Writing coach, Diane O'Connell, offers invaluable editing guidance.

How Do I Find An Editor For My Books, Novels? Need Editing.

Editor, Book Doctor, Writing Coach and Speaker

One of the great things about working with Diane is her obvious love of writing - the whole process, reading, editing, publishing. This combines with her actual experience in the field to give you a tremendous certainty that she speaks the truth. If she says the writing is good, then you know she is not just buttering you up.

If she says it is not working you know she is probably right - and follows this with invaluable editing guidance delivered in a very positive way.

I never ended up feeling bad about the weak sections of the book; instead I ended up understanding why they didn't work, and felt encouraged and confident fixing them up. Diane stuck with me on this for three years. She never made me feel like I was an annoyance, and kept telling me to stick with it. She is the real deal. I can state categorically that my first novel would never have been published without Diane.

- Cody McFadyen, author of Abandoned, The Darker Side,
The Face of Death and Shadow Man (Bantam)

I had seen Diane O’Connell speak at a conference in New Mexico and was immediately
both impressed by and drawn to her knowledge, skills, and bright personality. She agreed
to accept me as a client and worked fairly and tirelessly with me through my first outline,
subsequent roughs, and the entire process, to completion of my first novel, Black Road 2012.

One of the many things I like most about Diane was her straightforwardness (“You’re staring
at your navel here too much, Jeffrey.” “Cut this section down…”). Another thing I liked a lot
was her attention to Story. I had been through thousands of dollars with another editor who
was finitely concerned — to my detriment — with everything but Story. Diane helped me
formulate, improve and navigate my story to a neat, concise and clear ending. She also helped
me a lot with my opening paragraph — my hook.

Diane is a very canny and talented editor with a massive background in this almost dynastic New York dominated industry. She has impeccable and impressive credentials, is very well associated, and is able to help guide new writers through the reefs and shoals of this industry. She’s also friendly, funny and seems to always have an important or kind word ready where or when it’s needed.

I can recommend Diane O’Connell’s Book Doctor skills and talents without reservation.

- Jeffrey A. Friedberg, author Black Road 2012 (INDI Publishing Group)

My success all began when I placed the first call to Diane O’Connell. She helped me sharpen my manuscript and write a first-rate book proposal - and she gave me cheers and smiles when I needed it.

- Kristin Alexandre, author of The Perfect Gentleman: The Secrets Rich
Girls Use to Choose the Classiest Guys and Find a Great Guy: Now
and Forever (Runnymede Press)

Thank you, Diane O’Connell, for your guidance, humor, vision, drive for excellence, and for partnering with me as this project grew from nothing to something. Without your faith and courage to risk on the nothing, we would not have created anything.

Your particular gift for working with first-time authors reminds me of every great coach I’ve ever had. They expected a lot, pushed hard, continued to expect more than I ever thought I had in me, and sometimes pushed so hard in the southern heat that several of us on the team threw up. This has been better. I do not recall throwing up a single time, nor do I recall having to sit out and recover. Your finesse keeps a tired, new author strong, and in the game. Thanks for your gracious balance of kindness and courage.

- Dr. Jane G. Victor, author Moving Past Money Pain: The Gracious Path to Overcoming
Financial Distress and Loss (INDI Publishing Group)

I went to Diane for help on a book proposal and got more than I asked for. Not only did she help me with the proposal that sold my book, she found me a wonderful agent! Diane O'Connell is patient, professional and her insight into the publishing world is invaluable.

- Lucinda D. Schroeder, author of A Hunt for Justice: The True Story of a Woman
Undercover Wildlife Agent (The Lyons Press)

Diane proved masterful at taking my stuffy academic words and breathing life into them. This very successful book would simply never have happened if it weren't for Diane's gifts, not only in writing and research, but in knowing how to work with an author who had never written a book, or anything for the popular audience, before. If you want to turn your dream of writing and selling an interesting, readable book into reality, look no further than Diane O'Connell.

- Sanford L. Braver, PhD, co-author (with Diane O'Connell) of Divorced Dads:
Shattering the Myths (Tarcher/Putnam)

Diane O'Connell brought more to the table than I could have imagined beforehand. She took the rudely formed clay of an idea and helped shape it into a concept, and the concept into a solid, pragmatic and readable book, now in its second printing. The project was immeasurably better because of her.

- Henry David Abraham, MD, author of What's a Parent to Do? Straight Talk on Drugs
and Alcohol (New Horizon Press)

We had no idea what to expect when we sent our manuscript off to Diane. We couldn’t wait to see what she had to say. As inexperienced writers with little writing background we were grateful for her many comments. Diane complimented the good parts and gently, but professionally, brought to our attention that the flow wasn’t flowing, there were some flaws in sequence and the title needed a little help. Several edits later, we were able to put the pieces together and tell a compelling story with sufficient details that would make sense to the reader. This book would not be in print if it weren’t for Diane’s patience, encouragement and understanding with novice writers. Thank you Diane!

- Tamara Pelosi and Susan Semerade, Co-authors, Pennies From An Angel:
Innocent Lives Behind a Crime

When I enlisted Diane O'Connell for editorial guidance, I had already been a successful author of several self-help books. But Diane's comprehensive analysis and insightful suggestions helped take my writing career to the next level. She can take a good book proposal and turn it into a great one. As a result of Diane's help, I was able to get better publishing contracts.

- Michael S. Broder, PhD, author of Secrets of Sexual Ecstasy (Alpha Books)
The Art of Staying Together (Avon), The Art of Living Single (Avon)
Can Your Relationship Be Saved? (Rebuilding Books)

I went to Diane originally to tighten up the concept of my book. She quickly tuned in to what I was trying to do, and then generously offered insights that helped me accomplish my goals. I'm not talking about generic information. She went right to the heart of the book and helped me clarify it and strengthen it. I not only got more than I expected, but her targeted approach helped me keep costs down.

- Jerry Waxler, author of The Four Elements for Writers (Neuralcoach Press)

When I set out to write a novel, I had little experience and no formal training. The first manuscript I presented to Diane had many problems. She was tactfully honest about this right from the start. I understood how much work would be involved. She never told me what to write. Instead she pointed out problems and gave broad suggestions. After a major rewriting and several revisions, both Diane and I are happy with the book. As I write my second book I carry the lessons she taught, and it is a much easier and enjoyable process.

- David Baehren, MD, author of Roads to Hilton Head Island (iUniverse)

We initially engaged Diane as an editor but she quickly proved herself invaluable as a creative director of this complex project. She kept us focused and on schedule, guiding us around many potholes on the road to completion. Thanks, Diane. We would have never gotten there without you!
(Debbie Morris, RN)

Diane proved herself again and again as we took FEASTers Lasting Weight Loss from concept to market. An ever able editor, she went on to wear many hats, keeping us on track as we revised drafts, recorded CDs, polished the workbook, and developed the web site. Thanks Diane, FEASTers wouldn't be the success it is without you! (W. Calvin Morris, MD)

- co-authors of FEAST Your Way to Lasting Weight Loss (Audiobook)