of Public Books and the award–winning author of If the Body Allows It, longlisted for the Story Prize and PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize.

PETER MILES HAS TO DIE
KATIE COLLOM

Three friends used to be four. One murder will make it right.
A debut psychological thriller about a quest for revenge and the limits of the justice system in 90s Texas, for fans of Megan Miranda and Bad Sisters.

DEBUT NOVEL
ALEXIA ARTHURS

The debut novel from the O. Henry and Plimpton Prize-winning author of How to Love a Jamaican.

debut novel
jennette mccurdy

The debut novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I’m Glad My Mom Died.

IF YOU’RE SEEING THIS,
IT’S MEANT FOR YOU
leigh stein

From the author of Self Care and the creator of the Attention Economy Substack, a scathing satire and millennial midlife crisis comedy set inside a crumbling gothic mansion, about a thirty-nine-year-old woman who reluctantly accepts a job managing a D-list hype house, where one of the creators has mysteriously disappeared, pitched as Margo’s Got Money Troubles meets Shirley Jackson.

Wishlist

I specialize primarily in fiction: literary / commercial crossover, suspense, romantic comedy, and more. I’m a passionate advocate for queer stories and love art, history, music, and writing.

Upmarket & literary fiction

I’m looking for work that combines exceptional prose, strong narrative momentum, and an enticing hook. I love lost but loveable protagonists, good people who behave badly, stories that drop me into a world or subculture that I didn’t know about before; and I also love adventure stories, coming-of-age stories, quirky family dramas, humanistic speculative fiction, and lots more. The books I tend to acquire manage to combine emotional poignancy with humor and expand outward. By that, I mean they’re ambitious and span time and place with a graceful stride.

thrillers & suspense

For our Bantam list, I’m looking for psychological suspense, campy mysteries, charming sleuths, dark academia thrillers, and “gay people doing crime.” The suspense market is saturated, so I’m on the hunt for books that can really stand out, that feel fresh, or are from diverse voices that we don’t often see in the genre. With every thriller, I’m looking for writing that instantly pulls me in and keeps me on the edge of my seat, a strong sense of atmosphere, emotional resonance, and a winning premise.

romantic comedy

For our Dell list, I’m looking for high-concept love stories full of heart and humor. My taste in this area tends to be out-of-the-box; I’ve worked on a rom-com set in a Jewish funeral home and a lyrical historical romance inspired by two real-life medieval kings who were sworn rivals and lovers.

SELECT NONFICTION

I primarily edit fiction, but I never say no to nonfiction. I’m looking for memoir, essay collections, cultural criticism, humor, popular science and history, food and music writing, reportage, and anything that offers insight into the surreal nature of our digital age.

If you’re thinking of submitting a project in one of these categories, there’s probably a better editor for you out there: science fiction and fantasy, women’s historical fiction, young adult, short story collections, cookbooks, sports, graphic memoirs and novels, poetry, business, self-help, health and wellness, and serious nonfiction.

I keep a running list of books I wish I edited here.

ABOuT

Previously, I held editorial positions at Knopf, A Public Space, Writers House, Massie & McQuilkin, and PEN America. I grew up on Long Island’s South Shore and now live in Brooklyn.

Experience

EDITOR, BALLANTINE BOOKS

I acquire, edit, and oversee the publication of around ten titles a year—ranging from high-end commercial to literary fiction, and select nonfiction. I collaborate deeply with authors to conceptualize, refine, and edit manuscripts, providing in-depth editorial feedback and guidance on the macro- and micro-level. I liaise with various departments including marketing, design, and production to ensure a cohesive and impactful book launch strategy.

I started in 2018 as an editorial assistant.

EDUCATION

I graduated with Honors from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in the Writing Seminars. I won the Stephen Dixon Prize for Fiction Writing and was published in the Hopkins Review, Bmoreart, and other magazines.