"A dozen writers and friends have critiqued my books, but none has been as helpful and incisive as Lois Gilbert. She has worked with me on both a novel and a memoir, and I've found her comments indispensable. Almost every writer needs an editor before a book is sold, to make sure the prose is deft, the  structure tight, and the characters well developed. Lois is cheerful, devoted, and unflagging in her dissection of both fiction and nonfiction. She has steered me past wayward words, paragraphs gone astray, and missteps in plot and character development. She's invaluable."
-- John Thorndike, author of "Another Way Home," "The Potato Baron," and "Anna Delaney's Child"


"I've just given your advice a quick read. It's very, very good, ... nothing short of brilliant.  You did a damn fine job, Lois. I'm very relieved/delighted I sent it to you.  For once my instinct about your website/style/expression was spot on. You have proved to be everything I could have wished for. I'm full of admiration for your skills (and not least the marvelous way you sugar the pill of editorial truth.)"
-- John Fullerton, author of "The MonkeyHouse," "A Hostile Place" and "Give Me Death"

 
"Again, your comments are superb and very targeted and so clearly presented.  Once I get the manuscript I may call and chat, but your critique is clear enough I may not need to.  You must know, you have a gift for this sort of thing."
-- J.P. White, author of "The Salt Hour" and "Every Boat Turns South"

 
"If you had said my manuscript was in "really rough shape" after all the re-writes I've gone through (five total, actually), I'd have given up on it.  You are, hands down, the best editor with whom I have worked, and I am half-way tempted to ask you how much you would charge to re-write the manuscript yourself.  You may not do that kind of work, but that's how much I trust your judgment at this point ... Thanks for doing such amazingly good work." 
-- Andrew Metzger, author of "Goose River Crossing"

"On Feb. 26, I got THE call.  I was offered a two-book contract from Kensington Publishing in NYC.  You believed in that story from the beginning, and I think you were spot-on as to where I needed to make some changes." 
-- Terri DuLong, author of "Spinning Forward"

"I have found your comments invaluable ... I think other writers will find you a great asset.  In the process of writing my second novel, I found your critiques of great assistance.  You have a keen insight into what readers intuitively want in both plot and character development, and you make suggestions for improvement that are in keeping with the writer's intentions."
-- Jeanette Boyer, author of "Junkyard Dreams"

"Thank heaven I had completed 90% of your suggested (and excellent) modifications. I had a PHONE CALL from a publisher who wanted to read the book NOW! ... You are the first to know that Wescott Cove will publish the book! A million thanks for your input."
 -- Gillian Outerbridge, author of "Going About:  A Waterway Adventure"

"Thanks again for the great phone consult and your wonderful insight into my book and also into the writing world. You have so much wisdom and insight to offer, I'm not the least bit surprised that you've been hired for the upcoming cruises. I so appreciate your words of inspiration ..."
-- Diana Raab, author of "Regina's Closet" and "Eye of the Beholder"

"You have clearly shown me my mistakes, and that is what is most important to me ... Your words inspire me to do much better than I already have.  I think I will staple every page of your critique to the wall, close to my workstation. Thank you for your kindness, inspiration and encouragement."
-- "Hobo Rich," author of "The Great Northern Drifter"

"Not that I won't take your name in vain at some point during the next month or two, but you need to know how impressed I am with your insight and your articulate - no, make that literary - critique.  You write well and communicate effectively.  Even when you are slicing and dicing with your scalpel, it is a treat to read what you write." 
-- Karl Sprague, author of "Castro's Shadow"    

"Like a good doctor, Lois Gilbert looks at the whole and finds the problem areas.  Then, with keen knowledge of plot construction, character development, and language use, she presents helpful solutions, which, when followed, become a cure."
-- Lesley S. King, author of "Frommer's New Mexico," "Frommer's American Southwest," "Frommer's Great Outdoor Guide to Arizona & New Mexico," and "New Mexico for Dummies"

"Thank you for a loving, frank critique. Amid the multitude of manuscript editors available, I must have been divinely guided to you.  Thank you again. You'll never know how much you've inspired me to do my best, Lois."

  -- John Deering, author of "Cassie's Dilemma"

“I've become a better writer overnight after reading your insightful critique and annotated notes on my manuscript.  It's an honor for me to be within your sphere of imagination and creativity.  Thanks again for your mentorship. You have already lent an irreplaceable hand to making this book a reality.”

-- Wayne Ni, author of "Tophero"