Here’s what some of our clients are saying about their experience of working with The Editorial Department. This feedback is posted with permission. If you’ve worked with us and would like to share your comments, please click here. 

  Featured Testimonial: Steven Knope, author of Concierge Medicine  

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experiences with the professionals at the Editorial Department.  They helped me write my second book, from initial concept to manuscript completion, in less than two months.  Ross Browne did a masterful job of quarterbacking the team.  He knew just what professional to use at each stage of the process.  Peter Gelfan , their man in New York, made important initial suggestions that completely changed the structure and direction of my book.  After his initial suggestions, Peter was extraordinarily responsive in editing my chapters, often returning my work via e-mail at warp speed.  Peter was constructive, brutally honest and made the process a lot of fun with his wry sense of humor.  Once the proposal was completed, Beth Lieberman put the icing on the cake from Los Angeles.  Beth made some excellent suggestions regarding content and did a masterful job with the line editing.  Finally, Karinya Funsett ran the anchor leg and landed an agent for my book with the prestigious Jean Naggar Agency.  I give the Editorial Department my highest recommendation.  Life is too short to work with mediocre editors.  These folks are a class act!....

Steven D. Knope, M.D.

Tucson, AZ

Editors: Peter Gelfan

Services: Manuscript Annotation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments: I've been writing for ten years to marginal avail. But with assistance from TED my skills have accelerated. I could not have taken my novel to where it is now headed without you. Feedback is direct but encouraging, at times painful, worth every penny.

Andrew Quinn

Blaine, MN

June 17, 2008

Services: Mansucript Annotation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments: I've played this game for a long time, and I know the value of solid editing. You\'re right---it's a leap of faith. Freelance editors hover at conferences like hungry vultures---all promising to praise, promote, and otherwise polish my prose. Who do we chose? For me it was easy. The fact that TED's the spinoff of Self Editing For Fiction Writers made my choice easy. I wasn't disappointed. Teresa Kennedy worked hard to highlight the manuscript's strengths and suggest improvements. In short, she's made me a better writer.

Tim McAteer

Colorado Springs, CO

June 5, 2008

Editor: Rebecca Johns Trissler

Service: Manuscript Consultation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments: Ross As you may remember, I have worked with several ED editors going back farther than I care to recall, including our dear Jim. I feel Ive been going to an elite school, with a teacher-student ratio of one to one. It has been an enlightening and satisfying experience, with each editor, in succession, bringing something fresh and beneficial to my work. If ever I do "make it" with this book, the dedication page will be long indeed.

‘Lis Johnson

Santa Monica, CA

May 25, 2008

Editor: John Marlow

Services: $35 Critique

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments: I was very pleased by the time and attention John had obviously given my first ten pages. And the perceptiveness and practicality of what he pointed out did indeed exceed my expectations. This first encounter has given me the confidence to pursue the relationship further, and I'm looking forward to doing that in the near future.

Michael C. Boxall

North Vancouver, BC, Canada,

May 25, 2008.  

Editor: Jen Howard

Services: Manuscript Evaluation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Jen Howard returned my evaluation before its due date. She was honest and helpful. I will take her advice as I re-write my current and future novels.

Holly Pridemore

Las Vegas, NV

May 5, 2008

Editor: Teresa Kennedy

Services: Manuscript Consultation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

First, the critique provided was the positive jolt I needed to mold my work into a wonderful experience for both my young readers and me. Second, I will definitely be submitting future works through TED!!

Ray F. (last name withheld at author’s request)

May 5, 2008

Editor: John Marlow

Services: Manuscript Consultation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments: I can't say I was surprised by the experience because the reputation of your firm is well established. I can say that my experience was as satisfactory as I'd expected. I intend to continue using your service in the future. I am very optimistic that with the guidance of your editorial team, my manuscript will be much improved and seen through to publication.

Joseph Bearor

Cambridge, NY

April 16, 2008

Editor: John Marlow

Services: Manuscript Consultation

Comments: One hour of personal consultation with John Marlow kicked my novel's climax from a great ending to a killer ending!  In one hour he was able to help me ratchet up the suspense, create some additional unique, memorable scenes and bring a couple of my characters to vibrant life. 

