Adam Marsh

Adam Marsh – Editor

I help writers see their own works in new and sometimes surprising ways while ALWAYS working towards the writers' personal visions . . .

Overview

For 20 years I've had the honor and privilege to work with writers of every level and genre in helping them realize their dreams, and along the way have formed many friendships that continue to add value and creative adventure to my life.

I offer honest and supportive feedback, often drawing from my personal and professional experiences, while at the same time assisting writers to develop their writing skills via focused, one-on-one conferences (in-person or teleconference). I am careful to not add my own "fingerprints" to the works of my clients, as I am committed to each writer's personal vision of the work.

I have taught classes and delivered presentations at numerous writers conferences and universities, including the Maui Writers Conference, Santa Barbara Writers Conference, San Diego State University Writers Conference, Willamette Writers Conference, San Francisco State University, Academy of Art University, University of Nevada in Las Vegas, Book Passage, and Writers Retreat Workshop in Erlanger, Kentucky.

TESTIMONIALS:

“Adam Marsh is an editor with an astute eye for what makes a well written book. While working for a well known literary agency, he picked my manuscript out of a pile. Fast forward . . . when Adam became an independent editor, I used him to edit my novel, POPE ANNALISA. Seven national book awards and a movie deal later, I can say that Adam knows his craft and can be a real asset to any author looking to polish his or her work for maximum impact on agents, publishers, or readers."
--Peter Canova, author of POPE ANNALISA (Trimountaine Publishers) / film in development w/ Phoenix Pictures!

“I've worked with Adam on two of my novels and have always valued his insight and professionalism. I'd highly recommend him to anyone who wants to turn out a better book.”
--Philip Donlay, author of CATEGORY FIVE (Simon & Schuster) and CODE BLACK (Simon & Schuster)

“I hired Adam to edit an autobiography I am writing. He was great at directing me on where to trim and where to get more detailed. He was also very good at making my manuscript more commercially appealing. He is a wonderful guide and collaborator. I highly recommend him as an editor.”
--Joanna Dodd Massey, M.A. President and CEO of J.D. Massey Associates

“As a South African author attempting to break into the US market I approached Adam when he was at Reece Halsey. He informed me that he was leaving the agency and recommended me to three suitable publishers who did not require approach through an agency. This he did out of generosity and belief in my work and it landed up in a publishing contract. Thank-you Adam, your effort was greatly appreciated and I would recommend you to anyone.”
--Stephanie Vermeulen, author of KILL THE PRINCESS (Seal Press), STITCHED-UP: Who fashions women's lives?, EQ: Emotional Intelligence for Everyone (Zebra Press)

“Adam is great to work with. He is very talented, and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend him for any project.”
--Johny Barbata, Professional Drummer: Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young, The Turtles, Linda Ronstadt, Leon Russell, Eric Clapton . . .

“I hired Adam Marsh as an editor for my new novel: ELENA, which has since been published in good part due to his expert and thorough editing. He taught me how to trim down action scenes to their essentials and also how not to get too lost in my own verbiage in reaction scenes. I would recommend his services even to a published author. I plan to rehire him as an editor for my next book.”
--Duncan Lloyd, author of ELENA (May December Publishers)

“I had the pleasure of working with Adam Marsh at Reece Halsey Literary Agency in 2002 and 2003. Adam is supportive, fun, hardworking and a great leader.
More importantly, Adam is the best editor I have ever encountered. He not only has a remarkable command of the English language and a keen eye for detail, but is able to determine why a manuscript is not working and offer constructive, specific suggestions on how to improve it.”
--Sabrina Moreno-Dolan, Project Manager, Palace Press International

“Adam is a consummate editor and understands the publishing business. I recommend him highly!"
--Kimberley Cameron, President, Kimberley Cameron & Associates

“I had the pleasure of working with Adam at the Reece Halsey North Literary Agency. As a seasoned editor, he quickly became a mentor who taught me my foundational knowledge on the craft of writing. He has a gift for all aspects of writing and editing, including creating voice, driving plot, and writing compelling characters. He has helped guide clients by a deep understanding of what they are trying to accomplish in their work, and helping bring their best qualities forward. Instead of inserting his own perspective into their work, he helps writers stay true to their own style, and enhance the quality their storytelling. I recommend Adam to any writer in need of a superior editor. He is simply one of the best editors I've ever met, and has helped me become a better writer myself.”
--Alex Dolan, Student, Columbia University in the City of New York
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Philosophy
Fiction
Historical Fiction Horror Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • B.A. Film Studies (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
  • M.F.A. Creative Writing (San Francisco State University)

