Joseph Nassise

Joseph Nassise – Editor

I'm a New York Times bestselling author/editor specializing in genre fiction

Overview


I have two decades of experience in the publishing industry, having worked with traditional and independent authors alike on a wide variety of projects. I focus primarily on genre fiction, particularly fantasy (especially urban fantasy), horror, science fiction, and paranormal romance, but am open to other types of fiction and non-fiction.

Publishers I’ve worked with include HarperVoyager, Tor Books, Gallery, Simon & Schuster and others. Individual authors I’ve worked with include Kelley Armstrong, Seanan McGuire, Christopher Golden, Caitlin Kittredge, Carrie Vaughn, Kevin Hearne, Jonathan Maberry, Diana Rowland, Stephen Blackmoore, Jeff Somers, CE Murphy, Kat Richardson, Lilith Saintcrow, Annie Bellet, Pippa DaCosta, Domino Finn, Sam Witt, Larry Correia, Jaye Wells, Steven Savile, and hundreds more.

Some thoughts from my clients --

“In the last one year, Joe and I have seen my novel grow from a fledgling to a finished product. He helped me understand novel basics: character arc, story arc, plot points, character drive, and the importance of layering and subplots. More than that, he helped me recognize the plot loopholes, why some things worked and others didn't, and, most important, why I should keep believing in my vision, which, I think, is the biggest thing a newbie writer wants.

Publishing is a strange world. Maneuvering it alone without friends or mentors is nearly impossible, or, if not impossible, years-consuming. Takes a long time to figure this thing out. And that was N's greatest strength. He was both a mentor and a friend. We didn't just stop with novel completion, we talked about querying, synopsi, pitches, approaching agents etc. He encouraged me to believe that I, too, could become a mainstream writer. Exactly one year later, I have three agent offers for my manuscript, all with decent publishing houses. Had it not been for him, my current reality might have been quite different.”
--- Bram Stoker award winner Usman T. Malik

“Joe was an invaluable resource in writing my first novel, HELLFIRE. As a first time novelist, I had questions, problems, and uncertainties. Joe walked a delicate tightrope by helped with all of these, while making sure the story and writing were my own. Joe is not only an extraordinary coach, but also a genuinely good person and a pleasure to work with. His coaching is a great value; I plan to take advantage of his help again. “

--- Rickard B. DeMille, author of Hellfire

“Working with Joe helped me rediscover the writer’s voice I thought I had lost from years of being in a different industry. He was also correct in convincing me that my voice and style is marketable ... I have the cheques now to prove it!”

--- Ken Lillie-Paetz, author of the Elsinore comics

“I’ve sat through many writing workshops — Joe eclipsed them all. He is extremely professional, experienced and easy to work with. His insight has been truly invaluable.”

--- Alex MacLean, author of Grave Situation
Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Anthologies Fantasy Horror Paranormal Romance Science Fiction Urban Fantasy
Non-Fiction
History
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • 3x Nominee for the Bram Stoker Award
  • Nominated for the International Horror Guild Award
Certifications
  • Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2005 — Present

I've been providing freelance editing and writing coach services since 2005, working with a wide variety of genre writers. While my specialization is urban fantasy and paranormal romance, I have experience editing everything from science fiction and fantasy to thrillers and crime fiction.

Simon & Schuster, Tor Books, Harper Voyager, Gallery and more

Oct, 2002 — Present

I'm a New York Times, USA Today and Der Spiegel bestselling writer of urban fantasy with more than 60 novels to my credit, including the internationally bestselling TEMPLAR CHRONICLES series, the JEREMIAH HUNT trilogy, and the GREAT UNDEAD WAR series. My work has been nominated for both the Bram Stoker Award and the International Horror Guild Award and been translated into half a dozen languages to date. I have written for both the comic and role-playing game industries and also served two terms as president of the Horror Writers Association, the world’s largest organization of professional horror and dark fantasy writers.

