JOHN DAVID KUDRICK (MA in Journalism, Professional Writing: Fiction)

Substantive (content) editing, copyediting, proofreading, book proposals

Christian fiction (all genres – for both adults and young adults), action, military, historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, contemporary, mainstream, trade

You're sitting at your computer, smiling, feeling an incredible sense of satisfaction in your heart. After more hours than you can count, you've finally finished your novel – a story from deep within your soul that you want to share with the world.

But then the questions start hitting your mind: Is it the very best that it can be? Will anyone even want to read it? What's my next step?

With nearly twenty years of experience as an editor, John David understands the gamut of feelings that comes with getting your novel from your hard drive and into print. That's why he'd love to partner with you in getting your novel to the next level.

Experience:

With a BA in theology, an MA focused on fiction, and nearly twenty years of editorial/writing experience, John David has been privileged to work with some of the finest publishers in the nation, including Bethany House, David C Cook, NavPress, Realms Fiction, Marcher Lord Press, and Whitaker House – where, as senior editor, he worked on James Byron Huggins' Nightbringer, a book that Library Journal named one of its annual top five Christian novels.

To date, John David has had the opportunity to serve as an editor on more than 150 published titles and to work with authors from across the US and around the world. When he's not helping authors fine-tune their manuscripts, John David enjoys spending time with his wife, Sheila, and their three kids in western Pennsylvania where they make their home.

Services Offered:

• Manuscript Critique – With a detailed evaluation document and annotated comments/suggestions throughout your manuscript, find out how you can make your good book even better.
• Content Editing – Guidance and hands-on editorial help in reorganizing and revising your story to make it even more powerful and engaging. Includes two rounds of editorial review.
• Copyediting – Line-by-line editing to take care of grammar, word usage, tone, format, and more. Includes two rounds of editorial review.
• Proofreading – A final polish to clean up typos, inconsistencies, misspellings, and punctuation problems. Includes two rounds of editorial review.
• Ghostwriting – Crafting of a book-length manuscript using existing material from author. Also includes a follow-up copyedit. (NOTE: Ghostwriting available for Christian living/spirituality book projects only.)

Genres:

• Action/Military
• Children's Fiction
• YA fiction
• Contemporary/Mainstream
• Detective/Crime
• Historical Fiction
• Mystery/Suspense
• Science Fiction/Fantasy
• Thriller/Suspense
• Christian Fiction/Nonfiction (all genres and ages)

Articles on the Craft of Writing

• Top Resources for Novelists: recommended books on writing
• Head-Hopping Hurts Readers' Heads: thoughts on point of view
• Too Much of a Good Thing Isn't So Good: overdoing it with the details
• Typos Can Tip the Scales: making sure your manuscript is clean
• Are Adverbs Really So Evil?: the danger of using manner adverbs
• Set Yourself Up for Writing Success: the little things that make for success
• Do You Really Need a Daily Writing Goal?: why you should stay accountable
• What's the Point of Your Story?: how the story is always about the story
• Write from Your Passion: the danger of writing for the market
• Activate Your Prose: avoiding the weak passive voice
• What's an Idea Worth?: keeping track of your story ideas
• Navigating No Man's Land: making the most of time between novels
• Minding the Gap: staying organized as a writer
• Set the Setting: making sure your reader doesn't get lost
• Why You Should Write That Novel if You're a Christian Author: understanding how stories can change the world
• To Cuss or Not to Cuss?: handling profanity as a Christian novelist

