Sam O'Neal - Editor
Professional author and editor who loves to turn good content into great stories. Have experience working with multiple bestselling authors.
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Overview
I run my own company providing writing and editorial services to those who tell great stories. Much of my business comes from publishers and agents who need help fixing manuscripts. However, I also enjoy working directly with authors who have a desire to say something significant in a world filled with white noise.
I'm happy to help with anything from substantive edits to ghostwriting to reviewing proposals and more.
I'm happy to help with anything from substantive edits to ghostwriting to reviewing proposals and more.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Christian (Non-Fiction)
Inspirational
Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Literary Fiction
Science Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Work experience
Senior Writer and Editor
Write Great Stories (writegreatstories.com)
May, 2019
–
Present
(9 months)
I spent fifteen years working at some of the largest publishers in the world because I believe stories have the power to change history. To change us.
I know they’ve changed me.
Now I’m excited to help you share your story with the world as a writer, editor, or collaborator. Where would you like to start?
Senior Editor
HarperCollins Christian Publishing
July, 2017
–
May, 2019
(almost 2 years)
Acquire and edit books for one of the largest publishing companies in the world.
Content Editor
LifeWay Christian Resources
August, 2011
–
July, 2017
(almost 6 years)
Write and edit Bible Studies and Curriculum for the largest Christian publishing company in the world.
Portfolio (14 selected works)
The Water Keeper
Charles Martin
A riveting new story of heroism, heartache, and the power of love to heal all wounds.Murphy Shepherd is a man with many secrets. He lives alone on an island, tending the grounds for a church with no parishioners, and he’s dedicated his life to rescuing those in peril. But as he mourns the loss of his mentor and friend, Murph himself may be more lost than he realizes.When he pulls a beautiful w... read more
Many Christians feel unprepared and uncertain when it comes to living each day as followers of Christ. We often know what we are supposed to do, and even why we are supposed to do it. Yet when we lack confidence in ourselves and our spiritual development, we fail to live boldly as difference makers in our world.As one of the world’s leading Bible teachers, Dr. David Jeremiah wants readers to k... read more
An instant New York Times bestseller! As a lifelong student of Scripture, Kathie Lee Gifford has always desired a deeper understanding of God’s Word and a deeper knowledge of God Himself. But it wasn’t until she began studying the biblical texts in their original Hebrew and Greek—along with actually hiking the ancient paths of Israel—that she found the fulfillment of those desires.Now you can ... read more
Overcomer: Finding New Strength in Claiming God’s Promises
David Jeremiah
We live in a time of deep uncertainty. And yet, the Bible promises we were created to enjoy lives of freedom, even in times when the world around us seems filled with darkness. We were created to be overcomers, conquering the greatest obstacles in our lives.In his new book, Overcomer, beloved teacher David Jeremiah offers his insights on one of the most quoted but least understood passages of ... read more
A UFC champion and a boy with leukemia, in the fight of their lives. Cody Garbrandt dreamed of being a UFC champion. In his darkest moments, when those dreams were dashed, he dug deep with the help of an unlikely friend—five-year-old Maddux Maple, a local hometown fan with leukemia. They made a pact: Cody would be in the UFC and win the championship, and Maddux would beat cancer. Read their mo... read more
“I saw his face.” Deborah Hall’s words launched the destiny of two men from very different worlds. Ron Hall was an international art dealer with upscale tastes; Denver Moore was a homeless drifter with a dangerous past. Millions have read about their unlikely bond through their first book, Same Kind of Different as Me—a New York Times bestseller and now a major motion picture. Workin’ Our Way ... read more
Unexpected Places is the personal story of gospel singer Anthony Evans, son of well-known pastor Tony Evans and brother of author Priscilla Shirer. In this intimate and moving memoir, Anthony shares the details of his struggles with depression and doubt, and encourages readers with the unique story of his search for purpose and identity. From growing up duty-bound to his name, to his time as a... read more
