Overview
I’ve been a professional genre fiction writer, with six books published by the ‘Big Five’ in the US and UK, as well as a number of short stories and a variety of self-published releases. I began offering editing services in 2012 and I’ve since worked on hundreds of books, short stories and articles for writers in all genres and of all levels of ability, at all lengths, from flash fiction to epic novels.
I’ve therefore been both editor and edited, so I fully understand what’s useful and what’s not, and how to frame advice and criticism in a way that’s constructive, helpful, and thorough, yet respects your own voice and individual approach to your work. While I’m from the UK, all of my published work has been US-set, a considerable chunk of my full-time journalism was for a US news service, and the majority of my editing work since turning pro has been for American and Canadian authors and publishers. I’m fully capable of handling work from anywhere in the English-speaking world, or beyond, and down the years I've had clients from every continent except Antarctica.
My fees are very reasonable and I always provide an accurate estimate of turnaround time for editorial work because I know that as a writer you don’t want to be left in the dark. I’m happy to work with any kind of material, fiction or non-fiction, from shorts to novels to articles to academic papers, adapting to your individual requirements to suit. I pride myself on my attention to detail and professionalism, but also on being helpful and approachable, and many of my previous clients have become regulars as a result. I won't treat your story as just another job. I want to help you make the most of your writing, to make your work as strong as it can be.
Testimonials:
“I can honestly say it was the best copyedit I've ever had.” - C L Taylor.
“Highly recommend [John] for all your editing needs. I don't know if my book would have made it to print if it not for him.” - Karl Forshaw.
"Absolutely recommend John - he’s an awesome editor!" - Joni Harper.
Services
Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Self-employed
I offer editing services from proofing to developmental editing, from shorts to 250,000 word novels, working across genres and story types, as well as in non-fiction and academic work, for clients around the world.
Penguin & Hachette
I wrote four books for Penguin's (now Penguin Random House) Michael Joseph imprint, and then two books for Hachette's Headline imprint.
Various
Since graduating, I've worked either full-time or freelance as a trade journalist on various publications, including stints as a magazine editor or deputy editor, veering occasionally into advertorial copywriting.
Portfolio