Editorial Work on Published Books

Fiction

• A Beautiful Fall by Chris Coppernoll (proofread)
• A Bigger Life by Annette Smith (proofread)
• A Portrait for Marguerite by Kate Lloyd (proofread)
• Aboard the Pirate by Veronica Cherry (critique, content edit)
• Aethersmith by J.S. Morin (critique, copyedit)
• All for One by Melody Carlson (proofread)
• Animalis by John Peter Jones (critique, copyedit)
• As Young as We Feel by Melody Carlson (proofread)
• B-36: Cold War Shield by Vito Lasala (copyedit)
• Black Box by Larry Jones (proofread)
• Captain Sedition by K.C. Fusaro (proofread)
• Chainge by Ken Dean (critique, copyedit)
• Citadel 7 Short Story: Quall Assassin Crossfire by Yuan Jur (copyedit)
• Citadel 7 Short Story: The Betrayer by Yuan Jur (copyedit)
• Citadel 7: Enemy of Existence by Yuan Jur (critique, content edit)
• Citadel 7: War and Lies by Yuan Jur (critique, content edit)
• Crime Scene Jerusalem by Alton Gansky (proofread)
• False Pretenses by Kathy Herman (proofread)
• Firehurler by J.S. Morin (critique, copyedit)
• Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano (proofread)
• Forgive One Another by Krystena Lee (copyedit)
• From Bad to Worse by Todd and Jedd Hafer (proofread)
• Godiva by David Rose (proofread)
• Going for Broke by Melanie Dobson (proofread)
• Heading Home by Renee Riva (proofread)
• Healer by Linda Windsor (proofread)
• His Kingdom Come by Margaret Montreuil (critique)
• How Sweet the Sound by Amy Sorrells (proofread)
• Howell Davidson amongst the Musketeers by Steven. R. Culver (critique)
• I Can Do All Things by Krystena Lee (copyedit)
• Informed Consent by Sandra Glahn (proofread)
• Jack Staples and the Poet's Storm by Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark (proofread)
• Journeys to Elgobon: The Mountain by Perry Crompton (copyedit)
• Jude by Jeff Nesbit (proofread)
• Kinsman Chronicles: Part 1 – Darkness Reigns by Jill Willimanson (proofread)
• Kinsman Chronicles: Part 2 – The Heir War by Jill Willimanson (proofread)
• Kinsman Chronicles: Part 3 – The End of All Things by Jill Willimanson (proofread)
• Kinsman Chronicles: Part 4 – Kingdom at Sea by Jill Willimanson (proofread)
• Knuckle Sandwich by Adam Palmer (proofread)
• Majesty's Offspring by AJ Vega (critique, copyedit)
• MicroBrain by Evan P.C. Rion (content edit)
• Mirror Souls by A.J. Blakemont (copyedit)
• Mooch by Adam Palmer (proofread)
• Night Rain by Joe Hilley (proofread)
• Nightbringer by James Byron Huggins (content edit)
• O Little Town by Don Reid (proofread)
• Patched Together by Brennan Manning (proofread)
• Peter Wilson's Dream Theater: The Dream Master by John C. Archer (content edit)
• Portal Through the Pond by David K. Anderson (critique, content edit)
• Safe at Home by Richard Doster (proofread)
• Scared by Tom Davis (proofread)
• Shepherd's Son by Terry W. Burns (proofread)
• Silver Ships: Libre by S.H. Jucha (critique, copyedit)
• Silver Ships: Méridien by S.H. Jucha (copyedit)
• Stolen Lives by Brian Reaves (proofread)
• Stretch Marks by Kimberly Stewart (proofread)
• Taking Tuscany by Renee Riva (proofread)
• Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove (proofread)
• The Arrival by JW Brazier (critique, follow-up critique, content edit)
• The Blue Umbrella by Mike Mason (proofread)
• The Bodhisattva of Attika by Paulette Bibeau (critique)
• The Dark Legion by Michael Holladay (critique, copyedit)
• The Darkslayer: Volume II by Craig Halloran (critique, content edit, copyedit)
• The Deposition by Joe Hilley (proofread)
• The Devil's Apprentice by John Wallen (proofread)
• The Gathering Place by Becca Anderson (proofread)
• The Key to Nede by Karisa Ewinger (critique, follow-up critique, content edit)
• The Ladders of Death by Philippe Erhard (copyedit)
• The Latest Mrs. Furst by Susan Martins Miller (proofread)
• The Longed Tales by Mohamed AR (critique, content edit)
• The Micah Judgment by Jim Kraus (proofread)
• The Peacemakers by Jack Cavanaugh (proofread)
• The Portal by Allen Hively (critique, follow-up critique, content edit)
• The Real Enemy by Kathy Herman (proofread)
• The Reluctant Journey of David Connors by Don Locke (proofread)
• The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue (proofread)
• The Renewal by Terri Kraus (proofread)
• The Renovation by Terri Kraus (proofread)
• The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (proofread)
• The Restorer's Journey by Sharon Hinck (proofread)
• The Restorer's Son by Sharon Hinck (proofread)
• The Royalist by Glen Wiley (copyedit)
• The Silent Deal by Levi Stack (proofread)
• The Summer the Wind Whispered My Name by Don Locke (proofread)
• The Unfortunate Karma of Breone Baine by Deidre Havrelock (proofread)
• The Violet Flash by Mike Mason (proofread)
• Three Weddings and a Bar Mitzvah by Melody Carlson (proofread)
• To Dance in the Desert by Kathleen Popa (proofread)
• Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren (proofread)
• Winterflight by Joseph Bayly (proofread)