This type of consultation was, and is, exactly what I was looking for. 

Thanks John!

Brett Valette, Ph.D.

Superior, CO

February 25,2008

Editor: Peter Gelfan

Services: Manuscript Evaluation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments:  Very good service! Care for detail and promptness.

J. Ruben Deluca

Orange, CA

February 23,2008

Editor: John Marlow

Services: Manuscript Consultation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments: I was extremely pleased with both the thoroughness and honesty of the evaluation of my manuscript. John is a great help, and quite clearly knows what he is talking about. At no time did I feel talked down to, despite the fact that this is my first novel. I got the help and input I needed to take my project to the next level, and I hope to continue to work with John and TED. Thank you all!

Paula Fletchall-Bryner

Anchorage, AK

February 6, 2008

Editor: Peter Gelfan

Services: Manuscript Consultation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments: I appreciate Peter Gelfan's expertise as an editor. My manuscript was rejected at least 15+ times by various people. Peter saw the flaw in my manuscript and offered to help. I must admit, it's the best offer I ever accepted. Now, the project is moving along. He keeps me focused and his editorial skills exceeded my expectations. So glad I explored using an editor on this journey

Valerie L. Rice

Lansing, MI

January 23, 2008

Editor: John Marlow

Services: Manuscript Evaluation

Rating of Work Provided: Exceeded Expectations

Comments: John Marlow did the $35 critique on my manuscript, as well as a manuscript evaluation, which just came in this weekend. His feedback has been incredibly helpful. My entire experience with TED so far has been 100% positive. You all project yourselves with total professionalism. I have a couple of aspiring writer friends to whom I will be strongly and enthusiastically recommending your services. Thanks for everything.

Ken Warner

Coventry, CT

December 27, 2007

Editor: Betsy White

Services: Manuscript Evaluation

Rating of Work Provided: Met Expectations

Comments: The two things that have impressed me the most about The Editorial Department are the speed at which you responded to my submission and the personal attention you've shown me. Allowing someone outside my close circle of friends and family to read my writing was a big step for me and I appreciate the respect you have shown to both me and my writing. I felt like the information Ms. White provided in my critique was valid and her suggestions for improvement have been helpful. My plans are to finish my manuscript and submit it for line editing.

Jana H.

Muscle Shoals, AL

December 11, 2007

Editor: Renni Browne

Services: Manuscript Evaluation, Line Editing, Etc.

Comments: A couple of years ago, I had the good fortune of meeting a charming lady named Renni Browne. An old friend of hers had gotten himself into trouble in my neck of the woods, and she called my law office to see whether I'd be willing to represent him in court. I was.

Not long after that, however, I decided I'd had my fill of practicing law. I'd always fancied myself a decent writer, and I told my wife I thought I'd give fiction writing a try. "Call Renni Browne," she said. "Isn't she an editor?"

I called Renni, met her for lunch in her favorite restaurant in Greeneville, Tennessee, and handed her a sheaf of paper on which I'd written what I hoped would be the beginning of a publishable manuscript. She looked at it for about thirty seconds and said, "You can write."

Over the next year, Renni and Ross Browne helped me develop a novel called "An Innocent Client." Back and forth my manuscript went, like a child on a swing. I'd write something and Renni would say, "You've got it." I'd write something else and she'd say, "Not quite. Try again." Keep in mind, folks, that I was a novice. A rookie. A short-timer. I had absolutely no clue how to write a novel.

Today, I am soon to be an internationally published author. Renni and Ross helped me get the manuscript into shape, and then Karinya joined the team and they went the extra mile. They found literary agent Philip Spitzer for me. Renni even talked him into "briefcasing" the manuscript. He read it in only two days.

Mr. Spitzer and his very capable assistant, Lukas Ortiz, have since sold the novel in Japan, France, Germany, Bulgaria (don't laugh, their money spends like everyone else's) and yes, the good ol' USA. I now have a two-book contract with New American Library, a division of Penguin. The first novel will be published in September of '08, and I'm hard at work on the second. We're also negotiating with some very prominent people in Hollywood who want to turn the novel into a television series.

