Testimonials

Following is representative feedback from former editing clients I have worked with on both novels and nonfiction book-length manuscripts.

“Going over these pages again using your notes makes my numerous rookie mistakes painfully clear. As I proceed it becomes increasingly evident that you were the right person for this job. I strongly doubt that any of the other editors I considered would have been anywhere close in value. Thanks for your good work.” (LV, California)

“Your written critique has meant everything to me. Thank you for your pain-staking critique of my manuscript. I am very pleased with the final product. You have saved me from the "demons" and in the process taught me some great novel-writing lessons.” (LS, Connecticut)

“It is exactly what I need to understand the scope and depth of my revision project. Thank you so much for your expertise and coaching!” (BB, Idaho)

“I'm glad I picked you to edit this book. You've done a wonderful job. I agree with your suggested changes. In fact, after reading over everything for the first time, I'm a little overwhelmed — which I suppose is a good thing.” (MW, Georgia)

“It’s been quite a journey writing and editing this manuscript. I have worked harder on this single project than anything else in my life. I can't thank you enough for the work you put in. It was an absolute pleasure working with you. When the book sells, I will have to thank you again. I appreciate all you have done.” (JW, California)

“I suspect reading my initial M/S was painful. Hopefully, this re-write is less so. You have exceptional teaching skills. You did a thorough job — a good writing lesson.” (BA, New Mexico).

"I cannot thank David enough for his clear, detailed feedback and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for an Editor. My MS is dramatically improved compared to what I started with thanks in large part to David's hard work and frank commentary. I'll admit that his upfront, pull-no-punches style was hard to take at first, but I realize now that he makes suggestions for the sake of the material and truly has the welfare of the MS in mind at all times. I am excited to see where my book goes from here and look forward to implementing the lessons I've learned from David into all of my forthcoming projects." (JH, Virginia)

“Your sales pitch is bold, but you don’t disappoint. You’ve done everything you’ve promised. I’ve received some wonderful feedback on my book. Your help in the editing process was a big reason.” (DP)

“Your work is thorough, all that I could expect. I like your straightforward recommendations. This approach saves us both time and leaves little room for doubt. Thank you for all of your excellent work. You have improved my manuscript greatly.” (HT)

“Just a word of thanks for your careful analysis and suggestions for revising my book. It will be all the stronger because of your help. When I am ready to send it to a publisher, I will have you to thank for helping me launch my ship.” (DM)

“The attention you have given my manuscript plus your talent in writing, editing and coaching have laid a well-lit path for the reader and applied a fine varnish to my manuscript that I will be forever grateful for. You were God-sent!” (JS, Idaho)

“I've just dived back in again to my work in progress — and I wanted to tell you your comments have grown in my estimation the more I've reflected on the work.” (RK, New Jersey)

“I don't have the words to express my gratitude. You have helped me so much by what you have done. I feel like my spirit has lifted enormously.” (KP, Phoenix)

“My book will be out in a few weeks. Wow! I just want you to know that I realize you went above and beyond when editing my book.” (AK)

“I'm almost through one revision based on your notes. I have adopted 98% of your suggestions. It's a much better book now than it ever was before. Thanks so much.” (SR, Washington, DC)

And from the same client as a reference:

“I chose David over the others because he was clear in his materials just what he would do in return for the fees I would pay him. I'm pleased to say he performed exactly as he said he would. He has done everything he said he would and, frankly, more when the occasion called for it. His comments were incisive, sometimes brutal, but accurate, and all considerably improved my manuscript when I followed them. Although I initially considered David's fees high compared to the other editors I contacted, I have no doubt I received full value for my money. If my novel is publishable, it will be due to David's careful editing and helpful suggestions.” (SR, Washington, DC)

“Honestly, after you finished your edit, I do believe that I have a brand new manuscript and your hard work shows.” (KP)

“I am impressed. You did a monumental job, highly professional and thorough. I recognize your comments to be dead-on and much of it will serve as a good guide for immediate re-work.” (MB, NY)

“All of your points are good ones and if I can execute the changes you suggest I am sure the book will be stronger. I needed your honesty as well as your time and you have been very generous with both.” (JZ, Phoenix)

