John Brantingham

John Brantingham – Editor

I work with poetry, memoir, and literary fiction. I'll help you find your extraordinary point-of-view and the music of your voice.

Overview

As a creative writing professor at Mt. San Antonio College, I helped hundreds of people to get their first publications and many to publish their books. I specialized in working closely with people who wanted to learn not just the craft but the business too. Working with me is a low-stress experience. I understand how to give help that is critical but not insulting or biting. My passion is breaking down the barriers that keep people from publishing their work widely and well. I work one-on-one with people who want me to do so and to give others the distance they need.

As a book editor, I will start with a Zoom consultation and work closely with you to develop your work. I will meet with you weekly to discuss the edits I am making and help to coach you through the process. I am a long-time educator so I specialize in talking with you about the work that I am doing and helping you to understand how you can improve your work.

Let's talk about your publishing goals in the literary fiction, memoir, and poetry world!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Literary Fiction Poetry Short Story
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Best Small Fictions Award, 2016 and 2022
  • Multiple Pushcart Prize Nominations
Certifications
  • MFA, Creative Writing, California State University, Long Beach

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2003 — Present
I help people to break down the barriers they often face with gatekeepers in the publishing industry. Let's talk. I can help you!

Mt. San Antonio College

May, 1997 — Dec, 2021 (over 24 years)
Professor of English and creative writing and the director of the creative writing program where I specialized in helping students publish.

Various Colleges and Universities

Aug, 1996 — Present
I have taught creative writing at the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, California State University, Long Beach, California Polytechnic University, Pomona, Collins Correctional Facility through Jamestown Community College, and many other programs.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Last Words

Hill, Bonnie Hearn

LDLA

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Northwest Passages (Blue Book 1)

Flannery, Kate

Independently published

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
Come Back, Bear

Locklin, Gerald

Spout Hill Press

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Chaos and Ash

Johnson, Kendall

Pelekinesis

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
Writing for Vision

Johnson, Kendall

Macq

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing

John has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

paul S.

paul S.

Nov, 2025

John is a caring, empathetic, and competent.

Professionals similar to John

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

Patricia Romanowski Bashe

Patricia R.

Versatile, experienced developmental/line/copy editor. Nonfiction: bio, pop, history, self-help, parenting. No child/domestic abuse.

Baldwin, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Dan Letchworth

Dan L.

Professional copy editor since 2008. I love YA. Clients include Scholastic, Mattel, Klutz, Penguin Random House, and Hachette Book Group.

San Diego, CA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Sam Cooney

Sam C.

Expert manuscript developer and editor. I specialise in literary fiction and nonfiction, and general / popular fiction and nonfiction.

Sydney NSW, Australia

100% reply rate

View profile