I feel lucky. I feel humbled. But most of all, I feel grateful. I'm grateful to everyone at the Editorial Department, and especially grateful to Renni Browne. Without them, y dream would not have come true.

Scott Pratt

Johnson City, TN

November 29, 2007

Editor: Ross Browne

Services: Manuscript Consultation

Comments: Several years ago Ross critiqued my manuscript, POISON PEN (mystery introducing handwriting expert, Claudia Rose), which was the first really helpful input I'd had. While it was still a long road to publication, Ross' comments helped me understand and implement important changes that needed to be made throughout the book. Bottom line, last month Poison Pen received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. As a result, Penguin has purchased the first two books in the series from Capital Crime Press, the small publisher who took it on.  So, I wanted to let you know that you do really good work and you are free to quote me. I've recommended your book to many writers and have listed it as recommended reading for attendees at the upcoming Book Passage Mystery Conference, where I'll be on the faculty.

Sheila Lowe

Valencia, CA 

Editor: Jesse Steele

Services: Proofreading

Rating of Work Provided: Met Expectations

Comments: While I have not yet reviewed all the changes Jesse [Steele] made [in her proofreading of my manuscript], my first impressions are very favorable. I like how she condensed some of the language. Her passion was evident in speaking with her as well. Very pleasant. Enjoyable experience thus far.

Chad McGroarty

Cherry Hill, NJ 

December 11, 2007

Editor: Peter Gelfan

Services: Manuscript Evaluation

Rating of Work Provided: Met Expectations

Comments: Sometimes this writing process is a bit lonely. We're sticking our necks out and have no idea if we're the only ones that care what we've written. The Editorial Department changes this for me. I've come to think of TED as my easily accessible writing family. Like a good family, TED tells me what works, what doesn't, and shows me how to push forward. Peter Gelfan lends an incredible mind to this process, and your website offers writers information they'll not find anywhere else. 

Charlene Dietz

Torreon, NM 

December 10, 2007

Editor: John Marlow

Services: Manuscript Consultation

Comments: I was really enthused about getting to work with real editors and published authors. For a nominal fee, I was able to get invaluable feedback on my work with the credibility of it coming from people in the business. Speaking with John Marlow was very educating. I couldn't imagine how much I would have had to spend to go to a writer's conference and hope to chat with someone of his expertise for a few minutes. Instead, I was able to talk with him directly and learn from him for a full hour! I look forward to another encounter with The Editorial Department.

Peppi Veccio 

Orlando, FL

Dreams can come true at The Editorial Department because the staff is accessible, professional and kind.  The last word is well-chosen, and it may be the most important.  Few things are more agonizing for a first time writer than waiting while a stranger critiques your hard-scratched prose line-by-line.  The only comfort in the process is that those holding the pen are sympathetic with what you're trying to do, and they have your best interests at heart.  The encouragement and suggestions you get about the vision for the book are as important as any specific re-write recommendations."

Dave W.

South Carolina

Editor: John Marlow

Services: Manuscript Evaluation

I have received the report and am very pleased both with the invaluable advice and gentle way it was presented. 

Nicholas Chiarkas

Middleton, WI

Editor: Renni Browne

Services: Manuscript Evaluation

Renni was "given" to me some years ago by a dear friend; "You must work with Renni. Here's her phone number," and I was off and running. Renni's comments, her grace and ability to correct and teach at the same time, have advanced my writing skills. She is a joy!

Bonnie Kogos

New York, NY

Editor: Catherine Knepper

Services: Manuscript Evaluation / Task Memo

Catherine's] comments  were insightful and constructive, lots for me to work with.  She recommended additional services, but had lots of options -- and no hard sell.  I've been very happy and will continue to work with her.  It's a quality product.

Barbara Seith,

Ft. Lee, NJ

“The Editorial Department provided me with a straight-forward detailed critique of my work and valuable advice on getting it into a form that would have the best chance of being published in the highly competitive fiction novel market.

Working with the people at the Editorial Department was a pleasure.  They were extremely supportive and their responses to my questions and submissions were quick and helpful.”

