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
  • Robert E. Howard Foundation Costigan Award for Literary Achievement, 2024 - CONAN: BOUND IN BLACK STONE
  • Tripwire Award Best New Series 2024 - CONAN THE BARBARIAN
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

Author 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 creating new works for comicbooks, prose, film, and television. I also aided in managing Stan's "legacy brand" by running his social media and developing products outside of publishing and entertainment such as action figures, art prints, apparel, and subscription boxes.

Portfolio

Conan: City of the Dead

Hocking, John C.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
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
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
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
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 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 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Obaloluwa O.

Obaloluwa O.

Aug, 2024

Pinned
Working with Matt was wonderful. His ability to understand my story even the obscure parts where I was confused made the editing process much more impactful and enjoyable.
Greg F.

Greg F.

Mar, 2024

Pinned
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

Pinned
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.
William H.

William H.

Nov, 2024

Matt is awesome. Very professional. He provided me with feedback and direction beyond the scope of our engagement. Along with reviewing and editing pages, he shared real world experience in the business along with a lot of material to help me navigate my story and package it into a product that an illustrator can work with so I can self-publish while still being within comic book industry stand...
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Dave B.

Dave B.

Nov, 2024

Matt was fantastic to work with. He's a really fun guy who is very passionate about his work. As this is my first ever book, he helped me learn a lot of how to write and what I can do better for the future. He's also a big horror nerd like I am and that helps a lot when you're writing a horror novel! He's very professional and really likes to understand the assignment and get to know who he's w...
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