Writing a book about a World War I or World War II veteran family member or a client’s family member is an incredible act of remembrance. It requires patience, love, and a knowledge of military research and records. Transforming your research, family lore, and historical records into a compelling book is no small feat. This is where I come in.
As a developmental editor, who created the process to research any veteran from World War I to Vietnam, even if the records burned, and has written more than 20 books and countless others for clients, I can help you transform your work. I specialize in helping you shape the raw records and facts into a meaningful narrative. I help you preserve the legacy of your veteran which invites healing for generations to come. Are you curious about how a developmental editor can help you craft your best veteran book? Let me show you how I can help.

The Researcher Turned Writer. A Book Requires Not Just Stories, but Structure.
Most researchers who turn into writers begin with piles of records, letters, photos, and family stories. Without structure and a plan for the research, this pile of information can be overwhelming. I help researchers turn their information into a foundation for their book. Working with my client, we create a flow that honors the timeline of service and the emotional journey of the veteran and family.
The Writer Who is too Close to the Story.
Writers dive deep into every story they create. While this is a beautiful thing and we know our material incredibly well, it can be a detriment to the overall book. Why? Because we are so close to the knowledge, person, and writing, we become “blind” to what’s missing or incorrect.
Are there holes in the timeline? Missing information? Is the emotional impact clear? Did you capture the trauma the veteran endured in a way that honors their experience without throwing the reader off? Did you realize you repeated a story or short set of facts more than once?
As a developmental editor, I bring fresh eyes to your writing. I can more clearly see where the holes and errors are; where you have duplicated information; and where things can be tightened up. I can also provide ideas on where to find records that you may not have known about when you conducted your research.

I Translate Military Lingo for Civilian Readers
Military records contain a lot of abbreviations and acronyms that most civilians do not understand. Additionally, when we look at Navy and Marine Corps records, the acronyms are taken to a whole new confusing level. It’s a little like learning a new language.
As a developmental editor with 15 years experience researching military records, I’m familiar with the terminology and know where to look when I’m not. I can help you explain things to your civilian audience with greater ease.
I Help You Bring the Story To Life
Coming from a genealogical background, I realize how easy it can be to start listing names, dates, and places with little extra detail. We fall into the trap of facts without humanity. My editing approach blends historical accuracy with your family stories, and heart. This is especially important when we have your veteran’s voice, through oral histories, diaries, or letters, within the narrative. I can help make sure the veteran’s voice is not lost but portrays his human experience.

I Help You Carry and Describe the Emotional Weight
Military stories often carry unspoken or hidden grief, trauma, and moral complexity. These are reasons why our veterans remained silent about what they did in combat, for most of their lives. While their voices were silent in life, the records can writing can help them speak loudly after death.
My background in ancestral healing and living out my World War II Navy grandparent’s war trauma means I walk with you through the fragile emotions and difficult material. I hold space for you to ask questions, process the emotions that rise, and help you craft a narrative that respects the veteran, the family, and the generational trauma and gifts. To me, this isn’t just editing or assisting in writing – it’s sacred witnessing to your transformation and healing.
Are You Ready to Bring Your Veteran’s Story to Life?
Whether you’re just starting to write and need guidance and a plan to draft your book or you have been writing for a while, I can help. I can help you move through the overwhelm, uncertainty, stuckness, and emotions that rise as you craft your story. I offer personalized research and developmental editing to all clients. All it takes is a free phone call to discuss your specific project.
Your veteran’s story isn’t just a history project. It’s a healing tool, a legacy for the veteran, and a gift to your family, or perhaps the world. Who needs to hear YOUR family’s story? I can help you make it one that lasts.
To learn more, email me at jennifer@ancestralsouls.com to schedule a free phone consult to discuss your project and how I may be able to help now or in the future.
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