Mark C.

Troy, MI

Renni's comments are clear and straightforward. They resonate with me. They not only help improve a particular scene, but help make me a better writer while maintaining the essence of the story I'm trying to relate.

It is exactly what I was hoping to get from this service.

Ross Browne had been extremely responsive in resolving any administrative issues that arise.

Rich Silvers,

Yorktown Heights, NY

What I've most appreciated thus far is the suggestions of HOW to improve my novel. Because I'm at such an early stage in re-engineering and re-writing the MSS, I'd prefer to refrain from further comment at this time. IF YOU WISH, don't hesitate to approach me again with this questionnaire in about 6 or 9 months.

Lydia L.

San Francisco, CA

December 13, 2006

I was absolutely thrilled with Catherine [Knepper]'s Preliminary Evaluation of my book, "Mom & Me."  The evaluation was so thorough, and offered "real" help - many ideas I can put to use to make my book fantastic.

I am quite impressed with the professionalism of The Editorial Department.

Debra Sherman,

Youngstown, NY

“I have had just the most wonderful experience with Ross, Renni and later Justin and Karinya on various aspects of my manuscript--the editing, administrative details and support. As a result of all the collaboration, I now have an agent. And I know I can still count on TED for more guidance and on Renni to more editorial input should I need it.”

Ranjini Iyer, 

Lombard, IL

“I was refreshingly pleased with the courtesy and high quality of service I received from your company.  I especially appreciated the promptness and efficiency from my dealings with Ross Browne.  I also welcomed the straightforwardness of Renni when she did the pre evaluation [via a review/consultation package].  She gave me so much to work with, I was amazed.

Another delight was the clarity re the cost of services.  I was happy not to have to be guessing what my cost would be etc. and when I got my bill, it was exactly what was agreed upon before.”

Inez, L.

Washington, DC

When I saw your article in the newspaper, I was in a hurry, so I ripped it out and set it on the kitchen counter. Several days later, I pried it from the bottom of an old pizza box and read it. I immediately realized that your services were exactly what I needed. At that time, I naively assumed that my manuscript required just a bit of polishing. Peter Gelfan soon set me straight on that account. He brought a fresh perspective into the picture, along with a great sense of humor, a ton of patience, and many brilliant ideas. Writing a book is a protracted and sometimes intimidating process, but having The Editorial Department to fall back on makes the going much easier. The ultimate goal when engaging in a creative endeavor of this sort is to put forth a finished product of which you can be proud. I have no doubt that I’ve chosen the right partners to accomplish this goal.

Louise Vimmerstedt

Tucson, AZ

Overall, as my ratings indicate, the service and professionalism I've experienced with The Editorial Department is far better than I could have expected (although in fairness, your company is the only one I've ever contacted, or used in this regard).

The person to person contact and support, and the promptness, are what stand out as the stellar qualities.

George P.

Amherst, NY

I appreciated the frank criticism along with the suggestions to improve the work. It has definitely improved dramatically the end product. This input from TED has been a worthwhile investment."

George Sopasakis

College Station, TX

Wow! I'm totally blown away by your insights, suggestions and sensitivity—and kind words! This is so exciting. I knew this novel needed "something" more but I didn't know precisely what. You obviously do.

I'll know in a few days approximately how long all of this will take—and I'll be working on it while I'm away. Your critique has excited, exhilarated, and inspired me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have absolutely, truly made my day.

Gail G.  

Tucson, AZ

I'm glad the manuscript arrived safe and sound. Gulp! Now the big part. I want to thank you for all that you've done to make this process work. Catherine is a great encourager as well as critic, and I think she helped to strengthen the characters and wording, and her ideas for the plot were outstanding. I'll do anything you suggest to help push the book to an agent.

What I appreciate most is the knowledge your people bring to the this whole mysterious process.

David W.

I've just received your comments on my latest revision of the book, and I've read them through several times. Thank you, thank you. What you've said is so clear, so useful, so straightforward. You're wonderful. I'm going to go to work right now, and wrestle with the needed changes. I'll be requesting further help a bit later on.

