Hello, I’m Gary Dalkin. Whatever your writing needs, with almost 30 years’ experience as a published writer and editor, it’s likely I can help.
I specialise in editorial assessment, (also known as manuscript assessment or manuscript critique), and provide a range of other editing services for writers.
This page features some of what I’ve been working on recently, so have a read here and then explore my rest of the site to find out more about what else I’ve done, and what I can do for you.
Recent Work, News & Projects
I am the Senior Associate Editor with Cadence Publishing, the first book from which, SOLD by Sue Barrow, was chosen by the School Library Association as their summer pick for ages 13-16, and selected as one of the titles for the Empathy Lab 2024 Read For Empathy collection.
One recent book I edited, The Thirteenth Child by Mark deMeza (launched on 24 January), was a global #1 title on Amazon in several categories, including Jewish Literature and World War Fiction. It currently has a 4.4 score on Amazon from over 1500 customer ratings.
The Thirteenth Child, by Mark deMeza
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
Currently I’m delighted that one of my clients, Claire Williams, is now represented by Millie Hoskins at United Agents. I've edited three books for Claire, one self-published, the YA historical fantasy Smailholm, as well as the one which secured the deal, which I can't name yet. Given who else Millie Hoskins represents - her clients include Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials), LJ Ross (the bestselling DCI Ryan, Summer Suspense and Doctor Gregory mystery series), Jane Thynne / CJ Carey (the Clara Vine thrillers / Widowland & Queen High), Melvin Burgess (Junk, The Cry of the Wolf, Loki), JP Delaney (The Girl Before & The Perfect Wife), Sir Quentin Blake (most celebrated for illustrating Roald Dahl’s children’s books) and the singer/songwriter Sophie Ellis Bextor, to name but a few - this is a tremendous step forward in her writing career for Claire. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
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
Faith’s Folly, the debut novel by my client T.D. Holland was published by Spellbound Books in August. This is the first of the Willowbrooke Chronicles, a delightful new cosy crime series which is currently gathering some excellent reviews.
Gary was instrumental in helping me shape my narrative, offering insightful feedback that improved both the pacing and structure of the story. His expertise in cozy crime was invaluable, as he identified key elements that would enhance the mystery and character development, all while maintaining the charm and tone of the genre.
Throughout the editing process, Gary was professional, thorough, and highly communicative. He demonstrated a keen understanding of the themes and nuances in Faith's Folly and consistently offered suggestions that aligned with my vision as an author. He was respectful of my creative intentions while offering constructive critiques that helped me elevate the manuscript to a publishable standard.
I would highly recommend Gary Dalkin to any writer seeking an editor who not only brings technical skill but also a deep passion for storytelling. His commitment to my project was evident from the beginning, and I am grateful for the role he played in bringing Faith’s Folly to life.
T.D. Holland, author of Faith's Folly
To be published on 12 October, There is No Finish, by my Australian client Stephen Parker, introduces the world of the Backyard Ultra, a new ultramarathon race format. Invented by ultramarathon organiser Lazarus Lake, renowned for the famed Barkley Marathons, the running event has spread globally—to over eighty countries— with sky-rocketing numbers.
In this unique race runners have up to one hour to complete a 4.1-mile lap. At the start of the next hour, again they attempt to complete the same course. The runners continue, striving to see how many laps they can complete before they collapse. The race keeps going until all bar one person gives up. The winner is the last one standing who finishes one lap more than anyone else.
Complete with contributions from many of the stars of the Backyard Ultra world, Stephen Parker has written the definitive account of the early years of this remarkable new sport, including his own experiences in running the race. I couldn't be more delighted to have been his editor on this thrilling and highly personal project.
There Is No Finish, by Stephen Parker
I was thrilled to have only just noticed Gary in Writing Magazine when I was advised that my work really needed a developmental editor. I soon discovered that Gary was the right person for the job, helping me to restructure my key ideas and even chapter order. As my book is a story about a new running format, he was particularly helpful in pointing out where my explanations of what was happening needed clarification for non-runners. I later asked him to copy-edit my work too, which similarly brought a new level of quality to the project. At all times Gary was a pleasure to work with, with a welcome combination of encouraging, jovial and professional approaches. Although the book is not released until October 12, the feedback I have received from runners around the world about the book has been overwhelmingly positive – which only enhances my gratefulness for Gary’s patient, timely and skilled work.
Stephen Parker, author of There Is No Finish
In late April I took part in two events at the Bournemouth Writing Festival, Organising Chaos: Turn a Messy Draft into a Publishable Book, (with Sophie Beal, Director of Cadence Publishing) and The Art of Adaptation & Other Fantastic Stories (with Brian Sibley, who adapted The Lord of The Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia for BBC radio.) I have written an account of the festival which you can read here.
With Brian Sibley for The Art of Adaptation & Other Fantastic Stories, the Bournemouth Writing Festival, 27 April 2024
With Sophie Beal, Director of Cadence Publishing, for Organising Chaos: Turn a Messy Draft into a Publishable Book, Bournemouth Writing Festival, 27 April 2024
I have written for Writing Magazine, the UK’s bestselling magazine for writers, for every issue for the last 25 years. Each month you will find my market and general news reports on the world of publishing inside, and two or three times a year a major feature article. Find out more about my work for Writing Magazine here.
Writing Magazine, January 2024 featuring my extensive article, Robot Writing, on what AI means for writers
Writing Magazine, May 2024 featuring my article Organising Chaos: Turn a messy draft into a publishable manuscript
I’m thrilled to be able to say that Letting Frogs Go, the second novel I have edited for US client Liz Ferro, was published by Wild Rose Press on 24 July.
Letting Frogs Go, by Liz Ferro
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 Letting Frogs Go
Many of my clients keep coming back to me time after time, from a small project like a short story for a competition they are entering, to editing a full-length work of fiction or non-fiction. I can only think this is because I provide a friendly, professional, honest service at a fair price. How much? Every job is different, so my rates are by agreement based on your requirements. I will always provide a fixed quote before beginning work so that you will know exactly what you are paying. Find out more about editorial assessment here, or about the importance of an expert opinion. Check out some of the references I have received from more than satisfied clients, then contact me to see how I can help you make your writing as good as it can be, ready to send to an agent or publisher, or for self-publishing.
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
