Adam Prince

Adam Prince – Editor

MFA, PhD, award-winning author and editor for literary/upmarket fiction.

Overview

With an MFA from University of Arkansas, a PhD from University of Tennessee, and award-winning fiction published in The Missouri Review, The Southern Review, and Narrative Magazine (who named me one of their top 20 new writers), I know what it takes to craft literary fiction that resonates with readers and editors alike.

What I do: I help writers solve structural problems—pacing that drags, character arcs that don't land, stakes that feel unclear, or narratives that haven't yet found their true shape. I work closely with you to identify what your story is actually about (which is often different from what you set out to write) and help you make intentional choices about structure, voice, character development, and scene work.

What you'll get: A detailed editorial letter analyzing your manuscript's strengths and areas for development, plus marginal comments throughout showing specific opportunities for revision. I don't just identify problems—I offer concrete solutions and examples from published work.

My approach: I've taught writing at the university level and served as the Tickner Fellow at Gilman School. I treat your manuscript with the same care and rigor I'd want for my own work. I'm direct about what needs fixing, but I always remember it's your story—my job is to help you tell it better.

Some Testimonials:

“Working with Adam has helped me take the next step with my writing. He gives specific and actionable feedback.”

-David Degusta

“Adam really helped me get to the next level, not by being prescriptive, but by uncovering what I really cared about in the story—and then empowering me to revise accordingly.”

-Christine Olivas

“Adam has a way of describing the truth behind the faces people put on that draws these characters close.”

-Nancy Friend

Let's talk about your manuscript.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Literary Fiction Short Story
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Peden Prize for Short Fiction--Missouri Review
  • Winter Short Story Contest--Narrative Magazine
  • Other Distinguished Stories--Best American Short Stories 2012 and 2018
Certifications
  • PhD--University of Tennessee
  • MFA--University of Arkansas
  • BA--Vassar College

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Present
I've worked on hundreds of books and short stories, many of which have been published.

University of South Alabama

Aug, 2017 — Jun, 2025 (almost 8 years)
Taught Courses in Screenwriting for film, Screenwriting for Television, Introduction to Fiction, Advanced Fiction. Served on several thesis committees.

UCLA Extension

Mar, 2012 — Present
I teach Introduction to Fiction Writing, Introduction to Short Story Writing, Intermediate Short Story Writing, Advanced Short Story Writing to traditional and nontraditional students across the globe.

Portfolio

Dear Second Husband: Stories

Finch, Susan

Carnegie Mellon University Press

Developmental Editing
Of One Language

Vassilev, Stoyan

Guernica World Editions

Developmental Editing
Learning to Hit My Mother: Stories of Calamity

Kirschner, Elizabeth

She Writes Press

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Ghosts of the Bright Light

Glowney, John

Pierian Springs Press

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
AI Assassin

Mahoney, Ed

Dorrance Publishing Company

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
The Water Tiger

Nelson, Laura

The Oaklea Press Inc.

Developmental Editing
Code

Pence, Charlotte

Black Lawrence Press, Inc.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Oxana and the Red Dress

Leno, LaWayne

River Grove Books

Developmental Editing
Slipshod and Standing

Makiefsky, B L

Finishing Line Press

Developmental Editing
Stoop City

Dunnion, Kristyn

Biblioasis

Developmental Editing
Seren

Gooch, Peter

Apprentice House

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
American Gospel

Jeffra, Miah

Black Lawrence Press

Developmental Editing
The Displaced

D'ebre, Rodrigo Ribera

Arte Publico Press

Developmental Editing

Adam has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Joshua W.

Joshua W.

Oct, 2026

Adam’s assessment was exceptional. He engaged with the manuscript at every level (from individual sentences and recurring motifs to chronology, character architecture, theme, and the ending) and his comments made clear that he had read the book with unusual care. He was candid about what was not ...
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Joe F.

Joe F.

Oct, 2026

Dr. Prince gives honest, concise and most importantly actionable feedback. Our time together deeply improved my manuscript and drafting process and guided me through the a new way to approach outline and scene writing.
Lloyd M.

Lloyd M.

Sep, 2026

Adam did exactly what was needed, given the limitations of my budget. He understood perfectly what I was trying to achieve in the first 15,000 words and was kind enough to point out what I'd done right, as well as what I'd done wrong! For the kind of novel I'm writing, which is a near-future real...
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Erin C.

Erin C.

Aug, 2026

After years of an idea brewing in my mind, Adam was willing to meet me where I was at and helped me work out the places where I was getting stuck. His advice was invaluable, and thanks to him, I feel confident about being able to start and finish a manuscript. I am beyond grateful!
Adam P.
Thanks, Erin! It's a great project. Let me know if I can do anything else to help!
Michael K.

Michael K.

Aug, 2026

Adam exceeded my expectations. He identified the areas that needed attention and gave me both conceptual and specific direction to improve. The work he did resulted in a much stronger version of my book than before the edit.
Adam P.
Thanks for the kind words, Michael! it was a jot to work on!

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Most recent contributions

How can writing short fiction help aspiring novelists develop their writing skills?

I think it DEFINITELY helps an aspiring novelist developed their writing skills for a couple very big reasons. The first is that is takes a writer through the entire process from brainstorming to rough draft, multiple revisions, feedback, final draft, and submission. If you're writing a novel, t...
Read more

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