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John Meyer's editing blog
The art of editing
Endorsements
Endorsements: What writers & other clients say
about John & Kate Meyer's editing & design skills
  "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."
More about the writer
about the writer
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."
More about the writer
about the writer
Deborah Kelly
free-lance writer
Richmond, Va.
deborahkelly.net

  "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."
More about the writer
about the writer
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."
More about the writer
about the writer
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."
More about the writer
about the writers
Go to book listing to 'Simply Napoleon'
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."
More about the writer
about the writer
Go to book listing to 'The Protection of a Kind Providence'
Thomas A. Russell
author and retired
  Navy pilot
Bolivia, North Carolina




  "You know, every time I get irritated by how picky you are, I remember why I hired you."
More about the writer
about the writer
Go to book listing to 'The Locket'
Go to book listing to 'The Great Celt'
Bret Cousins
novelist
Calgary, Alberta

    "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."
  More about the writer
about the writer
Go to book listing to 'Dannemora'
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."]
  More about the writer
about the writer
Go to book listing to 'The Big Mitt'
Go to book listing to 'Ill-Fame'
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."
More about the writer
about the writer
Go to book listing to 'Avonelle's Gift'
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."
More about the writer
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."
More about the writer
about the writer
Go to book listing to 'The Queen of Xana'
Fred Pilcher
novelist, astronomer and
  retired professor
Las Cruces, New Mexico



John Meyer

 
Editorial Freelancers Association

John Meyer is a member
of the Editorial Freelancers Association.
John Meyer's listing on the EFA directory to John's listing in the EFA directory.

 
Art & design clients comment

  "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, 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, bridging art and the written word
Kate Meyer

 
Microsoft Office Specialist certification
Kate Meyer is certified as a
Microsoft Excel Specialist.
Copy writing clients comment

  "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."
Work for this client
about this client
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!"
Work for this client
about this client
Randy McIntyre
Certified Public Accountant
Wilmington, NC

Samples of John Meyer's writing

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

Wilmington Rotary Club centennial history book

"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

Go to complete online publication to complete online version of this publication

Some recent books edited by John Meyer
     Click on thumbnails for details about each book.

Escapist non-fiction
Dannemora by Charles A. Gardner
Dannemora
By Charles A. Gardner
Published by Citadel Press / Kensington Books

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Political fiction
The Last Election by Gary H. Collins
The Last Election
By Gary H. Collins

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Crime
fiction

Open & Shut, a Southwestern Legal Thriller
Open & Shut: A Southwestern Legal Thriller
by Edward Donovan

Edited by John Meyer
Layout by John Meyer Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Fictionalized
memoir

Scab Vendor by Jonathan Shaw
Scab Vendor: Confessions of a Tattoo Artist
by Jonathan Shaw
Published by Turner Publishing

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

Historical fiction
The Locket by B.G. Cousins
The Locket: The Rainey Chronicles Book I
By B.G. Cousins

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Historical fiction
The Great Celt by B.G. Cousins
The Great Celt: The Rainey Chronicles Book II
By B.G. Cousins

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Historical fiction
Dark Before Light by B.G. Cousins
Dark Before Light The Rainey Chronicles Book III
By B.G. Cousins

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Historical fiction
The Tachi by B.G. Cousins
The Tachi The Rainey Chronicles Book IV
By B.G. Cousins

Edited by John Meyer


Historical crime fiction
The Big Mitt by Erik Rivenes
The Big Mitt: a Detective Harm Queen Mystery
By Erik Rivenes

Edited by John Meyer
More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Historical crime fiction
Ill-Fame by Erik Rivenes
Ill-Fame: a Detective Harm Queen Mystery
By Erik Rivenes

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

 
Urban fiction

Karma's Curse by Takeshia McIntyre
Karma's Curse
by Takeshia McIntyre

Edited by John Meyer
Layout by John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Fantasy fiction
The Queen of Xana by Fred Pilcher
The Queen of Xana
by Fred Pilcher

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

History and theology
The Protection of a Kind Providence: Washington and America's Exodus
The Protection of a Kind Providence: Washington and America's Exodus
by Thomas A. Russell

Edited by John Meyer
Layout by John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

 
Philosophy

What Can You Believe In When You Don't Believe In God?
What Can You Believe In When You Don't Believe In God?
by Michael Werner
published by Humanist Press

Edited by John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Family history
Letters from Europe 1924-1926 by Harold and Otto Meyer
Letters from Europe, 1924-1926
by Harold Meyer
and Otto Meyer

Edited by John Meyer
Layout by John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Family history
Avonelle's Gift by Nova Scheller
Avonelle's Gift
by Nova Scheller

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

Guidebook
The Savvy Guide to 4-Year WUE Colleges
The Savvy Guide to the 4-Year WUE Colleges
by Brian Swan

Edited by John Meyer
Layout by John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Guidebook
How to get Ununemployed
How to get Ununemployed: An A-to-Z Guide on Finding a Career You Like; Crackerjack Insight from a Human Resources Recruiter
by Matthew Warzel

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Biography
Simply Gödel by Richard Tieszen
Simply Gödel
by Richard Tieszen
Great Lives, published by Simply Charly

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Biography
Simply Napoleon by J. David Markham and Matthew Zarzeczny
Simply Napoleon
by J. David Markham and Matthew Zarzeczny
Great Lives, published by Simply Charly

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

 
Memoir & humor
The Cabin, by Jim Gillespie
The Cabin
By Jim Gillespie

Edited by John Meyer
Layout by John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Workplace
Humor

Confessions of an Install Junkie by Justin Gates
Confessions of an Install Junkie
By Justin Gates

Edited by John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Memoir & philosophy
Letting it Be, by Matt Wolf
Letting it Be
By Matt Wolf

Edited by John Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title

  Biography & photo book
She 'Shot' Her Way to Success by Wilbur D. Jones, Jr.
She 'Shot' Her Way to Success
By Wilbur D. Jones, Jr.

Layout by John Meyer
Photo editing, John Meyer
Cover by Kate Meyer

More about this title at Amazon.com about this title


 


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