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