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2006 — Present

*LITERARY AGENT / EDITOR, Reece Halsey North Agency, Tiburon, CA/Paris, France 2001-2006
*JUDGE for RUPERT HUGHES AWARD in FICTION (Maui Writers Conference) 2001-2006
*OWNER / EDITOR at ADAM MARSH EDITORIAL SERVICES (San Francisco, CA / Portland, OR)
*CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR: THE PORTABLE WRITER'S CONFERENCE: (Quill Driver Books, 2007)
*INSTRUCTOR of FILM HISTORY & CREATIVE WRITING, Academy of Art University, San Francisco
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WRITERS CONFERENCES / TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Maui Writers Conference, Santa Barbara Writers Conference, San Diego State University Writers Conference, Willamette Writers Conference, San Francisco State University, Academy of Art University, University of Nevada in Las Vegas, Book Passage, and Writers Retreat Workshop in Erlanger, Kentucky.
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After six years working as literary agent and editor at Reece Halsey North Literary Agency (Tiburon, CA, Paris, France), I opened ADAM MARSH EDITORIAL SERVICES in 2006, which allows me to focus full-time on what I love most . . . Working one-on-one with writers to develop and refine their projects.
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PARTIAL LIST OF PUBLISHED WORKS:

*BLACK RAIN, by Graham Brown (Random House)
*HAMMERJACK, by Marc Giller (Bantam Dell) **Optioned for film/television rights by Ian Levy Productions!!
*CATEGORY FIVE, by Philip S. Donlay (Simon & Schuster)
*CODE BLACK, by Philip S. Donlay (Simon & Schuster) **Optioned for film/television rights by John and Paul Buckholts at Our Thing Productions!!
*MALE OF THE SPECIES, by Alex Mindt (Delphinium/HarperCollins)
*POPE ANNALISA, by Peter Canova (Trimountaine Publishing) **Film in development w/ Phoenix Pictures!!! **Winner of the 2011 Indie Excellence Award for fiction in two separate categories, making this the sixth and seventh awards the book has taken since its publication!
*JULES VERNE: THE DEFINITIVE BIOGRAPHY (proposal), by William Butcher (Thunder’s Mouth Press)
*THE BRIGHT SIDE: THE KIDS’ GUIDE TO SURVIVING DIVORCE, by Max Sindell (Health Communications)
*ROOSTER, by Brian Fielding (Bodhisattva Press)
*KARMA: THE ANCIENT SCIENCE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT, by Jeffrey Armstrong (Palace Press International)
*AYURVEDA: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH, by Reenita Malholtra (Palace Press International)
*SINK OR SWIM(e-version), by Thuy and Milo Sindell (Adams Media Corporation)
*JUMP START YOUR CAREER(e-version), by Thuy and Milo Sindell (Adams Media Corporation)
*CRY JUDAS, by Frederick F. Meyers, Jr. (HEARTLAND/ROSEHEART PUBLISHING)
*A CATCH IN TIME, by Dalia Roddy (Medallion Press)

Portfolio

ZION'S WEB (a Zachariah Burton Detective Thriller Book 1)

Michael Snow

Brenda Cooper is an escapee from a polygamist compound known as Zion's Mount (or ZM for short) located in the high desert area of Southern California. ZM is run by The Church of the Redeemed, an organization that has ties to a violent group of so-called fundam... read more
Belle Vue: Sigmund Freud, Minna Bernays, and the Meaning of Dreams

Barry G. Gale

It is July 24, 1895. Sigmund Freud and his family are staying for the summer at the Belle Vue resort in the Alpine foothills overlooking Vienna. His marriage to his wife Martha is swiftly deteriorating, he is in the midst of a love affair with his brilliant bu... read more
Killing Karl

Hilary Lauren

Doris Mathers experiences intimate, emotional torment at the hands of a serial killer. A man she calls her husband.Now her newborn daughter is missing.An abusive childhood had taught Doris that the only people appointed to protect her never would.Only she can ... read more
Perception

Bill Grimley

Following the cataclysmic, and unexplained, destruction of WorldChem's colossal chemical plant in rural Louisiana, retired lawyer Jack Fitzgerald has no inclination to get back into the game of righting the world's wrongs. He has a world of his own that needs ... read more
Dr. Mayo's Boy

