Chris Ryall

Chris Ryall – Editor

Hi, I'm a longtime comic-book/graphic novel editor and editorial director, with 15+ years experience in helping others build their worlds.

Overview

I was the former Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief at a major comic book publisher for 16 years. In that time, I have managed an editorial staff and hundreds of freelance creators, working with them to develop pitches, proposals, story direction, worldbuilding, character and story, and other related aspects of development, as well as managing the creative process from conception to execution and delivery.


I worked directly with authors and writers of all experience levels, from well-established talent such as Stephen King, Clive Barker, Harlan Ellison, Anne Rice, James Patterson, Richard Matheson, and many others, as well as first-time talents and everyone in between. In all cases, I helped them create and tell the best story for what they intended.


I have also written many comics myself, written and edited prose, develped and sold content for TV, and worked on adaptations from one form of media to another. Additionally, I have also done work as a copywriter. speechwriter, narrative designer, technical writer, and brand/marketing consultant, too. I enjoy working with fictional worlds but have also happily worked on and developed non-fiction content, journalism, and media criticism.

Services
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels
Non-Fiction
Comics Non-Fiction
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2020 — Present

Consulting relationships and experience include:
• Popularium Studios: character and environment consultant, consulting head of publishing and branding consultant on development of new videogame created by Magic the Gathering creator Richard Garfield (5/22 - 4/23)
• Exhibits and Programming Consultant, Comic-Con Museum: I brought in lead exhibits for the opening of the museum in summer 2022, including Roddenberry and Star Trek, Archie Comics 80th Anniversary, Dave Stevens and the art of Rocketeer, and related programmatic extensions (7/21- 10/22)
• Co-writer (with Francis Ford Coppola) of Megalopolis graphic novel (2025)
• Author and packager of Comic Books 101 (IMPACT Books, 2009); The Mighty Marvel Calendar Book: A Visual History (10/24, Abrams ComicArts); and Origins of Marvel Comics (9/24, Simon & Schuster)
• Co-creator/co-writer/co-EP of Paramount series The Bullpen (sold 2021)

Self-employed

Aug, 2020 — Present

As co-owner and publisher of a comic-book imprint at Image Comics, I oversee all our publishing efforts. I cultivate, acquire, edit, budget, and publish all comic and graphic novel titles

Self-employed

Jul, 2004 — Aug, 2020 (about 16 years)

I am an award-winning editor, Eisner-nominated writer, and author of over 100 comic books, including collaborations with Stephen King, Clive Barker, Francis Ford Coppola, Harlan Ellison, James Patterson, Joe Hill, Anne Rice, and many other authors, actors, and directors

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Phoenix Without Ashes

Ellison, Harlan

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Infestation 2 Volume 1

Swierczynski, Duane

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Road Rage

King, Stephen

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading

Chris has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Joseph H.

Joseph H.

Sep, 2024

The main thing about Chris is that he listens and helps you get to where you want to go on your project, bringing to bear all of his experience and expertise. He is a joy to work with.
Joseph H.

Joseph H.

Jul, 2024

Chris is a pleasure to work with.
Trip P.

Trip P.

Jun, 2024

Just a complete professional and offered up great insight into the GN market for me. Chris was super responsive and helpful as well as giving so much of his own editorial opinions when I asked.
Joseph H.

Joseph H.

Apr, 2024

Great working with Chris!

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