"John has a sharp eye to size up a piece of writing, improve on its
strengths and fix its weaknesses. He has the uncanny ability to make your work
better and do it in a way that's gentle, respectful and gets the job done."
about the writer
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Kenneth R. Weiss
former environment reporter
Los Angeles Times
"I worked with John Meyer for five years at a daily newspaper, and was amazed at his consistent ability to
report and write multiple stories each day in addition to lengthy, thoughtful pieces for the weekend papers. After he
was promoted to city editor (and managing editor soon after,) I inherited his City Hall beat. I remember the city manager
commenting that John was easily the best reporter to have covered the office during his tenure. John is exceptionally
smart, talented, thorough, fast, tenacious and fair –- qualities that earned him the respect of editors, reporters, and
even the sometime-adversaries he covered.
"As an editor, he is able to simultaneously grasp the big picture and the small details that reveal the heart
of the matter. His exceptional abilities would be an asset to any project he undertakes."
about the writer
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Deborah Kelly
free-lance writer
Richmond, Va.
deborahkelly.net
"John's native instincts for the proper written word translate also into
his impeccable speaking ability, either public before an audience, or in dealing
one-on-one. The two go together, with the end
result of producing meaningful words for a comprehensible message. John senses this
message and edits in a style to fit the intent for potential readers. That versatility
and adaptability lets him handle light or heavy, humor or seriousness, summary conclusions
or expanded details -- whatever an author wishes."
about the writer
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 to 'She Shot Her Way to Success'
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Wilbur D. Jones, Jr.
author & military historian
Wilmington, N.C.
wilburjones.com
"Many editors can fix copy but John goes beyond that: He improves writers. I was reminded
of this recently when, many years after John last was paid to be my editor, I wrote something that
betrayed ignorance on a point. He explained what was wrong and how to avoid a repeat. My ego not only
stayed intact, it was boosted by the realization I had just become a wiser writer. Editors who only
correct text change your voice. Look for editors like John who help you sing."
about the writer
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Susan Kille
editor at large
New York Times
News Services
"I recall that cutting a John Meyer story called for a rewrite. The second graph was
justified by the first and so on and so on. One of his 30-inch stories was tightly written."
about the writer
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Rusty Starr
publisher (retired)
Palatka (Florida)
Daily News
"Thank you from both of us to our editors, Helena Bachmann and John Meyer, for their careful examination
of our manuscript. We greatly appreciate their hard work in helping us produce a more carefully worded contribution to the
'Simply Charly' series."
about the writers
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to 'Simply Napoleon'
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David Markham
Toronto, Ontario
and Matthew Zarzechny
Ashland, Ohio
historians
"It is not possible to provide a higher opinion of the services
provided by both John and Kate. They have earned my highest possible endorsement.
I could not be happier with their results. They added incredible value to the book.
You could not ask for anyone better at what they do. John is extremely sensitive to the author’s personal style
but at the same time adroitly found my weakness in writing and zeroed in to
fill my gaps. I could not over-work this man. He met all my publishing timelines
on schedule and on budget (which I might say are very reasonable). He is both
personable and professional. He knows his business; a unique blend of teacher,
coach, mentor, and advisor. Kate is an artist with one of the more creative minds
you will ever meet. She is a rare find. When I start my next work, I’ll look no further than John and Kate Meyer."
about the writer
|
to 'The Protection of a Kind Providence'
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Thomas A. Russell
author and retired
Navy pilot
Bolivia, North Carolina
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"You certainly were the right developmental editor for me! From the time we first spoke
on the phone and I shared my idea with you, you were as excited as I was. Your willingness to visit the
North Country and your fresh set of eyes proved to be so incredibly valuable. Your experience, hard work,
and talent helped me to achieve my goal. There is a part of you in this book. Additionally, your contacts
with fellow editors provided me with a chance to pitch my idea to a great agent. I will be forever grateful."
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about the writer
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to 'Dannemora'
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Charles Gardner
author, judge
and retired
prison guard
Malone, N.Y.
"After wading through inquiries from more than thirty prospective editors, I decided
on John because I could sense his honesty and integrity in our initial conversations together. After we
agreed to a price, he did not disappoint, and went above and beyond to help me clarify my prose. He
embraced my characters and plot and every suggestion he made contributed to the betterment of the novel.
