Why, hello there! I'm
JJ
As the founder and chief editor here at Myth & Verity, my goal is to bring a love of the story to as may authors and editors as I can—to those new to the craft and veterans of prose alike.
Like many authors and editors, I have had a deep love of language and the written word since I was barely able to walk. I knew from the moment my mother began reading books to me every night that the love of story I felt would be a lifelong passion.
When I am not helping authors with their work, I can be found reading, gaming, or spending time with family. My wife and I enjoy date nights and traveling.
- Worked with Cameron + Company (An Abrams Imprint)
- Worked with Ad Lumen Press
- MFA in Writing, Literature, & Publishing, Emerson College
- English & Literary Publishing - American River College
- Copyediting Certificate - Emerson College
A smattering of background
I am lucky to have been exposed to many amazing writers across the country who have helped inform my own direction when aiding those seeking editorial support. I believe a one-size-fits-all approach does a disservice to the writer. Rather, by shifting the focus to recognizing a writer’s individual strengths, I can help them overcome their weaknesses, thus making their writing stronger overall. I believe that doing so fosters a deeper understanding and nurtures a stronger growth with the individual’s connection to language.
When providing editing services, I have found that simply providing edits with minor feedback just isn’t enough—an encouraging word is just as important to the writing process. I incorporate this idea into the feedback I provide to my clients, as my goal is to not only help your manuscript shine, but ultimately to allow you to become a better writer throughout the process.
Education & Experience
Professional Learning Consultant - English & STEM
Mount Wachusett Community College
- Assist students with writing and editing
My duties at Mount Wachusett include helping students in understanding their coursework, providing a space for questions and answers, and giving them valuable feedback on their essays and fiction writing assignments.
As a consultant, my job is to engage and support their writing and self-editing endeavors, while promoting an understanding of English and the craft of writing.
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Emerson College
- Graduated December, 2023
- Completed Teaching College Composition course
- Completed Copyediting Course
My graduate studies in English included Native American Literature and history, editing for publication, fiction writing, and a course in teaching composition. However, most of my time was spent reading and suggesting edits for manuscripts in fiction workshops, and learning about the craft of writing and editing with Native American, American, and world literature.
Associate Editor
Cameron + Company
During my time at Sonoma State I was able to intern for Cameron + Company in Petaluma, California as an editorial assistant. My job duties included learning about the editing process and terminology, editing manuscripts, proofing galleys, and other duties as designated by the Managing Editor such as proofing images, captions, grammar, punctuation, and verifying layout and design.
Cameron + Company is an imprint of Abrams. While Abrams is not one of the “big five,” it is one of the largest publishers in the world.
Bachelor of Arts in English & Creative Writing
Sonoma State University
- Graduated May 2020
- Poetry Editor for Zaum
While attending Sonoma State, I was given the opportunity to work with Gregory Sarris (Wiki | Website) one-on-one to engage and write about Native American literature of California, where my studies included both critical analysis and discussion.
Additional undergraduate studies while attending Sonoma State consisted of topics in fiction writing with coursework in critical theory, literary analysis, Shakespeare, and Latinx and Chicanx literature.
Associate of Arts
Sacramento City College
- Graduated May, 2018
- Additional Coursework through Spring 2019
- Assistant to the Editors, Ad Lumen Press
- Clerk II, English Department
- Editor in Chief, American River Review volume 33 (2020)
- Fiction Editor, American River Review volume 32 (2019)
During my time at Sacramento City College, I was able to participate in coursework at American River College, gaining valuable experience with their award-winning magazine, American River Review, and their on-campus small press, Ad Lumen Press.
My coursework at this time included screenwriting, fiction writing, editing, and publishing. Working with the amazing staff of the English department allowed me to become entirely immersed in the process of publishing American River Review.
