Chicago and APA Style Editor - Novels, Short Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Dissertations, Theses
James N. Powell is an internationally published author whose books have been published by major houses: William Morrow, Prentice Hall, and Hosei University Press (Japan). Using Chicago style, James edits novels, short fiction, and creative nonfiction. In addition to his many books, he has written articles for Spirituality & Health, Tahiti Beach Press, LA Yoga, The Independent, Montecito Journal, and Habibi. Using APA style he edits books, dissertations, theses, papers, and essays.
James is a former professor of English Literature. He holds master’s degrees in both English Literature and Religious Studies and has been editing, coaching, and tutoring writers and students for years. James has been an APA proofreader of doctoral dissertations at Fielding University since 2000.
James Powell examines the symbols of language the way a biologist examines cells.
- New York Times Review of Books
James Powell assures us that the universe is a silent partner in a dialogue that goes on all the time.
- New York Times Review of Books
James Powell is "a good literary surgeon."
- An accomplished writer of fiction who prefers to remain anonymous.
Specialties
My expertise is in fiction; creative nonfiction; essays; student papers; journalism; business documents; and APA dissertations, theses, and papers.
If you have a novel, short story, or work of creative nonfiction that needs polishing, please read below my essay, “Some Thoughts on Editing,” which will inform you of some of the writing problems I encounter in most manuscripts. I work on a continuing basis with noted fiction writers who tell me I’m able to ferret out their blind spots.
If you have a book, dissertation, or paper that needs to be in APA format, rather than attempting to master the 272-page Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, turn your manuscript over to an editor with years of APA experience. I have edited doctoral dissertations published at the following universities, to name just a few: Adelphi University, Adler Graduate School, Alliant University, Antioch University, Argosy University, California Institute of Integral Studies, California State University, Capella University, Century University, City University of New York, Concordia University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fielding Graduate University, Grand Canyon University, Harvard University, Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, Hunter College, John F. Kennedy University, Kwangwoon University, Leiden University of Social Sciences, Liberty University, Longwood University, Medaille College, Morgan State University, Northcentral University, Nova Southeastern University, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Pepperdine University, Regent University School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regis University of Professional Studies, Rider University, Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, Saint Mary’s University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, University of California, University of Florida, University of Hartford, University of Kansas, University of Miami, University of Oslo, University of Phoenix, University of Texas, University of the West Indies, University of Wisconsin, Walden University, Warren National University, William Howard Taft University, Yeshiva University, and York University.
Published Works
My books include the following:
The Tao of Symbols (William Morrow): Posits a complete philosophy of language by viewing language philosophy in widely diverse cultures.
Energy and Eros (William Morrow) examines human sexuality in various cultures. This book has become a cult classic in Japan, where it sparked the "Polynesian sex" vogue. Japan's über author and Buddhist philosopher, Hiroyuki Itsuki, wrote two books based on Energy and Eros and the head of Japan's national Family Planning Association recommends the teachings on Polynesian lovemaking found in Energy and Eros.
The Prentice Hall Global Employment Guide was listed by Library Journal as one of the top ten business books of 1985.
Derrida for Beginners and Deconstruction for Beginners are lucid, humorous guides to the contemporary world’s most obscure philosopher, the late Jacques Derrida.
Postmodernism for Beginners cuts through the pomo-babble to give you a clear look at this important cultural era.
Eastern Philosophy for Beginners is an illustrated tour of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan religious systems.
Slow Love: A Polynesian Pillow Book enlarges on the success of Energy and Eros, delving more deeply into traditional Polynesian lovemaking.
Mandalas: The Dynamics of Vedic Symbolism was published in India and relates the mantras of the Rig Veda both to fire ecology and to meditation.
"I have very good news. My book was picked up by a publisher! I wanted to make sure you are included in the credits as my editor, if you would like to be acknowledged. Please let me know! I am very excited!" - Gina Bortolussi
"I was impressed by his knowledge of the subject and his insight into spirituality in general. He not only provided constructive critique but also was an expert mentor. He really transformed my book into something beautiful. He does magic with words and, at the same time, is very pleasant to work with." - Ahmad Javid
“I am very happy with James Powell’s editing services. He understood my voice, he offered deep insights, and his work was of the highest caliber. His turn around time was ahead of schedule, and his price was very fair. I would not hesitate to use him again or refer him to others.” --S. Bales
"It has been a great experience. I am extremely satisfied with the work of James Powell. Great work, Thanks."
