The Thirteenth Child being my debut novel, I was somewhat apprehensive about my first interaction with an editor. I needn’t have worried. Gary performed an exceptional structural edit for me. He was able to highlight a number of minor improvements as well as some significant changes to the balance and content of my manuscript. His feedback was always concise, professional, and delivered in line with our agreed timeframes. There is no doubt that Gary returned my manuscript in a much better condition than he received it.

I am very much looking forward to working with Gary when I have the draft manuscript for the sequel to The Thirteenth Child ready.

I have no hesitation in recommending Gary’s skills and services to other writers.

Mark deMeza, author of The Thirteenth Child

Gary Dalkin is a thoughtful and highly professional editor whose keen eye for detail is underpinned by many years’ experience. It’s been a great pleasure to work with him and I recommend Gary to anyone looking to sharpen up their work.

Tricia Sullivan – Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author of Dreaming in Smoke

After doing my own structural edit to the best of my ability, consulting beta readers and ironing out the issues I was already aware of, I saved up and hired a professional editor. I was nervous as it was a lot of money to spend (although still much less than other editors had quoted) but knew if I was serious about trying to publish it was necessary.

It was absolutely the best decision I ever made for my novel. If anyone is looking for a UK based editor I cannot recommend Gary Dalkin more highly!

An editor’s insight was invaluable and gave me a solid basis on which to improve the novel. Gary’s comments helped me to be brave, cutting whole scenes and working the information into the novel in other, more successful ways. He helped me to improve the weaker characters (the villains in my case) and think more in depth about my characterisation. He also made it clear which parts of the novel were working and why, holding me to my highest standard and pushing me to do better.

I was so impressed I asked him to look over my manuscript again once I’d made the changes. This time he was also copy or line editing, addressing my language and sentence structure. Now armed with even more detailed suggestions I am so much closer to having a quality manuscript to query than I would have been had I not hired a professional.

Rosie Talbot - author of Sixteen Souls

Gary Dalkin plays a key part of organising ‘Jane Goodall’ events in Bournemouth, including the special celebratory oak tree planting in Bournemouth Gardens with the town mayor in January 2011 and the Jane Goodall Day at Bournemouth University in May 2011. Both involved countless meetings, securing the venue at the university, liaising with many parties, creating a schedule that worked for all involved, recruiting and coordinating a team of volunteers and preparing the advertising materials, including blogs, posters, media releases etc. as well as giving interviews to the local press and radio, maintaining a Facebook Page for the events and much more. He has a flare for organization and worked tirelessly to ensure that the events went off seamlessly. He has boundless patience great organisational skills and a wonderful sense of humour.

Dr Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE & UN Messenger of Peace, author of many books, including The Book of Hope

An emotional subject and a first-time author were a recipe for stop-starts, re-writes and frustrations. For years, in my head, I had a memoir that had to be written, yet I began to doubt my ability to do it.
Till I met with Gary Dalkin; a skilful and helpful editor on top of his job, always calm, always positive and always forensically able to see the point I was trying to make.

Even more, a very nice bloke.

Alan Atkinson - author of The Innocent and The Beautiful

Being an inexperienced writer can be daunting, no matter how passionately you believe in your story. Working with Gary Dalkin helped me develop my first two books, Find Another Place and The Greenbecker Gambit to their full potential. Gary encouraged me to think deeply about my narrative and structure and his eye for detail was invaluable. Our working process was very personalised, there was nothing formulaic about his approach and I always knew he really cared about the projects.

Since meeting Gary, I have gone from never having published before, to securing a traditional publishing contract for my third book, Checkmate! In addition to finding lots of opportunities to publish my journalism. I feel lucky to have found an editor who has such ability, integrity and enthusiasm, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Gary in the years ahead. Without question Gary has made me a better writer and I recommend him without hesitation.

Ben Graff – author of Find Another Place and The Greenbecker Gambit

Gary Dalkin is a gifted editor. His careful, astute notes for my short story ‘Advent’ helped clarify the story—both on the page and in my own mind. Gary took the time to understand the peculiar kind of story I was trying to tell, and so all of his suggestions energized my original inspiration. From overall structure down to word choice, Gary’s editing helped me polish my short story into something of which I could be proud. Accommodating, encouraging, and knowledgeable, I’d recommend Gary Dalkin to anyone.

(The illustration above is Jonathan Burton’s art for James Kennedy’s ‘Advent’, from the limited edition of Improbable Botany)

James Kennedy – author of The Order of Odd-Fish and Dare To Know

Gary has always been a great reader – someone who takes the time to really think about everything you’ve tried to put into your work – and that’s what makes him such a good editor. He spots issues, offers worthwhile suggestions for improvements and is easy to work with during the development process. I’ve always been pleased with the results when we’ve worked on projects together.

