Jonathan Pountney

Jonathan Pountney – Editor

Editor and Publisher with PhD. I specialize in Christian fiction and Christian non-fiction writing.

Overview

I am an experienced editorial and publishing consultant who specializes in editing and promoting fiction and non-fiction Faith books. I have worked in the industry for over a decade and have helped authors and publishers reach hundreds of thousands of readers across international markets. I am also a published writer and have written for mainstream media publications like the Financial Times and published an academic monograph with a major university press.

Being an author and having worked in the industry, I know what it takes to finish a manuscript. I regularly take part in acquisition meetings, so know what publishers look for. I have excellent book marketing experience and am in regular contact with key industry contacts. Before working in publishing I worked as a Lecturer in English Literature.

My focus is typically in the Faith sector, but I am open to working in other sectors like: Academic Humanities, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Short Story and Poetry.

Services
Fiction
Christian Fiction Magical Realism Short Story
Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction Humanities & Social Sciences
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • PhD, English Literature
  • MA, Creative Writing
  • BA, English & Creative Writing

Work experience

Reformation Lightning

Apr, 2020 — Present

We are a micro publisher specialising in creative Christian writing for young readers. Born from a desire to become a beacon of quality in the Middle Grade and Young Adult faith sector, we value and publish writing that is artistically robust and Christ-glorifying in its concept and content.

Self-employed

Mar, 2020 — Present

Our consultancy works with multiple publishers in the UK and US to help create innovative and influential books.

10ofThose

Apr, 2019 — Mar, 2020 (11 months)

10ofThose

Dec, 2018 — Mar, 2019 (3 months)

Lancaster University

Aug, 2018 — Dec, 2018 (4 months)

University of Manchester

Sep, 2015 — Dec, 2018 (about 3 years)

Comma Press

Sep, 2012 — Dec, 2012 (3 months)

Financial Times

Aug, 2011 — Aug, 2011 (less than a minute)

Self-employed

Jan, 2011 — Nov, 2018 (almost 8 years)

Portfolio

Surprised by Jesus: Subversive Grace in the Four Gospels

Dane Ortlund

For All Who Grieve: Navigating the Valley of Sorrow and Loss

Colin S. Smith

The Pastor with a thorn in his side

Extracted

Rich Castro

The Boy Who Shouted “Wolf!” But There Wasn’t a Wolf: And Other Tales

Geoffrey Thomas

The Emperor's New Clothes: And Other Stories

Geoffrey Thomas

The Legendary Casey Jones And Other American Folktales

Goeffrey Thomas

A London Sparrow: The Inspiring and True Story of Gladys Aylward

Phyllis Thompson

Jars of Clay: Peace for the Anxious Soul

Catherine Haddow

The Little Him Book: Looking at the Jesus who makes our hearts sing

Peter Mead

A Taste of Asia: 21 Devotional Adventures for the Family

Reuben Grace

Fixated: Advent Meditations from the Book of Hebrews

Tim Chester

The Red Book

Newham, Gillian

The Literary Afterlife of Raymond Carver

Pountney, Jonathan

That Hideous Strength: How the West Was Lost

Melvin Tinker

The Subversive Puritan: Roger Williams and Freedom of Conscience

Mostyn Roberts

The Radiant Dawn

Tom Parsons

Head Heart Hands: 3 Volume set

Linda Allcock

Brahmin Reborn

Bhaskar Sreerangam

The Weirdest Nativity

Andrew Sach

You, Your Family and the Internet (Updated version): What every Christian in the digital age ought to know

Clark, David

A Chance to Die

Elizabeth Elliot

Different: Our Witness and the Sins that Work Against It

David Martin

For Richer, For Poorer: Twenty-first century lessons from the lives of nineteenth century women

Clare Heath-Whyte

City Lives: Real stories of changed lives from the workplace

Marcus Nodder

Beyond the Big C: Hope in the Face of Death

Jeremy Marshall

Divine Comedy - Human Tragedy: What is life?

Glen Scrivener

Have No Fear: Being Salt and Light Even When It's Costly

John Lennox

Raising Kids in a You Can Do It World

Paul Tautges

Reading Between the Lines: Old Testament Daily Readings

Glen Scrivener

First Wives Club: Twenty–first century lessons from the lives of sixteenth century women

Heath-Whyte, Clare

Broken Works Best: When God Turns Your Pain into Gain

Catherine Campbell

Revolutionary Sex: How the Good News of Jesus Changes Everything

William Taylor

Choosing Love In a Broken World

Heidi Johnston

Reading Between The Lines Volume 2: New Testament Daily Readings

Glen Scrivener

Revolutionary Work: What's the Point of the 9 to 5?

William Taylor

Fresh Pathways in Prayer

Julian Hardyman

An Open Door: A True Story of Courage in Congo

Maud Kells

Prophetic From The Center

Carson, D. A.

Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God's Word

Matt Smethurst

Jonathan has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

barry S.

barry S.

Feb, 2023

A good man to work with.
Brad N.

Brad N.

Nov, 2022

As a first time author, I had certain hopes, but no informed expectations in regards to hiring an editor. Jonathan helped me best understand what I needed in terms of services (copy edit, story and style edit), delivered his report on time, and was very helpful in regards to his overall remarks. I'm encouraged and have a clear idea of what I need to do next to complete my book, and I am grate...
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Jonathan P.
Thanks, Brad. It has been great working with you!
Donald W.

Donald W.

Apr, 2022

Johnathan was a careful editor who offered a ton of tough love. He show me how I often got ahead of myself and needed to fill in the steps from a to e when I had left them out. He is knowledgeable about philosophy and good English writing.
David H.

David H.

Nov, 2021

Jonathan was not only professional but it was a pleasure to get to work with him. His suggestions were excellent and offered in an encouraging way. He was patient with me in making suggested updates.
Jonathan P.
Thank you for your kind words, David. It was a joy to work with you. Wishing you all the best with the book!
Greta B.

Greta B.

Oct, 2021

I found Jonathan to be extremely personable and flexible. He worked with my schedule and provided me the time I needed to submit redrafts. This was my first time with a professional editor, and Jonathan has set the bar very high!
Jonathan P.
Thank you, Gina. You were, likewise, a pleasure to work with. All the best with your future writing!

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