“John is the most caring, knowledgeable, helpful publishing coach and mentor I could ever have wished for. He exudes a sense of calm that put me at ease as I attempted to navigate the harrowing publishing process - and coached me through various hurdles with tremendous expertise. He is outstandingly generous with his resources and knowledge - both addressing immediate needs and anticipating ones that might come up in future stages of the process. Whether it was helping me develop a functional submission system or advising me on what presses would be the best fit for my work, he always left me with a renewed sense of confidence and optimism. I feel so lucky to have met John and have benefited so much from his guidance. ”

“John has been integral to my creative growth and my ability to market my work since we met in 2017. Our paths crossed when I hired him to judge a contest for a university literary journal for which I was then faculty advisor—a job he performed gracefully. I didn’t let him go after that; instead, I have worked with him ever since as both an editor and an agent/publicist. If I ask for line-by-line critiques of individual poems, he provides them—promptly, and full of insightful ideas. If I ask him to read and critique a manuscript, he does that too, with the same judicious eye. If I ask for help submitting individual poems or a manuscript, he does that—even if it means submitting on my behalf. My debut chapbook, En Route, appeared in 2020, and were it not for John helping to place its poems in journals, then finding a press for the manuscript, it might never have been published. If there were ever a full-service maestro for poets, John is it! He’s flexible, smart, prompt, and warm—a pleasure to work with in every way. ”

“John has had a profound impact on my work as a poet, writer, and artist. As a mentor, he has helped hone my writing structure, strengthen my stories, innovate, and explore a deeper emotional commitment to my ideas. His artful balance of honest, direct, and specific feedback with inspiration and encouragement to keep pushing harder and getting better has made a significant difference to my work. He continues to tease out the best in me. As an agent, he hit the ground running getting my work published in numerous publications within our first couple of months of working together and has expertly helped guide my career as a creative writer to the next level. I wish I would have met him 20 years earlier. Thank you, John for all you do and are.”

“If the primary goal of working with an agent is to get your book published, John Sibley Williams accomplished that in little more than a month. Equally noteworthy is that throughout the process, the experience of working with John was nothing but pleasurable. As a talented and very successful poet himself, his feedback was honest, and insightful in picking up the themes of my poems and working with me to further develop those themes, always in line with my original intent. He is quick to respond, and without exception he responds with the underlying warmth and consideration that seem to be the benchmarks of his personality. I feel very fortunate to be working with John. ”

“Working with John Sibley Williams is more like having a collaborator rather than an editor or critic. I hired John to help me hone in on the direction and themes of my next book. I’ve been impressed with the completeness, honesty and intuition with which he has responded to my poems. John becomes immersed in your work and your voice, and his edits and suggestions are attuned to your expression, your desire to communicate. He will work with you however quickly or slowly you work – me, I am slow, fits and starts, and he accommodates. It has been a great pleasure working with John, who is a patient and perceptive “partner.””

“I read one of John’s award-winning poems in a journal years ago and became an instant admirer of his work. I later learned that he is also a professional editor and agent. He helped me with two of my poetry chapbooks and I had a delightful experience working with him. He was prompt with his response and eager to help. He was extremely thorough and his constructive feedback was absolutely priceless. I truly believe that my manuscripts are stronger because of his invaluable suggestions and guidance. I feel fortunate to have met him and I hope more writers take advantage of his expertise and the vast array of services that he has to offer.”

“Through working with John - both taking some of his group classes - and submitting poems over a year’s time, I’ve received, I believe,the equivalent of a MFA in poetry. John does not shy from telling an eager poet where the work needs to be pruned or to sprout and bloom. He is lavish with incisive comments - whether to instruct, praise, critique, or re-direct. That serves my growth—these days—far better than cautious and curtailed responses I’ve experienced from previous mentors.”

“John’s knowledge of, and time in, the marketplace of literary publishing makes him an invaluable resource for beginning and established writers alike. In my own case, his mentorship has resulted in successful publishing outcomes. His love of poems and teaching is evident. I’m grateful for him.”