Nonfiction

• Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray (copyedit)
• An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell (proofread)
• And The Lamb Wins by Simon Ponsonby (proofread)
• Battle for Baqubah by Robert S. Colella (critique, content edit)
• Battle Ready by Steve Farrar (proofread)
• Be a People Person by John C. Maxwell (proofread)
• Be Free by Warren Wiersbe (proofread)
• Be Loyal by Warren Wiersbe (proofread)
• Be Mature by Warren Wiersbe (proofread)
• Beautiful Now by Stasi Eldredge (proofread)
• Blood Covenant by Michael Franzese (content edit)
• Broken Heart on Hold by Linda W. Rooks (proofread)
• Christianish by Mark Steele (proofread)
• Death Dance by Wade Nolan (copyedit)
• Deliver Us from Me-Ville by David Zimmerman (proofread)
• Destiny by Hezekiah Walker (content edit)
• End Times Prophecy by John F. Walvoord (proofread)
• Every Prophecy about Jesus by John F. Walvoord (proofread)
• Experiencing Leadershift by Don Cousins (proofread)
• Extreme Pursuit by John E. Davis (proofread)
• Finding Home by Jim Daly (proofread)
• From Grief to Glory by Harry and Cheryl Salem (content edit)
• God's Crime Scene by J. Warner Wallace (proofread)
• I Am N by Voice of the Martyrs (proofread)
• Ignite Your Fire! by Ave Siao Gozar (content edit, copyedit)
• In His Shelter by B.R.T. Smith (copyedit)
• Incomparable by Andrew Wilson (proofread)
• Living the Lazarus Life by Stephen W. Smith (proofread)
• Love, Dating & Marriage by George Bloomer (copyedit)
• Make Love, Make War by Brian Doerksen (proofread)
• Mom's Journey by Limor Friedman (copyedit)
• More by Simon Ponsonby (proofread)
• Obvious God by Kent L. Muntz (copyedit)
• One Heart, One Flesh, One Love by Diane Hampton (copyedit)
• Overflowing by J. David Bancroft (critique, content edit)
• Pastors Are People Too by Jimmy Dodd and Larry Magnuson (proofread)
• Prayer 101 by Warren W. Wiersbe (proofread)
• Principles and Power of Vision by Myles Munroe (copyedit)
• Question Everything by B. Tyler Ellis (copyedit)
• Really Mysterious Pennsylvania by Stan Gordon (copyedit)
• Saving a Life by Charles and Janet Morris (proofread)
• So Beautiful by (proofread)
• Storylines by Mike Pilavachi (proofread)
• Survive or Thrive by Jimmy Dodd (proofread)
• Sweat, Blood & Tears by Xan Hood (proofread)
• The 3 R's of Spiritual Growth by Al Spinks (content edit)
• The Best of E.M. Bounds by E.M. Bounds (proofread)
• The Best of F.B. Meyer by F.B. Meyer (proofread)
• The Best of Jonathan Edwards by Jonathan Edwards (proofread)
• The Big God Story by Michelle Anthony (proofread)
• The Church of Facebook by Jesse Rice (proofread)
• The Depth of Grace by J. Bronson Haley (critique, content edit)
• The Face of the Deep by Paul J. Pastor (proofread)
• The Lifted Veil by Michael G. Garland (copyedit)
• The Real Deal by Joshua Keesal (copyedit)
• The Spirit Who Speaks by Peter Lawrence (proofread)
• The Weirsbe Bible Study Series: 2 Corinthians by Warren W. Weirsbe (proofread)
• The Weirsbe Bible Study Series: Ecclesiastes by Warren W. Weirsbe (proofread)
• The Weirsbe Bible Study Series: Genesis 12–25 by Warren W. Weirsbe (proofread)
• The Weirsbe Bible Study Series: Mark by Warren W. Weirsbe (proofread)
• The World at Large: Book 1—Carpe Diem by Adam E Mehaffey (content edit)
• Thirsty by Amy Nappa (proofread)
• Timeless Needs, Eternal Hope by Wanda Luttrell (proofread)
• Touching Wonder by John Blase (proofread)
• True Courage by Steve Farrar (proofread)
• Turning Toward Integrity by David Jeremiah (proofread)
• Two Are Better by Tim and Debbie Bishop (critique, copyedit)
• Uncensored by Brian Cosby (proofread)
• Us by Daniel L. Tocchini (proofread)
• What to Do While You Wait for the World to End by Noah S. Martin (proofread)

Feedback / Testimonials

"John David Kudrick is thorough, adaptable, and attentive. His strength in proofreading for us has been providing consistent work on an epic fantasy series, and his grasp of detail throughout the intricate story arc has been especially helpful." – Elisa Tally, Assistant Editor, Bethany House Publishers

