Publishing consultant, copy editor, and author / former scouting director, agent, and foreign rights manager. Let's make your book shine!
Overview
I have five years of experience as a book scout, a role within the publishing industry that's integral to the process of selling book rights into foreign markets and for getting books adapted for film and television. Being a successful scout means maintaining a wide network of industry professionals both domestically and abroad, keeping a finger on the pulse of the many trends across the marketplace, knowing the ins and outs of a variety of deal structures, and most importantly, the ability to spot great talent (the author who's destined to become the next big thing — hopefully that's you)! As a scout, I championed many titles which have become New York Times bestsellers. In addition to scouting, I've also worked as an agent and foreign rights manager, collaborating with emerging and established authors as we readied their projects for submission both domestically and abroad. It was my pleasure to ensure that authors' work was as pristine as possible to give it the best chance to make a splash in the marketplace (and in the hearts and minds of readers the world over).My interests are varied and constantly expanding, so I love working with a broad range of fiction and nonfiction titles. I'm always drawn to a great story, well-developed characters, and big ideas. It would be my pleasure to help lift up the brilliant ideas you're bursting to share, make sure that each sentence you've written will resonate with the readership you're aiming for, and lend your book the best possible chance to succeed in the marketplace. At every step of the way, I will provide open, honest feedback and can-do enthusiasm.
Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Literary FictionPsychological Thriller
Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Work experience
Astrology Zone
May, 2022 —
Present
-Editor of daily, weekly, and monthly forecasts
-Correcting for voice and ensuring pristine copy
Metroproof
Mar, 2022 —
Present
Freelance copy editor at New York City’s leading proofreading and editorial services agency, working with many of the world’s largest pharmaceutical agencies
Sanford J. Greenburger Associates
Jul, 2017 —
Dec, 2021
(over 4 years)
- Continuously discovered, tracked, and reported on emerging and established literary voices as
informed by client tastes and interests
- Reviewed materials through all stages of publication, from query and manuscript drafts all the way to jacket copy and edited, final pages
- Recommended client acquisitions have become New York Times bestsellers
- Established and fostered strong relationships across the global publishing industry and adjacent media spheres (film, audio, new media)
The Bent Agency
May, 2016 —
Jul, 2017
(about 1 year)
- Built and maintained strong relationships with global and domestic partners
- Recruited a select portfolio of author-clients whose work has subsequently been
published by major domestic and foreign publishers
- Worked with authors on their projects across all stages of development, providing editorial services throughout
- Drafted and edited the agency rights guide
- Tracked and vetted all foreign contracts, royalties, and tax forms
John went so far above and beyond that it’s hard to describe. He did both developmental and copy editing for my book and helped make it stronger in every possible way. He truly thinks deeply about the story, and keeps thinking about it, always focused on how to make it the best it can be. He’s no...
My experience with John has been terrific. He was easy to work with, beyond helpful, and very clear with feedback. He showed genuine interest in the project, which is always a sign that someone cares. We had multiple follow up calls and minor fixes, all without any hesitation or delay. Overall it...
John did a great job. Knowledgeable, professional and especially great at the back and forth discussion approach to suggested material changes.
Jason K.
Feb, 2025
John is amazing to work with. Honest and very detailed. Won’t work with anyone else but John.
Kevin G.
Sep, 2024
John is an excellent editor. From his initial full manuscript assessment through to the final mark ups, the novel I'd spent four years meticulously working on was reviewed and improved. If there were any personal doubts and insecurities beforehand that the work was not up to scratch these were qu...