John Bowers

John Bowers – Editor

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 Fiction Psychological 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 has 5 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kevin G.

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 quickly dispelled by John's wisdom, his expert ideas and all round professionalism. We had fortnightly...
Read more
Fred G.

Fred G.

May, 2024

Thoughtful, literate, clear, intuitive, articulate, astute, and professional in the best sense, John Bowers is a rare gift. Book him now. He'll help you grow and shine.
Barry A.

Barry A.

Mar, 2024

John Bowers was a pleasure to work with. Great collaborator. Could not have successfully completed my MS without his expert editing skills and advice. He readily got the underlying theme and voice of my novel. I would work with him again on my next writing project and highly recommend him to other authors. He helped me craft a great query letter which I could not have done without his guidance ...
Read more
Stuart R.

Stuart R.

May, 2023

I’ve really enjoyed working with John. He has really taken a strong interest in my project. He has excellent ideas, is very knowledgeable, and is very detail oriented. I will definitely work with John on my next project.
Emile T.

Emile T.

Mar, 2023

I’m very happy about my decision to have John edit my transcript. John proposed a very clear plan for the project and delivered on his promise. His work and feedback demonstrated his deep understanding of my story and his (many) insights helped to improve the flow and overall relevance of the work. He met every deadline, was very professional and offered sound/sensitive advice. I fully and ...
Read more

Professionals similar to John

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Nancy Tan

Nancy T.

A jack-of-all-trades copy editor with experience in multiple genres and trade and academic nonfiction

Los Angeles, CA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Penina Lopez

Penina L.

I'm a meticulous copyeditor with 20 years of publishing experience and a former production editor at Warner Books.

Salem, CT, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Meredith Bailey

Meredith B.

Writer, collaborative editor, and writing coach specializing in helping clients tell their best stories.

Bothell, WA, United States

100% reply rate

View profile