Kind Words from Authors

I’ve edited nearly a thousand books in my editorial career. And boy are my hands tired. (No, really. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a real thing.) It seems long past time to hear from a few of the authors I’ve been privileged to work with. And so, here is a glimpse into the world of words that I inhabit, representative of the variety of projects I’ve spent time with, red pen in hand. I’ve included Amazon links to the author pages or books where appropriate (click on the book cover), but please consider purchasing from your local bookstore if they happen to have them in stock, or can order them. Thanks for reading. And thanks for supporting your compatriots in writing.

“I won’t turn a novel in without Steve seeing it first. After working with him on ten books, I’m practically superstitious about having his input.”

Author Tosca Lee

“I’ve worked with Steve on several novels as well as a short story and I’m nothing but impressed with his work. He pushes me to consider new angles, helps me identify flaws, and solidly strengthens my stories. I have no doubt that Steve’s feedback played a large part in my receiving a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, and I confidently recommend Steve Parolini to every author in pursuit of literary success.”

Wendy Terrien, author of the Adventures of Jason Lex series

 

 

“This year I will send my seventh novel to Steve for editing. His work has been superb. Good editing teaches good writing, and I have learned something of lasting value from every manuscript Steve has edited. 

After having half a dozen novels edited by Steve, I find myself “hearing” his comments in my head as I write. The writing is always better for it. Steve connects to the story I’m trying to tell and the voice doing the telling. His editing goes far beyond mechanics; it senses the flow, pace and patterns in the writing, and deftly points out where each can be improved.

And once in a while he says something really nice. Makes my day!”

Howard Seaborne, author of the Divisible Man series

 

 

“When I first started working with Steve as a novice author, I was nervous about approaching well-established editors to review my work.  But Steve made things so easy and comfortable for me, which is something I think all first-time authors can appreciate. Now we’ve collaborated on a series of works, and his expert eye and experience has been invaluable at turning my stories into polished manuscripts that I couldn’t have imagined when I sat down to write them years ago.  If you’re looking for someone to help you through the creative, thematic, and revision processes, I can’t recommend the Noveldoctor enough.”

E.F. Skarda, author of The Infinity Chronicles series

 

 

“I worked with Steve on both my novels when they were very much in their infancy. Steve’s unbiased, enthusiastic, and insightful notes helped me see my way out of the fog — that tunnel vision one gets when a first draft is finished and you don’t know what you have. Steve’s critiques and edits were spot on. I go to him before I show my agent or publisher a draft. He’s my secret weapon. I’m always recommending Steve to writer friends. He is truly a novel doctor. He makes novel better. And he’s helped me see the light at the end of a sometimes long and lonely tunnel.”

Katie Tallo, author of Dark August 

 

 

 

 

 

“Steve worked with me on my first four novels. When I first approached him, I was after developmental help, I needed to learn the craft of novel writing and understand how to structure my book in the most effective way. His feedback was clear, entertaining and extremely helpful. Somehow, he managed to make the process of editing fun. Following that, he also worked on a line edit for me, magically thinning out the prose and sharpening up the language. I was an indie author at the time and when I finally hit publish, I was confident the books were as good as they could be.

Steve also acted as a kind of mentor; when I needed advice or encouragement, he was there. Whatever stage you’re at, Steve can help. He’s basically the whole package, and if you haven’t already guessed, I’d recommend him, highly. But then again, he did pay me a huge amount of money to write this. Kidding.”

Author Nick Jones