Follow Me Bible Study - Member Book
David Platt
When Jesus says, “Follow Me,” it’s not an invitation to say a prayer, it’s a summons to lose our lives. In this much-anticipated follow-up to Radical, Pastor David Platt challenges the traditions of cultural Christianity and reintroduces us to Jesus and His most simple request: Follow Me.Features:6 group sessions6 weeks of personal Bible studyAuthor: Dr. David Platt, pastor at The Church at Br... read more
The Spiritual World of the Hobbit
James Stuart Bell, Sam O'Neal
Popular Author Helps Readers Discover the Christian Dimension in Tolkien's The HobbitThe huge success of the first of The Hobbit movies has added to Tolkien's already enormous popularity. As fans eagerly await part two of the trilogy, they will be excited to find out all they can about the spiritual themes in the story's mythological world. This book explores good versus evil in Tolkien's writ... read more
In the spirit of the popular I Used to Know That series, this book captures fun facts from Adam to Zion in an easy-to-understand and engaging format.Do you actually know what went down in Sodom and Gomorrah? Does the Tower of Babel ring a bell, or do you need to clean the cobwebs out of your belfry? This light and witty reference book gives readers the basics. From Genesis to Revelation, all t... read more
There are countless helpful resources available to the small group leader. As managing editor of smallgroups.com, Sam O'Neal has seen the best of them come and go. They tend to deal with the big vision of small groups--how they can revolutionize your church and transform your congregation. Or they consider the big idea of small group ministry, how it reflects God's communal vision for us. But ... read more
Pastor David Newman and his family have just been called to serve with Midland Bible Church. Following their initial excitement over the new appointment, however, comes the realization that the church has forgotten its purpose and lost its way. So begins this intriguing fictional account of a sad reality facing many present-day pastors and church leaders. The good news is that this is a realit... read more
Shaping Your Family's Faith: One Family's Story of Growing Strong Together
Jack Eggar, Dona Eggar
Sometimes parables communicate truths better than any self-help book. Meet the Millstones. Jason and Sarah and their three children are just the sort of Christian folks you'd want for next-door neighbors. Or so it seems. As the story unfolds, the "good" family takes some wrong turns. Petty theft, online affairs, bad lifestyle choices, and troubling attitudes show that things are far from well ... read more
Sam has 7 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Sam O'Neal was most excellent to work with. We picked him from four others because of his impressive credentials and his low bid. He has an easy going, personable manner, so we never felt in any way intimidated despite our newbie status as self-publishers. We only did a copy edit, for which he provided some very detailed corrections/suggestions, but he also provided several bigger-pictur...
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Mark LeSage, July 2019
It was great to work with Sam. I have much more of an understanding about how to approach my revisions. Would highly recommend him to other authors.
Mary Claire Branton, June 2019
Sam spelled out to me what my manuscript was missing and met all my expectations of what I was looking for in an editor. His suggestions and help were like putting on a pair of eyeglasses - my vision of the book came into clarity more than ever before. He even included a few pages of instructions on how to proceed with the manuscript before I read the edits. I had my book proofread in critique ...
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Katie Dale, January 2019
Sam was very thorough in his edit. He communicated with me during the whole process, and made sure the overall concept of my book was portrayed throughout the entire manuscript. Highly recommend!
Heather Dillard, January 2019
Sam is awesome. He took my project and made it something more by understanding the vision and structure and then improving it. We had good communication throughout, and I really needed that honest and candid feedback. Will work together when the next one is ready.
Dan Coper, October 2018
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Alison Imbriaco
After 20 years of copyediting, I'm still excited about working with authors on historical and Christian fiction.
Sterling, VA, USA
Kendall Davis
Writer at Nerdist, HelloGiggles, and Geek & Sundry. Editor at Penguin Random House for 5 1/2 years working in fiction and non-fiction.
Colorado Springs, United States