Justina Robson – Campbell, Clarke, Dick and BSFA award-nominated author of the Quantum Gravity series

Gary Dalkin’s work on Overstrike (the first novel in the Fixpoint series) was-second-to-none and resulted in me landing a book deal within 6 weeks of his edit.

The best editors are those that really get the story and become as committed as the author to making it good – and Gary certainly did this.

Even though I had only asked him to review this from a copy-edit perspective, Gary actually also provided input about structure, researched some of the events and places in the text and also called out areas which he thought could be improved.

He kept me informed during the whole process and was a joy to work with.

Gary is an excellent editor and the only reservation that I have in recommending Gary, is I regard him as competitive advantage & don’t want the word getting out.

CM Angus – author of Overstrike

I can’t praise Gary enough for the immense and invaluable input, advice, and editing skills he brings to any writer’s work. Gary is a dream to work with and immediately immerses himself with complete understanding of what is needed to create the perfect end product. His attention to detail and ability to make the exact suggestions needed without changing or hindering the author’s voice and style makes him someone you most definitely want in your corner. He is talented, professional, timely, and he's equally adept with American English as he is with British English.  

Writing a book without Gary is like eating a cake without the frosting. 

Liz Ferro – author of Chameleon Girl and Finish Line Feeling

Having become frustrated by a number of copy editors and proofreaders, working with Gary was nothing short of a wonderful experience. He is both extremely proficient at identifying both broad structural issues and simple errors, his keen eye spotting the smallest grammatical problems. He does not shy away from pointing out ways in which improvements can be made, and at no point did I feel that his suggestions were incorrect.

I employed Gary to copy edit and proofread Seek The Throat From Which We Sing. He makes detailed and comprehensive annotations that allow the author to pick and choose the corrections he has made. I expected to feel precious regarding my work, but not only did I accept 99% of Gary’s edits, on a number of occasions I found myself laughing out loud in agreement with his comments.

So often as an author, we cannot see the wood for the trees, ideas can become convoluted and lose impact, and you need someone who has a strong grasp of writing techniques, grammar and structure, whose own passion for literature offers a unique and more importantly, a separate perspective to your own. Gary has all of this in spades.

We worked together over a number of months and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My confidence in my work grew as a result of working with Gary. I could not recommend him more.

Alex CF – artist, musician, and author of Seek The Throat From Which We Sing, The Orata and Wretched Is The Husk (which I also edited)

I have used Gary for two structural edits on my first two novels. Gary is an exceptional editor. It’s hard to understand how much he can move a novel on from its initial draft right through to the precision of a copy edit and final publication draft. He has completely changed my view of plot and structure and taught me some valuable writing lessons. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services.

Claire Williams – author of Smailholm 

From the very beginning of our work together, Gary exceeded expectations. He saw the potential in my one rambling manuscript and helped me transform it into two novels worthy of being published. Not only did he spot errors, advise me what to cut out, and made suggestions about how to expand the story line, he was meticulous when sorting out a complicated timeline over four generations. In addition, he very patiently guided me through many technical difficulties, that I, as a first time author, needed to overcome. But what was more important was that Gary cared, a rarity these days. I wasn’t just another budding author seeking his professional expertise. He became a friend. I shall certainly return to him when my third novel is ready for his expert eye.

Margaret Coates – author of A Most Unusual Charm

I didn’t tell Gary that, at school, I was rated as one of the worst spellers/grammarians in my year. Nor that during a career in research science in the NHS and university, I effectively hid it for years. He still sorted out my vocative commas, inappropriate use of the passive tense, and paragraph construction, as well as offering perceptive criticism of the details of character nuance. Great guy to have in your corner!

Paul CW Beatty, author of Children of Fire and Circles of Deceit, Winner of Writing Magazine/The Book Guild Novel Prize 2017

Gary Dalkin draws out the very best in your story, offering constructive feedback without interfering with an individual voice, or style. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, you’ll notice the effect his input has on your writing. His shrewd eye for detail in prose and storytelling is tuned in exactly to the action and potential impact of your plot. Gary’s not just great to work with but also inspires and helps you go beyond your comfort zone.

Professor Rachel Armstrong – author of Origamy, Invisible Ecologies and Experimental Architecture: Designing The Unknown

Over many years in the business, Gary Dalkin has proved himself to be not only an excellent writer, critic and reviewer, but a fine and insightful editor – as I can attest regarding his work on my short tale “The Ice Garden”.