Rob Tenery MD

Denton A. Cooley, MD“This book provides insight into a family tradition in medical service during the last century with three generations of physicians. It reveals the effect of the family doctor on the welfare of the family through personal contact. The many ... read more
Rooster: An American Tragedy

Brian Fielding

The inspiring story of an American painter afflicted with Hanson's disease -- leprosy. At the heart of the story is a tender romance and the message that every tragedy contains the seeds of its own blessing.
The Bright Side: Surviving Your Parents' Divorce

Max Sindell

Hi! This book is for you, not your parents. This whole process you're going through is tough. Believe me, I know. I've been there. Divorce ran in my family even before I was born. My parents were divorced when I was six, and I've had multiple stepparents, new ... read more
A Catch in Time

Dalia Roddy

In one moment a global blackout occurs, and six billion humans become unconscious. During a brief yet seemingly eternal three-minute sequence, a series of catastrophic events occurs, and minds collide with truths hidden beyond the physical realm. Original.
Cry Judas: The Fedayeen Force (A Matt Gannon Novel Book 3)

Frederick F. Meyers Jr.

Matt Gannon is back, once again fighting the war against terror. The newly appointed CIA agent will stop at nothing to protect his country, his loved ones, and his beliefs from the ruthless fedayeen terrorists bent on destroying the American way of life. Throu... read more
Karma: A Guide to Cause and Effect (Mandala Wisdom)

Jeffrey Armstrong

Combining the ancient wisdom of the Vedic tradition and the point of view of the modern spiritual seeker, Karma illustrates how to find meaning and purpose in a life that can at times feel random and out of control.In this compelling and in-depth introduction ... read more
Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach To Health (Wisdom Library)

Reenita Malhotra Hora

The ancient concept of the "Science (veda) of Life (ayur)," Ayurveda, dates back more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to healthy living, providing guidance on how to enhance our physical, mental, social, and spiritual harmony. Reenita M... read more
Male of the Species: Stories

Alex Mindt

Alex Mindt on Fathers and Sons The title story of this highly praised book, about a small-town Texas science teacher threatening to flunk his high school’s brilliantly talented football star, sets the collection’s timely theme, the conflict between the image o... read more
Kill the Princess: Why Women Still Aren't Free From the Quest for a Fairytale Life

Stephanie Vermeulen

What does it truly mean to be a modern woman? Do women still hunger for that fairytale life?In Kill the Princess author Stephanie Vermeulen tackles a wide range of issues facing women today, from body image to popular notions of femininity, from women’s busine... read more
Hot Lights, Cold Steel (Dub Walker Series)

Douglas P. Lyle

Forensic criminalist Dub Walker is once again called upon when an old friend enlists his help in finding her 19-year-old daughter. When the bodies of two young women show up in a shallow grave, one of whom is the daughter, Dub is back to work and hard at it. S... read more
Code Black by Donlay, Philip S.(September 26, 2007) Hardcover

Philip S. Donlay

Pope Annalisa

Peter Canova

What forces were at work when the unthinkable became reality and an African nun was elected the first female pope? Amid conflicting prophecies of destruction and renewal she came. She is a healer, a miracle worker, a captivator of men s souls. But when demonic... read more
Jules Verne: The Definitive Biography

William Butcher

From the established expert on the subject comes this new biography of one of the world's most successful writers. Breath-taking in scope, and full of the kind of revelations sure to cause press and controversy, Butcher combines existing and new research on Ve... read more
Hammerjack: A Novel

Marc D. Giller

In this dark, futuristic thriller, Marc Giller defines the cutting edge of suspense with a relentless tale of murder, techno-terrorism, and a conspiracy one man is driven to uncover—even if he must undo reality in the process. . . . They ride virtual waves of ... read more
Black Rain: A Thriller (Hawker & Laidlaw Book 1)

Graham Brown

From Graham Brown, co-author of the New York Times bestselling thriller Devil’s Gate with Clive Cussler, comes Black Rain . . .Covert government operative Danielle Laidlaw leads an expedition into the deepest reaches of the Amazon in search of a legendary Maya... read more
Category Five: A Novel (A Donovan Nash Thriller Book 1)

Philip Donlay

In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane Helena is gathering strength, becoming the most powerful storm in recorded history. As Helena bears down on Bermuda, Donovan Nash, along with other members of the scientific research organization Eco-Watch, are called to fly in... read more
The Portable Writers Conference: Your Guide to Getting Published

More than 45 agent, editor, and author-written chapters--called workshops in the book--provide instruction on the writing craft and the business of getting published.

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