This simplified explanation doesn't really do my learning curve justice. I learnt tons, but I wanted to share one aspect as part of my review. (THE single most significant lesson I have taken away).

After multiple tussles with getting my speech to flow and stay on point, Julie gave me some stellar advice. I might be teaching to suck eggs, but being told to cut the blah blah in character speech was a real growth moment for me.

Julie wrote:

'DECLUTTER THE DIALOGUE'. As soon as a.character says something, ask yourself: What does this character want?'

I've realised every single word in speech has to count. No one wants to read through rambling, 'real life' mundane, coffee-break, bus-top chit-chat.

Julie asked 4 questions:

1. Is what they say relevant to the story?

2. Is there a purpose (drive) to what the character is saying?

3. Can this be removed without compromising the meaning and flow?

4. Can it be replaced with speech that actually enriches and deepens the character? (Expressing their 'voice,' 'mood, 'intention'?)"

This may sound mundane to the seasoned writer, but it was transformative for me.

TheWestCoastWriter

(Editing, CoverArt )

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Julie has been nothing but professional, creative and fair priced in her work. She came up with a wonderful, and intriguing book art cover before we sat down to.discuss ideas. It was right on. So easy to work with, and such a pleasure as well. This being my first publication Julie guided me patiently and was so generous with sharing her vast knowledge of publishing. I look forward to doing my sequels with her.

Thank you Julie!

M.Schwarc

(Editing, Formatting/Typesetting, CoverArt)

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A positive and productive experience from start to finish. Julie is professional, skillful and thorough. I highly recommend her and will certainly look forward to using Julie again.

Julia Harris

(Editing, Formatting, Typesetting)

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The editor is the gas for your car, the milk in your milkshake, and that most important final ingredient. Lots of frustration and tears are shed, but the product in the end will shine.

There are times you are fortunate enough to stumble upon someone with the skills you require to succeed. To my cover artist, editor, author par excellence, and friend, Julie Forester.

We've done it again! Thank you for giving me numerous suggestions, and fixing my countless commas, listening to my fears and accomplishments, and encouraging me.

The patience you continue to show me. The patience you continue to show me and the countless offers of assistance leave me so grateful and appreciative, and for teaching me that "authors do help authors." There is true blood and tears in putting together a book and polishing it. Thank you Julie, for that extra shine.

Michaela. V

(Editing, Formatting/Typesetting, CoverArt)

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I certainly would recommend. As well as a scrupulous and swift reading of my text, Julie maintained contact with me every time I needed it, and at times when I did not realise I needed it.

I was particularly grateful for her firm but careful observations on paragraphing and structure, as well as ensuring that the general thrust of the book was maintained.

You can expect from Julie both a voice and a ready ear: she is always ready to exchange views and observations, having a clear policy herself while acknowledging - after discussion - that the ultimate authority lies, naturally, with the author.

A. Holbourn

(Editing, Formatting/Typeswtting,CoverArt)

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Her patience, generosity and expert guidance is incredible. She is meticulous and seems never to sleep, given the level of support and time she devoted to my novel, making me feel my writing is worth it.

She picked out 'crutch' words that I'd been blind to; all my bad habits in grammar and punctuation, taking time to explain why they were wrong and how to fix it - invaliable advice for any writer. I can see from previous testimonials that she gives this level of attention to all her clients.

Following Julie's incredible input, not just her line by line feedback, but her generosity in sharing her knowledge of the publishing industry, her skills are worth more than she charges. Shhh!

Tania Almond

(Editing)

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Dear Julie,

The cover looks amazing! I've set up my ebook and paperback for their debut launch. You have done an amazing job with the whole production. Having the artistic talent, as well as the skillset to produce the final print and ebook is the unique cherry on the top of the cake that most editors don't have the ability to offer. Bravo!

(Editing, Formatting/Typesetting, CoverArt)

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Discovering that Julie had a waiting list was a drag, but it was worth the wait. She was professional and thorough. I wanted my story to be print-ready for uploading to Amazon, so receiving my finished paperback book from Julie was beyond exciting.

Other testimonials talk of how much they learned. I can add my agreement to this. This experience taught me so much. I would recommend Julie.

DeIphinium Blue

(Editing, Formatting/Typesetting, CoverArt)

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I was disappointed that Julie turned down my story when I first submitted it. Reading through the testimonials, I'm not the only one this has happened to, which helped me feel a bit less of a failure. Julie's rejection came with a detailed sample edit, as well as advice as to what my story needed to make it ready for editing.

In the weeks following, Julie kept in touch to find out how things were shaping up and to follow my progress with sorting out my developmental issues. I really appreciated it. She was always open to queries and questions, too. She's busy. She didn't need to do this!!!

It would be easy for her to take my cash and skip/ignore the issues (which I now know my story clearly had!!) In my book, this shows Julie's old school integrity and honesty - worth its weight in gold.

Juliet

(Editing, Formatting/Typesetting)

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Always get a sample edit done first. Julie is transparent in her editing approach. My previous editor would suggest ideas, yet I sometimes struggled to grasp their meaning or intent. Julie's editing comes with modelled examples (and explanations) to illustrate the possibilities for improving.

Making a suggestion is one thing, but showing by example through the tracking changes was great. Of course, it was always my call to keep, adapt or ditch Julie's edits, but in truth, she suggested ideas and showed how it might 'look' in ways I wouldn't have considered. This level of input might not suit all writers, but for me, this was helpful.

B.Jenkins

(Editing)

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I completed my book with Julie, and am very happy. Julie gets an unreserved recommendation from me. She was willing to accommodate my hectic timeframe over.a number of weeks to edit my book chapter by chapter. She also factored in a flexible payment schedule to suit my monthly budget. She has incredible patience and seems to enjoy building genuine rapport

She still checks in on my progress with publication sales.

J.Kirby

(Editing, Formatting/Typesetting)

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Julie was recommended by another writer. She created the covers for my first two books but until now, I haven't used a professional editor. Her expertise and skill at pulling apart and pulling together my story was a revelation. Having a different fresh perspective was exactly the shake-up I didn't know I needed! (Not for the faint-hearted) I have been picked up by an agent with my third book. I don't think this would have happened without Julie's guidance.

I. Thomas

(Editing, Formatting/Typesetting/CoverArt)

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You were (highly) recommended to me by one of your "serial clients" (her words, not mine!). The last few weeks have been an absolute wow for me. I'm not telling you anything I haven't already said to you via our correspondence, but I wanted to add my recommendation for other potential clients visiting your website.

I was brought up with the mantra, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

You are the exception to this:

• Meticulous

• Generous

• Kind and encouraging

• Delivers the "hard-to-hear" stuff in a way that is easy to understand (and pushed me to work smarter.

I'm aspiring to join the 'serial client' club. :)

Tamsin Sheen

(Editing)

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When I was first put on to J.F Books through a writing forum, I was struck by the words "kind" and "generous" that popped up several times on Julie's testimonials. (An unusual thing to see written, I thought)

However, having recently had my manuscript edited with her, it makes sense. (This is my 3rd publication).

Julie is lovely to work with! And I will put this out there - she doesn't charge enough.

A very happy (returning) customer.

G. Lattimer.

(Editing, Back Cover Blurb)

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