Whether you’re an experienced writer needing that last polish, or a newcomer whose ms needs that bit extra to make it stand out in the marketplace, Gary is the man for the job.

Eric Brown – science fiction, crime and children’s author

Gary Dalkin has edited ten of my crime and historical novels and I am very appreciative of the way he picks up both grammatical and historical errors that I have made. He has certainly improved my books, so much so that Mazo Publishers agreed to take on Doctor Lopez: Trapped in the Royal Web within one week of receiving the manuscript.

This of course is in addition to his tidying up my somewhat casual use of punctuation and some of my long, rambling and over-written sentences. Not only does he check my manuscripts very thoroughly, but he also makes many very positive suggestions on how I can improve my novels. Gary is very professional and pleasant and I would indeed recommend him to other writers.  I will certainly continue to use his editorial services and expertise in the future.

David Lawrence-Young – author of over 20 novels, including Entrenched and Emma Hamilton: Mistress of land and Sea

Gary Dalkin’s work on my second book, Dead Leaves, was invaluable. He was precise, succinct, with a fine attention to detail. Dalkin guided my story to publication with fair and balanced criticisms and queries, and picked up on things I probably wouldn’t have ever noticed. In short, his sharp critical eye improved my words and my book. An excellent editor.

Andrew David Barker – author of Dead Leaves, The Electric and The Winterman, director of A Reckoning

I’ve known Gary Dalkin since his days at the BSFA magazine Vector, and since then he’s been nothing less than delightful to work with and to know. Intelligent, cultured, supportive and generous. In a business where there are more than a few sharks, he is the real deal.

Stephen Palmer – author of Memory Seed, the Factory Girl Trilogy & I Am Torus

On preparing the second edition of our biography of film composer John Barry we contacted Gary to proofread the updated manuscript in light of the considerable changes made to it over the past ten years. He proved to be far more than a proof-reader, by performing a valuable editorial role, in helping us to reshape the text and check the content where necessary.

His task was made all the more difficult, because he had been called in after the index had been finalised. This meant that any requisite changes had to fall within strict parameters already set. What’s more, we needed him to complete the task within a strict deadline, given a tight publishing schedule. He succeeded with days to spare. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Gary to anyone. He quickly grasped our requirements and, during the period of his commission, became an integral part of the team.

Peter Walker – co-author of John Barry – The Man With The Midas Touch

I have worked with Gary on a variety of writing projects for well over a decade now, and right from the outset he established himself as my number one go-to guy, the person to whom I always turn when I need a sound opinion backed up by a wealth of reliable experience. He understands so much about so many facets of writing in the 21st century, from novels to magazines to websites, and what works best in each case. If Gary tells you it’s so, then it really is so.

Mark Walker – Annus Horribilis: Latin for Everyday Life and Hobbitus Ille – The Hobbit translated into Latin

Gary is a great editor. He gives me feedback in the way I ask – which takes extra time and effort. He is able to understand what I really wanted to say and through his edits he reflects that message. He also goes above and beyond by researching and answering my questions around the story itself. This is very reassuring when I have a concern around the legalities or source of a story. He is an excellent editor. I am very glad I found him.

Caroline McIntosh – author of The Vampires and The Village & Transplant Dance

I contacted Gary for a developmental edit of my first novel. I had studied eleven how-to manuals for writing fiction and had already reworked the book per responses from beta readers. I believed I had a working story. Gary very professionally pointed out the strengths of the book and then taught me more than all of the manuals on how to step up the quality of the prose, the story, dialog, and the characters.

Gary’s suggestions were well reasoned and very specific to the product I wanted to produce.

I believe he provided more service than required in the scope of our agreement. But when I offered to pay more for his work, Gary declined and held his fee to the proposed amount.

Gary is easy to work with as well as talented and knowledgeable. I especially recommend Gary to US authors, as he clearly pointed out cultural assumptions that don’t cross borders. I very much look forward to working with Gary on my future books.

Nate Kirtis, author of Avi Garza: The Conscript

Additional References

As a first-time novelist, I was keen to find an editor who would give me honest feedback about my first draft. Gary did that - but far more besides.

Gary's structural edit - an in-depth critique of plot, style, character development and other key aspects of the draft - ran to thousands of words. As a critique of my writing, that might sound like a bad thing! In fact, it was the most thorough, constructive and useful feedback I have received in 20 years as a professional writer. Along with the comments he made on a copy of the manuscript itself I believe this represents excellent value for money given Gary charged a very reasonable fee.

Gary skilfully pinpointed aspects of character and plot that had troubled me throughout the drafting process. He also included many ideas to fix those problems and improve the structure of the story. In pretty much every case his idea made the plot better.