Portfolio

Tower of the Forgotten: A Tainted Cabal Prequel Novella

Mitchell Hogan

This is a standalone novella of 16,500 words set before the events of Revenant Winds.From Mitchell Hogan — Aurealis Award winner and author of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence.Niklaus, master swordsman, has not aged a day since being chosen by his mercurial godd... read more
I Am Missing: A Gripping Mystery Suspense Novel (Gemini Series of Thrillers Book 3)

Ty Patterson

'Ty Patterson's thrillers should come with a health warning: Highly Addictive!'BETH AND MEGHAN PETERSEN ARE HIRED BY BILLIONAIRE COLE PATTEN WITH A SIMPLE REQUEST. 'I AM MISSING. FIND ME!'If Cole Patten isn't who the world thinks he is, just who is the billion... read more
Bless Your Heart (Fairy Tales of a Trailer Park Queen Book 1)

Kimbra Swain

Scorned by her family. Banished by her kind. Hunted by zealots.Where does an exiled Fairy Queen hide?A remote mountain cabin, the seedy underbelly of a metropolis, or an uninhabited island. All would be good choices, however, after hundreds of years on the run... read more
I Am the Wild: A Reverse Harem Vampire Romance (The Night Firm Book 1)

Karpov Kinrade

“This book was amazing. I honestly didn't want to put it down.” – Sharon ★★★★★ ”The Night Firm is such a fun concept. Vampire lawyers who represent other supes in criminal defense” – SeeAmberRead ★★★★★”The Night brothers...... hot hot hot.....” – Melodie Lucke... read more
The Heretic: A Templar Chronicles Urban Fantasy Thriller (The Templar Chronicles Book 1)

Joseph Nassise

A sacred relic. A forbidden quest. An elite, secret order stands between mankind and the forces of darkness. An ancient artifact promises ultimate power that a malevolent sect of necromancers will do anything to possess. Only former Boston Special Tactics and ... read more
Lord of Misrule: Ritual (Volume One)

J.S. Hope

From New York Times and USA Today bestseller J.S. Hope comes a brand five-part tale of passion and intrigue!Reporter Alessandra “Alex” Donati is in Venice chasing the story of her career. While the city prepares for the Christmas festivities, Alex is hot on th... read more
The Circle Gathers (Veil Knights) (Volume 1)

Rowan Casey

Not all legends are make-believe… Three years ago, Jessie “the Berserker” Noble was at the top of the MMA fight game, a world-title contender with a brilliant future ahead of her. Then the visions started and her world came crashing down. Hard. Now Jessie’s a ... read more
Urban Enemies

Jim Butcher

Villains have all the fun—everyone knows that—and this anthology takes you on a wild ride through the dark side! The top villains from seventeen urban fantasy series get their own stories—including the baddies of New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher,... read more
Urban Allies: Ten Brand-New Collaborative Stories

Joseph Nassise

In this impressive anthology, twenty of today’s hottest urban fantasy writers—including Charlaine Harris, Jonathan Maberry, Kelley Armstrong, Seanan Mcguire, and C. E. Murphy—pair together to write ten original stories featuring their favorite series character... read more
Midian Unmade: Tales of Clive Barker's Nightbreed

Nominated for the 2015 Bram Stoker Award for Best Anthology!An all-original horror anthology set in the world of Clive Barker's cult film masterpiece, Nightbreed, and including stories by Seanan McGuire, Amber Benson, Karl Alexander, Nancy Holder, and more!Cli... read more

Joseph has 68 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

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Andrew M.

Andrew M.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
Worked with Joe for the first time on a novel and I'm very happy with the outcome. He's honest and insightful with his feedback. He told me what's working, and more importantly, what's not. Crucially, with the latter, he's given me ideas that I can implement to address these issues. He also talked me through concepts that I'd heard before but had never really understood, but now do. If you're ...
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Timothy S.

Timothy S.

Dec, 2023

Pinned
When I first reached out to Joseph for a developmental edit on my debut novel, I recall specifically asked that he take a no holds bard approach with his constructive critique and criticism. He did not disappoint. Every aspect of his report was clear, concise, and highly constructive. He was also very understanding and easy to work with, which was great since this was the first time I've ever w...
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Jack M.

Jack M.

Nov, 2023

Pinned
Joe did a developmental edit report for me that gave my story the focus it was missing. I HIGHLY recommend Joe, especially if writing a novel is new to you. He doesn't hold back the punches, which is what I needed for my project.
Gianis T.

Gianis T.

Dec, 2024

It is a stable, long-term collaboration, with increasing satisfaction in Joe’s professionalism. I look forward to the next ones.
Jerry S.

Jerry S.

Nov, 2024

I requested a developmental edit of my manuscript and Joseph performed the work. He wrote a nine-page explanation describing what would be improvements on my novel. They were all helpful, giving me great ideas on how to improve my writing, not only on the current manuscript, but in general. I recommend his valuable experience and insight.

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