Projects come to Marcus solely from literary agents and acquisition editors.
Marcus is represented by agent Greg Johnson of the WordServe Literary Group.
For discussion about all potential editorial projects involving Marcus, please contact WordServe at (303) 471-6675 Mountain Standard Time.
Large-scale editorial projects Marcus has worked on include: [listed by publication year]
2013:
Killing Jesus (Worthy Publishers) by Stephen Mansfield
Samson (Thomas Nelson) by Shawn Hoffman
The Real Win (Random House) by Colt McCoy and Matt Carter
DiscipleShift (Zondervan) by Jim Putnam, Bobby Harrington, Dr. Robert Coleman
Samson (Thomas Nelson) by Shawn Hoffman
The Real Win (Random House) by Colt McCoy and Matt Carter
DiscipleShift (Zondervan) by Jim Putnam, Bobby Harrington, Dr. Robert Coleman
A Higher Call (Penguin) by Adam Makos with Larry Alexander
Jesus: Pure & Simple (Bethany) by Wayne Corderio
Jesus: Pure & Simple (Bethany) by Wayne Corderio
Sifted (Zondervan) by Wayne Corderio with Francis Chan and Larry Osborne
1,000 Days (Thomas Nelson) by Jonathan Falwell
1,000 Days (Thomas Nelson) by Jonathan Falwell
The Art of Neighboring (Baker) by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon
2011:
The Irresistible Church (Bethany) by Wayne Corderio
Confessions of a Lousy Friend (Zondervan) by Mark Hall
2010:
Refuge (Kregel) by Dr. James M. Reeves
Fresh Start (Thomas Nelson) by Doug Fields
2009:
The Fight of Your Life (Multnomah) by Jeffrey Dean
Secrets Young Women Keep (Thomas Nelson) by Dr. Jill Hubbard with Ginny McCabe
Refuel (Thomas Nelson) by Doug Fields
2008:
First Place 4 Health (Regal) by Carole Lewis with Marcus Brotherton
Chiseled (Regal) by Shawn Blakeney and Marcus Brotherton
Chiseled (Regal) by Shawn Blakeney and Marcus Brotherton
Road Warrior (WaterBrook) by Stephen Arterburn and Sam Gallucci
Birth or New Birth? (Multnomah) by Ravi Zacharias
2007:
Confessions Of A Good Christian Guy (Thomas Nelson) by Tom Davis and Tammy Maltby
A Thousand Small Sparrows (WaterBrook) by Jeff Leeland with Marcus Brotherton
The End (Regal) by Mark Hatch
This Beautiful Mess (Multnomah) by Rick McKinley
2006:
SPLIT: a graphic reality check for teens dealing with divorce (Multnomah)
by Marcus Brotherton [FlipSwitch series]
BLUR: a graphic reality check for teens dealing with self image (Multnomah)
by Marcus Brotherton [FlipSwitch series]
BLUR: a graphic reality check for teens dealing with self image (Multnomah)
by Marcus Brotherton with Mary Margaret Brotherton [FlipSwitch series]
HEAT: a graphic reality check for teens dealing with sexuality (Multnomah)
by Marcus Brotherton [FlipSwitch series]
by Marcus Brotherton [FlipSwitch series]
BUZZ: a graphic reality check for teens dealing with alcohol and drugs (Multnomah)
by Marcus Brotherton [FlipSwitch series]
by Marcus Brotherton [FlipSwitch series]
[Note: FlipSwitch was a 4-book, house-backed project with Marcus as author]
The Truth Comes Out (Regal) by Dr. Nancy Heche
The Truth Comes Out (Regal) by Dr. Nancy Heche
Teacher: the Henrietta Mears Story (Regal) by Marcus Brotherton
[Note: Teacher was a house-backed project with Marcus as author]
[Note: Teacher was a house-backed project with Marcus as author]
Break Through (Regal) by Tommy Walker with Marcus Brotherton
Blah Blah Blah: Making Sense of the World’s Spiritual Chatter (Bethany) by Bayard Taylor
2005:
Roar (Multnomah) by Heather Kopp with David Kopp
Dad If You Only Knew (Multnomah) by Josh Weidmann with Jim Weidmann
To Live For (Multnomah) by Ryan Dobson with Marcus Brotherton
Stop It (Regal) by Carole Lewis
A Thankful Heart (Regal) by Carole Lewis
2004:
Survivors (Gospel Light) gen. ed. Mike Pilavachi
2003:
Undignified Worship (Gospel Light) gen. ed. Mike Pilavachi
2001:
Simply Jesus (Multnomah) by Joseph Stowell
The Prayer of Jabez, teen version (Multnomah) by Bruce Wilkinson
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s your vision statement as a writing collaborator?