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Maria Lorcasusino, Adjust Professor, University of Miami
"He did a magnificent job with my paper. He completed my paper before the due date. I found that truly amazing. He took the time to clarify details to the manuscript. This has been the second greatest experience with this network." —(Contact information on request)
"The process was seamless, including the payment system. James is knowledgeable and experienced. It is reflected in the results I've received (3 examplars)" —George Houston, manager, Center for Creative Leadership
"I was very happy with the professionalism, work, insight and expertise of Mr. Powell. His editing really streamlined my ideas. His knowledge of Asian culture, literature, and history created a great dynamic between us. Essentially, my editor also acted as a collaborator. On a couple of occasions, his editing enabled me to reflect on my writing and re-write (or add) more information to clarify some chapter sub-sections. On another occasion, Mr. Powell suggested that I add some ideas to further support my thesis. His expertise, directed me to a field of research where I quickly found and added information that helped clarify and substantiate the thesis in that chapter sub-section. The writing that I am doing these days is very specialized and requires an editor with very highly developed editing skills who also has deep knowledge of Asian culture. As I am under a deadline and a poor editor of my own work, Mr. Powell's service offered much needed support." —(Contact information on request)
"Thank you for your work! I have read new version and I really enjoyed it. Hope the readers will feel the same. In future if I would need to make correction I will be happy to apply to you." —Konstantin Ignatov, Russian novelist
"In December, 2003, James Powell edited a grant proposal for me, a doctoral candidate in Greek Literature. His meticulous editing caught typographical and grammatical errors while improving the clarity of my argument. His changes were extremely effective but in no way altered the style or 'voice' of my writing. Moreover, he (thankfully) worked extremely quickly, as I was under a pressing deadline!" —Trinity Jackman
"James Powell's skills as both editor and proofreader were a valuable asset throughout my undergraduate career. Jim is a published author whose editors say his own books need no editing. He has incredible depth of knowledge, as he holds two Master's Degrees. He also has an amazing breath of knowledge because for 20 years he wrote abstracts of thousands of academic journal articles in the humanities and social sciences. Thus, he not only knows grammar, but also always has some insight in the content and methodology of the pieces I wrote for my classes. He is precise and reliable, and I can highly recommend him to anyone seeking assistance in the polishing stages of the writing process." —Amber Kelsey
"I am half way through my thesis
and I can't believe my eyes!! It sounds fantastic! Thank you so much for
taking the time to fix this for me. Hope you don't mind that I will be
holding on to your e-mail for my dissertation when that comes along!
Thanks again. I am finally proud of this work. Great job!!" —Mike Lu
"Jim was great! Understood my
position and points of view. Extremely professional and most
importantly, had patience!" —David Osowiski, Global L&D Communications,
United Technologies
"I'm very satisfied with the editing service. The editor had sufficient knowledge for editing. He was familiar with APA style writing, and most importantly, he finished the job in time." —Hyung-Chul Li, Associate Professor, Kwangwoon University
"Jim's editing for my
dissertation helped me tremendously in formatting and English coherency.
Furthermore, he can always work in time. I do recommend him without any
hesitation." ——Xiaowen Yan, University of Florida
"James Powell offered great suggestions. He was very personable and friendly in our email contacts. I would use his services again." Michael Beach, M.Div student, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"My editor was great! He was very prompt with my paper. Corrections were received back 10 days prior to when I asked for them! I would definitely use his services again." —Angela McGovern
"The turnaround time was excellent. The work was fabulous!!" —Nova University student. (Contact info on request)
"The work was returned extra fast and I was very pleased with the results. Even though I had my work checked by a friend for whom English is a first language, Mr. Powell found lots of grammatical mistakes and improved style and grammar of my thesis greatly." —Violeta Kolundzic, York University
"Mr. Powell has been an exceptional help with my editing/proof-reading and APA style errors. I am going to use his editing for each chapter of my dissertation this year. Quick response time and personable! Very pleased!" —Terri Lechnyr, Psychiatric Social Worker/Ph.D Candidate, Capella University
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