Testimonials

Many, MANY years ago, I read your book "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" on a whim. I'd always dabbled in writing, but never felt I could make a living at it. I had a wealth of creativity, but I sorely lacked confidence. After reading that book, I felt like I might actually be able to do this writing thing.

After self-editing my first two novels over and over and over, year after year, I decided to go out on a limb and look you up to see if you might be willing to take on a new client. I knew nothing of the writing world, and I was terrified. Not only did you accept me as a new client, but you walked me through every step of editing that first novel, explaining in detail what worked, what didn't, and how I could improve. However, it wasn't just about that first book. You were teaching me how to improve everything I ever wrote, to be better right from the start. I was aware, for the first time, of the bigger picture.

Today, all these years later, I write for a living! I have a successful series (that started with that first book you helped me edit), and a host of other novels that readers all over the world enjoy. But it's not just novels! I write for video game companies (American and international), and have a great set of repeat clients from various industries asking for my words.

Fiction, nonfiction, ghostwriting, helping other authors... I'm touching lives, and it's all because of you. If you hadn't believed in me, taught me to focus, and helped me realize my words held worth, I would not be living my dream. For all of this, I thank you, Dave!

— Charity Beckerexternal site

I'm really thrilled with your report.  It was full of insightful feedback and good ideas.  Thank you.  What you say about what needs fixing has inspired so many ideas . . .

— Benedicta Norell

I worked with Dave on my suspense thriller, ultimately published by HarperCollins and selling nearly 100,000 copies. In the beginning of our collaboration, he was instrumental in the addition of heightened suspense and more sophisticated plotting. At the end, during the line-editing phase, I became truly enraptured by the power of fiddling with language and arrangements of words in sentences.

— Josephine Carr external site

Thanks for the very helpful (and supportive) feedback. I felt you'd really "got" what I was trying to do.

— Geoff Wilson

Dave, thank you so much for that extremely use- ful diagnostic report.  I told my wife after reading it last night that I felt you verbalized some key issues that I simply struggled iden- tifying myself.  Your encouragement is especially appreciated.

— Eric Linde

I feel very lucky to be working with a profes- sional who is so articulate, creative and supportive!

— Leanne Deep

Thank you for your timely report and positive assessment.  I am particularly gratified that you got much of what I was trying to convey.

— Andy Cooley

I feel very encouraged — in the elated range — by your comments.

— Carol Wobig

I feel like I did after reading your diagnos- tic report.  Inspiration, questions and insights are swirling around.

— Benedicta Norell

What can I say? It's magnificent, well thought-out, beautiful. Your work has added so much to “Pundonor”. Many, many thanks. I just love the pages you added. They are perfect.

— Kate Reynolds