"This was my second time working with Mr. Kudrick, and both times he provided very good feedback and recommendations. He can be very detail-oriented, pointing out things like the trigger actions of particular guns, or what year a certain vehicle was in production, or a scene in the story that conflicts with another scene. Little things like that can make or break a story. Good job." - Michael K."John David Kudrick was outstanding. I totally recommend him." - L. Lucken

"I was a little nervous about who to use for editing since my chosen topic of discussion and my approach to addressing it were sensitive in nature, but profound in content. I didn't want to lose the essence and message of the manuscript during the editing process. I'm so pleased with the result. I can't wait to get my next project finished so I can send it in as well." - Chris F. Walker

"John David Kudrick is the best editor I've ever worked with. He was kind and thoughtful, and very prompt with his responses. It was easy to communicate with him, and he kept me appraised of his progress every step of the way. I intend to use John's editing services for future projects and look forward to continuing our business relationship. Thank you for all of your time and hard work John, your efforts are invaluable." - H. Jannusch

"John David was punctual, polite, and honest with all his feedback. He was supportive while remaining critical and unbiased. My manuscript has vastly improved due to not only his editing work, but suggestions which helped me change and add/remove content where appropriate. I hope to use him again in the future and would highly recommend his services." - Travis Pile

"John David Kudrick is a wonderful editor whose work was excellent throughout every stage of editing. His initial critique of my manuscript was invaluable. John David was always professional, communicated in a timely manner, gave sound and expert advice and most of all, was very kind in his comments and recommendations to this first time, inexperienced author. I couldn't be happier with the results of his substantive, content editing of my manuscript. It was a pleasure working with John David, who exceeded my expectations." – Diane A. Brittain

"Response time was excellent; quality of work was great. John was very professional and helpful. He answered all my questions and greatly improved the readability of my book. It was a pleasure working with him." - Roy Troyer

"Really enjoyed working with John Kudrick, and look forward to dealing with him again. This has been my first attempt at writing a full-length novel and he's helped me quite a bit along the way." - Michael D. Komeshak

"John put us at ease with the costs by being transparent with pricing, flexible with packages, and reasonable about recommendations. He was clearly looking out for the best interest of the book, and was considerate of our budget. I thoroughly appreciated his openness about timelines, timely communications, and adherence to deadlines." (On file with network coordinator)

"I confess… did a lot of investigation over the Internet… from half way around the world… received a many sample edits / quotes from different editors (~12!). My choice was perfect. On a scale of 1-to10 I rate John a solid (plus) 10! First and foremost for the English… past tense-present tense… grammer - use of the em dash… POV… the whole nine yards. Perfect.And next – for him getting into the story… making very good Commentsand suggestions all throughout. This includes checking things on the Internet… noting that the coca cola slogan – "The Real Thing" did not come out in the time period that I mentioned it… and many other excellent comments!" - Michael Weiss

"I have been very happy with Mr. Kudrick and plan to continue our working relationship. His insight and expertise has been a true learning experience." - Allen Hively

"The website is very well-organized and reader friendly. I am very pleased with the consultant I chose to contact (John David Kudrick). I would certainly recommend him and your network to friends." (Contact info upon request)

"Working with John not only made my story *much* better, it made be a much better writer too." - Craig Halloran, Writer, Two-Ten Book Press

"John David Kudrick provided an outstanding experience throughout every stage of editing! He was professional, communicated in a timely manner, gave sound and expert advice, and was most of all- a good coach and willing to go the extra mile to ensure what went to print was a quality product. JDK did a great job of helping me keep the story on track (killing my darlings) and providing that delicate balance by adding just the right amount of external influence to make it a polished and professional product, but still keeping it my own. This project was too important not to have been done right, JDK exceeded my expectations." - Bobby Colella

"John David was very quick to respond to my inquiry and also took care of my project ahead of schedule. I'm very pleased with his work." - Melissa Taylor

"I am a repeat client, so that should be a testimony of how extremely happy and satisfied I was working with John David Kudrick. He's very professional, yet very warm and friendly, and very helpful. He's so easy to work with, and I feel that he did over and above the job than what was contracted. My experience with your network and with your editor is par excellent! " - Ave Gozar

"John David is actually an angel sent from above to help grammarless, struggling, fledging, fetching (whoops, new puppy in the house), pathetic writers, just like me, untangle wrods, just like that there! Seriously, it is a God thing that I found him on the internet! He is a cool dude and one 'hec of a disco dancer (white suit)! Seriously, I'm real happy with his work!" - Kent L. Muntz, author, Obvious God

