Manuscript Consultations

John has many years of experience as an editor, mentor, essayist, and workshop facilitator. 

John taught graduate-level creative writing workshops (and supervised graduate students’ creative theses) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (2012-2014); creative writing in the BFA program at The University of the Arts (2020-2023); and in the Writing Program at Dartmouth College (2023-2026). He was an editor with Painted Bride Quarterly from 2017 to 2019. 

Since 2022 he’s worked as a contract editor for Frontenac House. And he’s the Poetry Director of The Doorway Effect writing retreat.

John is the editor of an anthology of essays, Fix Your Hearts or Die! Poets Dream of David Lynch (forthcoming in 2027 with LSU Press). He wrote a collection of essays on poetics and film (The Elephant of Silence, LSU Press, 2024), and has published critical work in Guernica, Poetry Northwest, Full Stop, Zyzzyva, The Rumpus, The Kenyon Review Online, and many others.

Consultations available for full-length manuscripts, chapbook-length manuscripts, individual poems, and mentorship.

Regarding fees, John will gladly price his work hourly, or on a flat-rate, per-project basis, depending on your preference. His rates are reasonable. Please contact John to discuss fees, scheduling, and your specific needs.

Testimonials

“… John is a smart and sensitive teacher and editor who guides with questions more often than instructions. He is knowledgeable and regularly suggests readings related to themes which emerge from my poetry. John leaves his ego behind in our consultations. He has always treated me and my poetry with sensitivity, respect and patience.” Read more testimonials.

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