Book editor, author, & APA format specialist

JAMES N. POWELL

apa format book editing dissertation thesis Jim edits novels, short fiction, creative nonfiction, and APA-style dissertations, theses, papers and essays.

With MA degrees in both English Literature and Religious Studies, Jim is a former Professor of English Literature. He has been editing, coaching, and tutoring writers and students for years. He has been an in-house APA proofreader of doctoral dissertations at the Fielding University since 2000. He excels at working both with beginners and established writers. He also works with international/ESL students. Specializing in APA, MLA, and non-academic Chicago styles, he is an internationally published author, with books issued by major houses: Prentice Hall, William Morrow, and Hosei University Press (Japan).

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.

My expertise is in APA editing, fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, student papers, journalism, and business documents. (I wrote, according to Library Journal, one of the top 10 business books of 1985.) I am experienced at working with ESL students.

Do you have a dissertation, thesis, or paper that needs to be in APA format? Rather than attempting to master the 400-page Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, turn your manuscript over to an editor with years of APA experience.

I have been an APA editor of doctoral dissertations at The Fielding Graduate University since 2000, in the fields of Psychology and Human Organization and Development. In addition, as an APA editing consultant I have polished up many hundreds of dissertations from all over the world in many fields.

I also have a keen eye for editing both fiction and creative nonfiction and work on a continuing basis with noted fiction writers. The writers I work with tell me I am able to ferret out the blind spots in their prose.

My own books—both fiction and nonfiction—have been published by major publishing houses worldwide: Prentice Hall, William Morrow, Hosei University Press (Tokyo) and others.

Much of my writing approaches philosophy by way of anthropology. For instance, I will test the assumptions of an area of life we take for granted, such as language or sexuality, by seeing how other cultures approach the same area. 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 the realm of human sexuality in various cultures. This book has become a cult classic in Japan, where it sparked the "Polynesian sex" phenomenon. Japan's über author and Buddhist philosopher, Hiroyuki Itsuki, wrote two books based on Energy and Eros. The head of Japan's national Family Planning Association recommends the teachings on Polynesian lovemaking in Energy and Eros in order to make Japanese couples happier in the boudoir.

The Prentice Hall Global Employment Guide: Listed by Library Journal as one of the top 10 business books of 1985.

Derrida for Beginners and Deconstruction for Beginners: These lucid guides to the contemporary world’s most obscure philosopher, the late Jacques Derrida, whittle down the confusing brambles of Derrida’s thought to prose you can get a handle on.

Postmodernism for Beginners: Cuts through the Pomo-babble to give you a clear look at this important cultural era.

Eastern Philosophy for Beginners: An illustrated tour of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan religious systems.

Slow Love: A Polynesian Pillowbook: Enlarging on the success of Energy and Eros, delves more deeply into traditional Polynesian lovemaking.

Mandalas: The Dynamics of Vedic Symbolism: Published in India, this work relates the mantras of the Rig Veda to fire ecology and yoga.

Articles by James Powell

Common Mistakes Made When Writing in APA Style

Some Thoughts on Editing: The Rivers and Mountains School

Writing Your Memoirs

Feedback

"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." -- 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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Along with a sample, the following information is required. Ignore questions that do not apply to your project (e.g., footnotes).

(01) Word count of complete project (under "Tools" in MS Word):

(02) Put your 100-word (approx) synopsis/description here (or attach):

(03) Describe your genre and topic (e.g., nonfiction/self-help, science fiction, horror, romance, mystery, Western, young adult, children, poetry, Christian, creative nonfiction, literary):

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(08) Writing style/format manual (e.g., Chicago Manual, APA, MLA), if applicable:

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