To partner with people doing significant work to help them further their reach.
Do you write every book you work on from the ground up?
My job is to take an author’s material from whatever stage it’s at and help create a winning book out of it. Sometimes a project is a full collaborative work where we start with an idea or outline then build a complete manuscript from the beginning. Other times, an author already has a working manuscript that needs to be shaped, polished, or developed into a full book. At times, content comes to me in the form of tapes or speeches that have been given, and a book is developed from there. Sometimes I write a first draft of a book, then send it to an author for a final pass.
How do you work best with an author?
Phone interviews are often most expedient. If needed, I will fly to where an author lives or works, so we can work on a book face to face. Some authors provide notes, recorded messages, or transcripts, then release me to craft the content from there. Really, it depends on each project and the personality and preference of each author.
How is cover credit decided?
Cover credit is typically negotiated between agents and built into a contract. If a collaborative writer adds content or edits a manuscript's substance in a significant manner, then a "with" cover credit is often seen. An "and" credit often means that an author and collaborative writer have added equal amounts of content to a manuscript. Cover credit is sometimes not given to a collaborator. A variety of reasons exist for this, as each project is unique. The deciding factor is what's best for the manuscript, and I'm very flexible to this process.
What’s your end goal with each project?
I aim to capture and preserve an author’s unique voice, then help craft that voice into a unique message that reaches readers everywhere. In the end, I want every author and publisher to be very happy with the final product and confident that the material conveys the message and tone intended.
Praise for Marcus as a collaborative writer.
"Brotherton is able to combine creativity with competency. He beats every deadline and is a dream to work with."
Trish GraderSenior editor, Touchstone/Fireside, a division of Simon & Schuster
"Marcus has my undying gratitude for all his help and support."
Lt. Buck ComptonAuthor: Call of Duty
“It’s a pleasure to work with collaborative writer Marcus Brotherton. Not only is he disciplined with deadlines and creative in content, but he's also unflappable in nature. He quickly understands what is important as he assesses an assignment, identifies the issues, and brings together the components into a satisfying and cohesive whole for both author and publisher."
Deena DavisSenior editor, Regal Books
“Without Marcus Brotherton on my side I would have gone insane. He was a calming voice in every circumstance. He helped me shape and defend my words and thoughts. Thank you does not express my gratitude.”
Susan Scott KrabacherPresident and co-founder, The Mercy & Sharing FoundationAuthor: Angels of a Lower Flight
"It is rare that I can just put a book through to production for copyediting but [Finding Martha's Place] was one of those times. I read and absolutely loved the manuscript. It's a beautifully rendered story and I didn't see how anything I could add would make it better-different, yes, but not better, and I love it just the way it was. Marcus was able to accurately capture Martha's life and her voice and tell her story in precisely the way I imagined it after only one or two editorial conversations/e-mails-this is frankly awe-inspiring."
Sulay HernandezAcquiring Editor,Touchstone/Fireside, a division of Simon & Schuster
"Marcus Brotherton brings an extraordinary combination of gifts to his craft: speed, an engaging voice on the page, creativity, an excellent education, relationship sensitivities, and passion. I recommend Marcus for writing and editing projects without reservation."
David KoppExecutive editor,Multnomah/WaterBrook, a division of Random House
“Marcus was able to synthesize my 50-year life story into one great 169-page book. He asked provocative, insightful questions that stirred my memory, and organized my words in a way that enabled us to communicate the passion and power of that story.”
Dr. Nancy HecheAuthor: The Truth Comes Out
“Marcus demonstrated tact and sensitivity as he wove together the life stories of children and families in medical crisis. I look forward to working with him again.”
Jeff LeelandExecutive director, Sparrow Clubs USA,Author: A Thousand Small Sparrows
“I have every confidence in Marcus. He understands the messages clearly and articulates them well to readers. Marcus listens well and spearheads the direction of how each book should flow. He is organized and thorough, a pleasure to work with.”
Carole LewisFirst Place Executive DirectorAuthor: Stop It!, A Thankful Heart, First Place 4 Health
“Marcus Brotherton proved flexible and dependable, a solid team player. He’d be an asset to any writing project.”
C. Thomas DavisPresident, Children’s Hopechest,Co-author, Confessions of a Good Christian Guy
“Marcus captured the vision for my message. He brings insight, depth, and heart to a project. Get Marcus Brotherton on your team."
Tammy MaltbyCo-host of television’s Emmy-nominated Aspiring WomenCreator: Confessions book series