James Powell – Editor

I help novelists and comic writers close the gap between the story they've written and the one they see in their head... the one with real tension, recognizable stakes, and characters that jump off the page. The type of story readers can't put down.

With 12 years of experience, I've found that I focus on helping writers develop story with real momentum, the sense that every page is pulling the reader toward the next one.

Edits are half of it. The other half: teaching you to spot these gaps yourself, in this manuscript and the next one. We'll hop on a Zoom call to walk through what's working, what isn't, and why. That way, you leave with more than a marked-up file.

I don't use AI. Every note is mine, because your story deserves a human reader who's actually paying attention.

I write, too (Dark Horse published my series House of Fear), so I know exactly what it's like to hand your work to someone else and wait for feedback. I don't take that lightly.

Genres: horror, fantasy, thrillers (any story on strong characters and real conflict).

RATES

I charge per word for my editing services. Developmental editing: $2,700–$3,500 (full-length manuscript), Editorial assessment: $1,700–$2,300, Copyediting: $1,500–$2,200.

For coaching, I charge $75/hour

I'm currently booking for October. Reach out. I'd love to hear more about you and your new story.

Ready to see what your story actually needs? Send me your first chapter and let's talk about it.