"John David Kudrick is a wonderful and passionate editor. He showed attention to detail and genuine interest with my novel. I am extremely pleased with the results of his contributions." - AJ Vega

"He did a superb job; I couldn't have hoped for anyone better. So, again, thank you for your services!" (Contact information on request)

"Mr. John David Kudrick did a terrific job with his developmental edit of my manuscript---a total professional with keen insight. Not only did he do a wonderful job, but he provided the deliverable way ahead of schedule. I would highly recommend both him, and this service to anyone." - Andrew Vega

"All the way to the end result, this experience was worth it, and I ended up with a friend and a wonderful result. Grammar, paragraphs and plot structure, and the here-and-there things, all were taken care of. And John was very prompt in replying back. I made the right choice." - Mohamed Ar

"My editor did a superb job and, I believe, knew exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't have hoped for anyone better. So, again, thank you for your services!" (Contact information on request.)

"I can't find anything that went wrong... all the way to the end results this experience was worth it and ended up with having a friend and a wonderful result... grammar, paragraphs and plot structure, and the here-and-there things, all were looked at and taken care of with care... and - most important - John was very prompt in replying back and that literally made me know I have made the right choice...rating John would be a hard thing for me to do, and with no doubt, I would come back again with my future work." - Mohammad AR

"You have a true talent, John David, something God-given. All the learning in the world can't give it to you, and nothing can take it away. You comprehend on several levels far beneath the story itself, a rare thing in literature these days. You can have my back anytime." – James Byron Huggins, Author of A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, Leviathan, Cain, Hunter, Rora, Nightbringer, The Scam, Sorcerer

"I highly recommend John David Kudrick. As an editor for Whitaker House, his strong leadership and management skills became very evident and he was soon promoted to senior editor. John was instrumental in Whitaker House's expansion into Christian fiction." – Robert Whitaker, Jr., President, Whitaker House Publishers

"John David Kudrick's copyediting and proofreading skills have been a great benefit for NavPress. John's attention to detail and knowledge of language give him the foundation that every good copyeditor needs. He has the skills to spot errors and refine writing, resulting in a clean, polished manuscript. And his responsible and professional manner means you can depend on him to follow through on deadlines." – Darla Hightower, Production Director, NavPress

"One of my responsibilities is to send our trade-book manuscripts out to freelance proofreaders. It has been my pleasure to work with John David Kudrick, one of our A-list freelancers, during this period. John David is a magnificent proofreader, as he has done stellar work for our publishing company. He not only catches all of the little details by adhering to The Chicago Manual of Style rules, but he also queries questionable content when he thinks something is off (for instance, a timeline discrepancy in a fiction book). In addition, John David has never missed a deadline. In fact, a good amount of his projects have even come in a few days early. These extra miles separate him from our average proofreaders, who simply follow the rules and do not care about the content or the quality of the book nearly as much. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with John David. He's a joy to visit with and a wonderful professional to work with. I could not give a freelancer a higher recommendation." – Jack Campbell, Copyeditor / Project Coordinator, David C Cook

"As a copy editor and project coordinator at David C Cook, I have a long list of freelance proofreaders to choose from for each project. John David Kudrick is at the top of that list as a thorough, dependable proofreader. He consistently turns in excellent work, catching the tiny details as well as finding discrepancies in the overarching stories and themes of the books. He is willing to complete rushed projects, and I know I can count on him for high-pressure jobs. I thoroughly recommend him for any project." – Jaci Schneider, Copyeditor / Project Coordinator, David C Cook

"Your network was a lifesaver after numerous previous disappointments and delays with indifferent/inexperienced editors. The consultant you provided did excellent work within the agreed upon timeframe and allocated fee. I am extremely satisfied and would recommend John David to anyone in need of a pressing and challenging editing service." Tino Randall, VP/Business Development, DevTec Global

"John communicated quickly and with great helpfulness going far beyond what I honestly expected for what I paid. He was gracious and honest at the same time and provided me both with very useful comments as well as some very helpful material. I feel he was a very effective 'coach' for me at this stage of my writing. Thanks very much." - Martin Bennett, Hungry Kitty LLC

"John did a highly proficient job of editing, and followed my instructions to the letter. His comments made it clear that he had thoroughly read and carefully thought about the text." - John Wallen

"I'm very happy that I found Book Editing Associates." - Lydia Klismith

"The network was very useful in helping me source a Christian editor. I was impressed with John David's previous editing credentials and the testimonials from his past clients. The feedback he gave me was very positive but also constructive. He was very thorough in terms of showing me the weaknesses in my writing and where I need to do more work." - Lianne Blanch