It's important to note that Gary also identified lots of things he liked about the draft. As such, far from his overall feedback discouraging me it has spurred me on to produce a better second draft with characters I still believe are worth bringing to life on the page.

I'm sure many first-time novelists with insecurities about
their writing, myself included, spend hours agonising about whether continuing with a project is worth it. Thanks to Gary's expertise, insight, ideas and encouragement I've decided that it certainly is.

Ian McCawley - OBE Content & PR

Despite having to wrestle with a recalcitrant PDF, Gary turned around a 6000 word multi-contributor coffee table picture book in the time promised. He made sure that the text accurately matched the photos, and that entries were consistent in tone and format, and he provided helpful alternative suggestions for overly long or complex sentences. All this plus a thorough proof read to capture wrong spelling, wrong or missing punctuation, and inconsistent capitals. The book was considerably improved after passing through his hands.

Ben Jeapes - author and Communications Executive, Bartington Instruments

I have recently asked Gary to provide editorial guidance on a manuscript for a fantasy novel, and I can fully recommend him for his insightful feedback and industry knowledge. As a professional author, I know that publishing a book of any format is a challenge, and Gary is an editor who can provide realistic guidance as to what is achievable. I have been very happy with the service he provides.

Alistair Savage – author of The Adventures of Siskin and Valderan

Gary has been diligent in his approach to proof reading all copy sent from PLF Headquarters since joining us in April 2010.  He seems to pick up on errors that other mere mortals may miss. I can highly recommend his proof reading skills and his thorough attention to detail is invaluable, especially when putting on a Literary festival!

Sue Luminati – Founder & Director: Poole Literary Festival & New Media Writing Prize

To all those who, like me, haven’t yet had a book published and are casting around for an editor they can rely on, who provides that same service to a budding author as to an award-winning one and who doesn't cost the earth, Gary Dalkin is the one for you. He will take your work and pummel it into shape, stripping it of irrelevancies, unearthing its obscurities and spotlighting its strengths. Working with Gary is as good as attending a course in the art of writing - at no extra cost! 

Linda Levine – author of An Alternative Hebrew Bible - The Book of Lilith, Plonit and Eve, available free online here

I sent my submission package to Gary to check where it could be improved, and he replied that it was as good a submission package as any he had seen. He read my cover letter, synopsis, and the beginning of the novel and gave useful feedback. If only agents and publishers replied as quickly, it would make the work of writers easier. I can recommend Gary’s professional attitude and willingness to help and would certainly use him in the editing of my next book.

Jon Byrne

Gary has proved to be an invaluable resource not only as a proof-reader, but even more so for his advice and support. He has been enormously encouraging when he feels my writing warrants it, and yet he gives me the honesty I need when it hasn’t been up to scratch. I always know that when he reads my work, I can trust him to be very straightforward in his assessment.

Through discussions with Gary, I have been able to really pinpoint the areas in which my writing needs work, and he has helped me come up with new ways of addressing them, even down to making necessary changes in the time and places that I write so as to get the best out of myself. I am deeply grateful for Gary’s advice and expertise.

Stephanie Alford – Space Cadet Creations

I have enlisted Gary Dalkin’s expertise as a music critic and creative writer on several occasions over the past ten years. Gary has a keen sense of what makes music ‘work’ and his ability to apply that knowledge as constructive criticism continues to amaze me. His familiarity and understanding of all musical styles is exceptional.

When I consult Gary, I’m certain I will receive educated, non-biased critique and encouragement regarding my compositions, arrangements and recordings. His reviews of my work are always honest, gently candid, and on-the-mark. I look forward to working with him again soon.

Marc Hoffman – film and jazz composer, pianist, vocalist & author

Gary Dalkin personifies the traits of the utmost professionalism and exceptional attention to detail as a talented editor, writer and respected critic. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the writing craft is staggering; a testament to his ability for accurately honing in on minutiae and producing exemplary results, at speed, across all creative spheres. Gary is always marvellous to work with, being good at instilling faith and reliability in the development process.

Glen Aitken – Composer and album producer

Gary Dalkin, to a writer, is like a conductor to an orchestra. Precise; on time; reliable and inspirational. He makes you feel as though you are the most important person in his life when working with you and has never come close to a frustrated sigh when dealing with inexperience. I would happily recommend Gary to any writer, establish or not, who is looking for sound feedback and help with their work. I look forward to the next time I get to work along side Gary, who takes my projects as seriously as I do.

Steven Hawley

Your critique is so detailed, so thorough, and your analytical skills and insights are as amazingly helpful. It has taught me much and shown me so many large and small improvements to make.

John Constantinou

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