I cannot recommend him highly enough, and if I ever get the sequel written I will contact him immediately
to pick up where we left off."
[NOTE: As he did. See link below to "Ill-Fame," the sequel to "The Big Mitt."]
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about the writer
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to 'The Big Mitt'
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to 'Ill-Fame'
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Erik Rivenes
novelist, historian
and travel writer
Portland, Ore.
"I found John to be respectful of my writing style and subject matter and very insightful
where he, as a reader, felt a point had not been fully developed or concluded. This was my first book and
from the beginning both he and a developmental editor felt my story and style were very strong. Now we needed
to polish it appropriately so readers could fully drop into the story.
"All John's suggestions were reasonable, always explained, and out of the many he offered, I think
I resisted only two of them! His fact checking and sense of contemporary speaking styles were also very helpful.
He read the manuscript three times: first, to read the story, second for his editing and third to review my
final changes.
"When the manuscript was sent to the layout people, only 20 more errors were found. Considering the
final layout was 278 pages of text, they were impressed by his thoroughness.
"I highly recommend John as a copyeditor."
about the writer
|
to 'Avonelle's Gift'
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Nova Scheller
author
Bear Creek, N.C.
"John’s editing skills go far beyond the commonly accepted parameters.
He keeps writers on track with the narratives they propose, consulting
with them rather than talking to them, guiding them through the organization of
thoughts that can overwhelm those who are too close to their own prose to see the
flaws.
"He sustains a seamless, rhythmic and conversational manuscript while
preserving and reinforcing the writer’s voice. The result is as it should be when
writer and editor collaborate: there is no evidence the editor was ever there.
That is an art form."
about the writer
|
Charles M. Anderson
retired executive editor
Wilmington (N.C.)
Star-News
"Thank you for your help in making my story much better and more dramatically written
than it would have been otherwise. You greatly improved my story -- without changing my story. You are
truly the master of your trade."
about the writer
|
to 'The Queen of Xana'
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Fred Pilcher
novelist, astronomer and
retired professor
Las Cruces, New Mexico
"You know, every time I get irritated by how picky you are, I remember why I hired you."
about the writer
|
to 'The Locket'
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to 'The Great Celt'
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Bret Cousins
novelist
Calgary, Alberta
John Meyer
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John Meyer is a member
of the Editorial Freelancers Association.
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to John's listing in the EFA directory.
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Art & design clients comment
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"Kate is an artist with one of the more creative minds you will ever meet. She quickly gained the essence of the book and created a beautiful, eye-catching cover that expressed the book perfectly. She did this on the first pass. She is a rare find."
For book cover
Thomas A. Russell
Author
Bolivia, North Carolina
"This has been, by far, the smoothest interaction I have had with a vendor. I would gladly recommend your services to any of our colleagues! Please let me know of any other services that you offer. I look forward to working with you in the future."
For marketing materials
and interactive forms
Danielle May
Marketing director
Wellington, Florida
"Kate, these books covers are awesome. I am REALLY impressed. #23 is my favorite
at first glance, but I like them all."
For book cover designs
Jessica Lee
author's representative
Seoul, Korea
"Wow! I am stunned at your mastery. What a gift you are. I am sooo happy. I LOVE
your work. When we are through with this one, I would love for you to lay out my next book.
"I really love the work you have done on the book cover. It is so elegant! The layout
is brilliant. I love it. It is an easy and elegant read."
For book cover and page formatting
Crystal Neels
author
Temucula, California
"Kate added the personal touch and professionalism in creating my vision. The design
was above and beyond my expectations. The attention to detail and genuine interest in wanting to know
the depth of my business was invaluable for achieving the end result.
"Will definitely be using again in future and referring her as well."
For marketing brochure
Aida Fuentes
owner, real estate agency
San Francisco, California
"Kate added the personal touch and professionalism in creating my vision. The design
was above and beyond my expectations. The attention to detail and genuine interest in wanting to know
the depth of my business was invaluable for achieving the end result.
"Will definitely be using again in future and referring her as well."
For marketing brochure
Aida Fuentes
owner, real estate agency
San Francisco, California
"Kate, as usual, your non-traditional style grabs my attention. Your essay shows depth
and is fluidly written, full of interesting insights. Lovely."
