Matt. Murray

Matt. Murray – Editor

Best-selling/award-winning editor specializing in genre fiction (horror, sci-fi, fantasy) and sequential art narrative (yup, comics.)

Overview

I write/edit stuff about things and make things that are stuff.


Books, Short stories. Comicbooks (yup, that's how you SHOULD refer to comics, comix, or comic books.) All manners of scripts.


In regards to fiction, my genres of choice are horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure. I do non-fiction as well, with a focus on entertainment and biography.


Barbarians. Hellraisers. Superheroes. ’Toons. I gotcha covered.


In my two-decade career, I've produced projects in just about every commercial medium possible, worked with legendary creators such as Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman on a variety of iconic brands that include THE SMURFS, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, HELLRAISER, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, and the post-Marvel works of STAN LEE.


I've had various roles in the entertainment and publishing industries - writer, producer, director, actor, illustrator, historian - and what they've instilled in me is a holistic, humanistic approach to editing prose and comicbooks that is story/character driven and reader-focused.


As creators, I believe our goals should be to connect with our audience in unique (and hopefully meaningful) ways and to entertain (whatever that word may mean to you.) Above all, you should be having a good time writing (again, whatever that means to you), as that's bound to ensure the reader will have a good time on their side of the page.


"Matt. is an editorial whirlwind - a motivator and project manager who understands how to seamlessly translate from creative wants to business needs and back again in ways that leaves everyone on a project proud of their contribution and eager for what comes next.” – Jim Zub (writer on Avengers, Dungeons & Dragons, and Conan the Barbarian)


“Matt. knows how to tell a story. His expertise as an editor helps focus any narrative regardless of genre. Passionate and with a deep understanding of the creative process, Matt inspires writers and artists, turning average projects into masterpieces.” - Zack Morrissette (Zacksploitation Comics)

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Comics & Graphic Novels Fantasy Horror Plays & Screenplays Science Fiction
Non-Fiction
Comics Non-Fiction Entertainment
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Independent Publishers Book Award for Independent Voice - STAN LEE'S GOD WOKE, 2017
  • Independent Filmmaker’s Showcase Award for Best Animation - STAN LEE'S GOD WOKE, 2017
Certifications
  • BFA in Film, TV & Radio Production from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2008 — Present

Produced projects in just about every commercial medium possible, having worked with legendary creators such as Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman and on a variety of iconic brands from THE SMURFS to A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. Past clients and associations include Heroic Signatures, Titan Comics, Papercutz Graphic Novels, Abrams Books, MTV News, Seraphim Inc., and Rockstar Games.

Encyclopocalypse Publications

Oct, 2023 — Present

Anthology and special projects editor for independent genre press.

Heroic Signatures

Feb, 2022 — Oct, 2023 (over 1 year)

I oversaw the legacy and management of Robert E. Howard's literary creations across all media. Successfully re-launched publishing programs for CONAN THE BARBARIAN, SOLOMON KANE, and KULL OF ATLANTIS in both comics and prose.

Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment

Nov, 2011 — Feb, 2018 (about 6 years)

I worked directly with STAN LEE on developing and creating new works in comicbooks, prose, film, and television.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
God Woke

Fabian Nicieza

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Hellraiser: Anthology

McKendry, Rebekah

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
The Yard Next Door

Marcus, Ellen

Acts Of Paint

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Conan: City of the Dead

Hocking, John C.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading

Matt. has 5 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Zac B.

Zac B.

Mar, 2024

Matt taught me a lot about how comics are written and helped me get used to the new medium. He helped me get my work to where I wanted it to be.
Amir R.

Amir R.

Mar, 2024

Matt Muray's interests and body of work that he has worked on is congruent with the type of stories I want to tell and he is in depth in his assessment of whatever work comes his way. He takes his time with a project and there is value to be had in what he has to say. His experience and knowledge are invaluable.
Greg F.

Greg F.

Mar, 2024

It was a pleasure to work with Matt Murray. He is professional and knowledgeable about his craft and the industry in general. The Zoom session was enjoyable, instructive, and enlight(bulb)ening. I came away with renewed confidence and insights that I applied immediately. My favorite take-away from our collaboration: "Justify the use of every word." I highly recommend him. Greg Flury
Ellen M.

Ellen M.

Feb, 2024

Matt is direct, honest, experienced, and professional. His coaching/editing was invaluable for taking my graphic novel from a roughened state to a professional piece I am excited about publishing! Very happy with this experience, and I would highly recommend him.
James A.

James A.

Feb, 2024

Matt was kind, open-minded, professional and passionate. He was highly responsive and very perceptive about my work. The best endorsement I can offer is that I absolutely plan on collaborating with him again. Strong recommend.

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