“Thank you for all the work you put in on editing and commenting on [my book]. I am so impressed with the thoroughness and the insightfulness of your comments. Like you, I have little patience for ‘atta-boys’ and want to cut right to the chase . . . I am embarrassed, because now I recognize just how amateurish the writing is. I fully intend to make the most of the help you have given me and to the work you put into the manuscript trying to help me. I sincerely hope that I can do justice to what you have given me and to be able to send you back a real story that will hold your interest.” (KP, Phoenix)

“I can't begin to tell you how vindicated I feel after our conversation last night. I was starting to ask myself if I was crazy to even dream so big. I hope we can do great things together. I'm a good student.” (DW, New York)

“I am delighted with your work!” (BP, Texas)

“I just wanted to express my thanks for your efforts over the past six months. From hiring an editor through receiving the agent list, the whole process has been extremely educational and informative for me. You have been paid quite well for your services, but the effect your insights and advice had on my manuscript were well worth it. My story is much stronger and more marketable because of your editorial input. I would not hesitate to ask for your assistance in the future. I have begun outlining my second novel manuscript. The principles and pearls you have passed on will aid me in crafting a strong story from the start. I enthusiastically endorse your services.” (DP, Virginia)

“I really appreciate all your efforts on the structural notes. Your edits were very thorough and insightful and I can see what a substantial difference they will make.” (KN)

“I just finished going through all your hard work and I must say that the product is certainly more tight and crisp. I am grateful for what you have done. . . It is a profound transformation . . . The editing turned out to be a course in writing for me and I suspect that I would have had little chance in getting it sold without your input.” (AV, North Carolina)

“I thank you especially for providing fine teaching — helping me begin to learn how accomplished novelists think and do. The book has changed mightily, thanks to your first ministrations; you will barely recognize it.” (RL, New York)

“Thank you for your pain-staking critique of my manuscript. I am very pleased with the final product. You have saved me from the ‘demons’ and in the process taught me some great novel-writing lessons.” (LS, Connecticut)

“I'm glad I picked you to edit this book. You've done a wonderful job . . . I agree with your suggested changes. In fact, after reading over everything for the first time, I'm a little overwhelmed — which I suppose is a good thing.” (MW, Georgia)

“Thanks for the valuable feedback. Your critique is first rate. You did a fabulous job editing this novel. It was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot more than is taught in school. The work ahead seems quite arduous but reasonable.” (CF, New York)

“I like your style. You are funny and direct which suits me very well. Thanks again, David. I made a good choice.” (BH, Ohio)

“Your written critique has meant everything to me.” (LS)

“Thank you for the dedication to completing the initial edit…. I am sure I'll not be put off about your "direct" comments. That is the reason I wanted you to edit the manuscript. I appreciate direct constructive criticism. I deeply appreciate all of your effort. Your insight is exactly what I needed, although it was sometimes hard to accept. Obviously, I am exceedingly inexperienced in writing. I deeply appreciate all the supplemental documents that you provided. As well as the insight you have into the literary world.” (JW, California)

“Thank you for your kindness, patience and fine work. I am so pleased to have the chance to work with you.” (KP, Phoenix)

“You are the only one who could make such deep look into the book. Even I could not express myself in my queries. Thank you very much.” (VB, New York)

“I am excited. You know this book stuff is like a pregnancy. The idea germinates (in my case for about 25 years) then the 9 long months of nourishing it and sweating over it (maybe longer), a very long labor with much pain and doubt and then the birth. Dear God it must be fantastic to see it in print. I can't wait!” (AE, Arizona)

“I think I said something to the effect: ‘Please, Universe, send me the perfect person to write this book proposal. Someone who's Soul it would touch and who would understand the message and its importance.’ I was impressed with your accomplishments and felt, since I picture myself and this book on the New York Times Best Seller List, that since you are already there you must be ‘Winner’ and Bingo. Thanks a million!” (AE, Arizona)

I also need to thank you again for all of the hard work you put into my manuscript. I learned a great deal from you and I will bring those lessons to my next project. You have been so great to work with. I always sensed that you were not too crazy about the manuscript but that did not stop you from working so hard on it and being supportive of me. I appreciate that more than you know. If you don't mind, I will keep you posted on this search for an agent and I may need to hire you again for my next project, if you're not too busy. David, thanks for hanging in there with me. I know that the novel will be 10 times better based on your advice.” (DR, Cinncinatti)