For literary criticsm
Lynn Criswell
instructor, Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington, North Carolina
"A really strong visual concept, which took a genuinely creative, intelligent view
of the brief. Communication throughout was clear and prompt. Next time I get a brief that requires
someone who can really engage, intelligently, with the content -- as well as pushing pixels around
photoshop -- I will be inviting Kate to the project!
"I absolutely LOVE the way that you engaged with the brief and did something genuinely
creative with it -- and I mean creative in the sense of an original solution to a challenge, not
self-indulgence!
"Yours was by far the best idea of the three. And it was the design that got the head
of the agency that I'm subcontracting this from really excited. I've got plenty of people who can
do safe and professional -- but there's no point delivering three safe designs. It's much better to make
one or two safe, and one or two more intelligent ... and that's where I'd want to use you."
For website redesign prototype
Kevin Hassall
owner, design agency
Chang Mai, Thailand
"We were absolutely delighted with the end product. We enjoyed working with Kate
and highly recommend this designer. She is talented and professional and turned the job around very
quickly!"
For Facebook page cover graphic
Monique Whitney
owner, public relations firm
Phoenix, Arizona
"Kate, we want to thank you for the creative and professional job you did on our wedding
invitations, thank-you cards and champagne bottle labels. We really loved them and got so many compliments on
them that we've lost count.
"You certainly helped to make our wedding even more special. We will refer our family and friends to
you. Since Teresa grew up in Fayetteville, NC, we are even more happy to share news about how fun and creative
you are."
For custom invitations and party favors
Walt & Teresa Geiger
Brown Deer, WI
"I have finally sat down and gone through our pictures! Enclosed are pictures I hope you and your
staff will enjoy. Our party was a success and everyone could not get over the custom labels on the Life Savers.
They were a HUGE HIT!!! Hope all is well and look forward to keeping in touch."
For custom party favors
Nancy DeLuca
Lodi, NJ
Kate Meyer
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Kate Meyer is certified as a
Microsoft Excel Specialist.
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Copy writing clients comment
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"I really enjoyed our working relationship. Very professional, communicated
openly and often and finished under promised delivery date with rave reviews! I would absolutely
hire again and would highly recommend for any writing job. Best hire yet."
about this client
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Eric Lyon
real estate broker
Vail, Colo.
"John, I wanted to forward to you a compliment from another CPA.
"'Randy, I am a CPA in Hickory, NC ... Your article on sales tax reporting
was great.... I've printed your well-written article and will carry it with me and/or
forward the link to it in the future!'
"Thanks for making me look good!"
about this client
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Randy McIntyre
Certified Public Accountant
Wilmington, NC
Samples of John Meyer's writing
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Some recently published work
"There's no honor in 'lost cause':" An argument for why Confederate monuments don't belong in a Southern city's public spaces.
"Rotary gives Guyana town a well for safe drinking water:" Civic club does international work on its hundredth anniversary
Vintage journalism from earlier decades
"Warbirds take to skies over battleship:" World War II aircraft celebrate VJ Day's 50th anniversary
"Pig-parting is sweet sorrow:" First-person column about a past life in the wholesale meat trade
"Johnson attacks Rose for working against BECO refinery:" Attack and response in a hot congressional race
"Arrests stir up old controversies:" Summarizes background of complex breaking corruption case, written on deadline
"Commissioners learn trash incinerators practical but costly:" On the road to find solid waste solutions
"Firm dumps raw sewage at sand pit:" Septic tank company caught in the act of polluting
"Two arrested in dumping:" Chemical company caught in the act of pouring waste acid in river
"Riverfront transformation begins / Beaufort's waterfront revitalization a success:" When the Riverwalk was just a dream
"Wilmington on display: City Hall goes on tour:" City officials get muddy feet touring poor neighborhoods
"Covering City and County in the Morning Star:" Promotional house ad about John Meyer's reporting
A creative collaboration:
planning, design and editorial
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"100 Years of Service Above Self: The Wilmington Rotary Club:" Centennial history of the city's oldest
and largest civic organization.
Research and writing by John Meyer and others
Edited by John Meyer
Design and layout by John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer
to complete online version of this publication
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