Ruth T.

Toronto, Canada

Peter [Gelfan], I'm sure you've been told a thousand times before by people much more important than me, but you really know your craft. Based on what I've read of the memo thus far, you've set a very high bar in terms of what the novel can be. I hope I'm up to the challenge of getting it there.

Orison R.

Pallayup, WA

I got the Evaluation yesterday and read through it. Thank you for your input! I'm currently digesting your comments and thinking about them.

You certainly didn't offend me in any way with what you said. I came to you for an objective, professional opinion of the manuscript. If I wanted some sugar-coated comments, I'd have my friends read it.”

~ Gary J.

S. Boston, VA

“In re-reading my manuscript after a short time away from it, I've reflected often on how much you helped me to improve this book. The ways are as multiple as your notations, both on the text and in our back-and-forths. But certain things stand out in my mind, and above all the way you helped me strengthen the plot. My gosh.

Anyhow, I have to tell you: I read it and I loved it! The reason I'm writing this is because I am truly and deeply cognizant and appreciative. As I've said before, if/when TGA succeeds, I'd like you to benefit, and also as I've said before I don't know and really can't know what that may mean in specific terms; nevertheless, I feel it needs to be said. I've slipped in my bookmark, and I won't lose my place.”

Yvonne K.

New York, NY

I felt my client Jill would be in good hands in your shop, and must say I was impressed by the initial evaluation...very sharp and insightful on the part of your editor, and just what Jill needed to hear. It's a tough market for fiction, but Jill has a great platform, and if an exciting chick lit novel emerges, with a more likeable heroine and faster-moving, more dramatic storyline, I'm pretty sure we can sell it...

Bob S. - Literary Agent

Thanks again. I really learned a lot from your comments and advice. I would highly recommend your services to anyone. If something comes out of this, I will always know it was because of your work.

Chris L.

Arlington, VA

I am impressed with Peter Gelfan's ability find a cure for what ails my first five pages. (I'd use an exclamation mark, but . . .)

Something didn't feel right about that first chapter, especially the first few pages, and I couldn't figure out what it was. I've worked on it and worked on it. Yesterday morning I wondered if maybe it shouldn't even be the first chapter. An objective eye is invaluable.

Thank you for this service and please thank Peter for his comments. I had no idea that what I wanted the reader to understand came through as quickly as it did in the first five pages. Now, I'm actually impressed with myself. How about that?

Charlene D.

Torreon, NM

Thank you very much for the critique. You exceeded my expectations with the quick turn around. It is always good to get an independent (and unbiased) view for which I am thankful.”

Arif. H

Stamford, CT

Thanks for responding so quickly. This is a very good analysis.

The reason I sent you a sample is that I was impressed with your website and will be looking for an editor at some stage. I had several novels published in the 80s/90s, then took a break from writing to work in theatre. When I came back a few years ago, I found that publishing had changed considerably. As you say on the site, no longer do individual editors have the power to buy books or the time to work with writers, even promising ones.

Thanks again. I'm very impressed both with your insight and speed of response.

Terry E.

What an excellent critique! It confirms some of the feedback I've gotten elsewhere and gives me some examples of how to improve it. And it's so nice to get positive feedback as well. Peter Gelfan deserves a raise. Thank you!"

Doug M.

Thank you for the critique of my novel. I found the information very useful. I thoroughly enjoyed Renni Browne's book Self-Editing for Fiction Writers and would be delighted to work with her as well.

Doug C.

I am writing to let you know that I am signing a contract of agent representation with a famous literary agent in New York. I am currently re-writing portions of the book in order to publish it later with a major publishing house. I am extremely happy. I wanted you and Renni to know about this. This book's history also starts in your department...I will keep you posted about what is next in the life of (my main character).

Denise R.

Marina Del Ray, CA

I received your report and read it through, twice. I agree with everything you've said (goddamn it!); it's like a dream where you know something but can't quite get it to your conscious mind. That's the way this rewrite has been right from the start. I've known all along that the plot didn't make sense, but somehow I couldn’t get it clear. 

Gordon D.

Winnipeg, Canada