Need to polish and format your manuscript?

Let an Amazon.com bestselling author help.

I can help you get your manuscript into shape for submitting to agents and publishers or publishing yourself. I have been a professional writer and editor since 1988, working for large companies and individuals.

I write in a variety of genres as James Rada, Jr. and J. R. Rada, and my books have appeared on the Amazon.com bestseller lists. I have been published both independently and traditionally. Some of my works include Canawlers, Smoldering Betrayal, and The Man Who Killed Edgar Allan Poe.

I have also worked as a newspaper editor, book editor, copywriter, and reporter. I’ve won more than two dozen awards for my reporting and copywriting. I have published my work in more than 125 newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and more. These include History Channel Magazine, Boy’s Life, USA Today.com, Early American Life, and Pennsylvania Heritage.

Let Me Help

Let me help you get your manuscript in shape for publication. Whether you need someone to look at the “big picture” with your manuscript or dig into the minutiae of spelling and grammar, I can help. I’ve done it for other authors and for myself. If you decide to take the indie publishing route, I can format your manuscript for physical and electronic publication so that it looks like something off a mainstream press. I can also make recommendations on how and to whom to submit your manuscript if you want to work with an agent or mainstream publisher.

Contact

Let’s talk about your project. Contact me to see how I can help you or to get a quote on your project.

Here is some additional informational about my qualifications.

Awards

• Associated Press – Awards for Public Service Reporting, Breaking News, Feature Writing and Sports Feature.
• Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association – Awards for Public Service Writing (3), Feature Writing, Investigate Reporting (2), Spot News (2), Religious Story, Education Reporting, Feature: Profile, Special Section (2), James Keats Freedom of Information Award and Local Column.
• Society of Professional Journalists – Awards for Public-Service Reporting and General Reporting.
• Maryland State Teachers Association – School Bell Award for Continuing Coverage of Education.
• CNHI – Finalist for Best Feature Story
• Utah Advertising Federation – Outstanding Print Layout and Copywriter.
• American Advertising Federation of Greater Frederick – Best Feature or Layout

What Previous Clients Say About My Work

“His concepts have sparked several art/copy creative meetings. His body copy is tight and clear. He knows how to get a job done under deadline pressure.  And, his headlines are invariably attention-getting. In other words, this guy is already good.” – Greg Novik, Creative Director, Image Dynamics

“He researched our company better than the other groups and came up with the most complete and the most effective advertising program.” – Joe Ollivier, President, First Capital Securities

“His copy is crisp, clean, and timely, and he has worked extremely well with many of the individuals with whom we must interact, including local chambers of commerce and business owners. He has made the difficult take of starting a publication from scratch infinitely easier through his talent and diligence.” – Brian Ditto, Editor, Northwest Business Bulletin

“All of his work has shown an outstanding level of professionalism. If I had to highlight a few of Jim’s talents, they would be his ability to work with numerous personalities, a high level of creativity, and an ability to work under pressure.” – Rowland Kenna, Marketing Manager, GIBCO BRL

“He listened to what we wanted and provided it. He took the time to understand our business.” – James Durfee, Vice President-Sales, Office Movers, Inc.

“I have worked with many writers—both promotional and technical—in the course of ten years in advertising and graphic design. Rarely have I seen anyone who excels at both disciplines. I would happily place Jim among their number.” – Christopher Culotta, Art Director, GIBCO BRL

“Jim is able to comprehend difficult material and organize it in such a way that is becomes more accessible to the audience. Jim’s strict attention to detail results in accurate work—while his sense of humor helps to turn ‘accurate’ into ‘creative.’” – Jacqui Grothe, President, Grothe Design

“A good understanding of technical material enables Jim to catch errors while proofreading. He asks appropriate questions, and showed flexibility in working with our production schedule.” – Nancy Sasavage, Editor, Clinical Chemistry News

Honors

• Two of my technical-writing articles were included in the collection Stet Again! More Tricks of the Trade for Publications People by Editorial Experts in Virginia.
• My technical writing articles were required reading for a technical writing course at the University of Winnipeg in Canada, and my local history columns are used at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
• I am a fellow of Knight Center of Specialized Journalism at the University of Maryland School of Journalism.
• My articles have also helped get state legislation passed and get a police officer’s name listed on the National Officer Down Memorial.

Contact

Let’s talk about your project. Contact me to see how I can help you or to get a quote on your project.