FEEDBACK

"I knew my manuscript needed a major overhaul, but I was afraid that, at 119,000 words, I wouldn't find someone who would or could do a thorough job, especially because it was dark, sexual, possibly controversial, and maybe not even publishable. I was wrong. I'm very fortunate to have had Stacey Donovan take on my project. She exceeded my expectations beyond anything I could have imagined. I still don't know that my novel will see publication, but I've probably quadrupled my chances now that Stacey has given me some guidance and direction." - Catherine Dix

"Working with Stacey has been a thoroughly rewarding experience, one which has far surpassed my expectations. She consistently went above and beyond in working on my manuscript, providing both insightful and thought-provoking feedback, which opened my mind to hitherto unexplored areas and ideas. To top it all off, she even helped me with my submission strategy as well as the query letter and synopsis, for which I am hugely grateful." (Contact information on request.)

"Stacey did an absolutely fabulous job. I can't recommend her enough. She went above and beyond her line of duty and her critique was thorough, catching many plot details and errors that I previously missed. Thank you so much!" - Christine Catlin

"Had it not been your network, I would not have found, Stacey. Aside polishing my work, she was dedicated to my personal development as a writer. I now have a manuscript that I'm proud of, thanks to you, Lynda. I shall forever be indebted to you for organizing these excellent editors" -  Constancia E. Matanawui

I owe my writing career to Stacey Donovan. I was astounded at her instincts and her talent to not only point out opportunities for improvement, but to offer concrete guidance as to how to implement necessary changes. I had no idea that inspiration, editing excellence, and patient teaching could all be wrapped up in one individual. Now that I'm working on my fifth book, I look back with gratitude to Stacey who so generously shared her expertise and provided such valuable direction. - Patricia Gussin, MD

Stacey Donovan is the right woman at the right time. I was with a terribly muddled manuscript - more like jottings than a real piece of writing. Stacey worked her magic on my writing - and suddenly (well - not so sudden in her mind - probably, in fact, rather laborious for her) the writing came to life. But that wasn't the best part of what she brought to bear on my manuscript. It was the level of organization she found. Yes - in some sense it was inherent already - waiting to be born - but after years of my messing with the book (as well as several other editors who tackled the job and failed), I didn't seem to have what it took to give birth to this baby on my own. Let's say Stacey was the mid-wife - or the doula. She is the one who birthed it and made it a coherent whole. I recommend her unconditionally to anyone who is writing challenged for any reason. - Dr. Jane Goldberg

Last year, on a friend's recommendation, I sent the manuscript for a novel I had just completed to Stacey for review. Not only did I find her critique to be inspired and precise, I also found her to be totally supportive and encouraging. Her feedback was invaluable, for not only was she unafraid to point out what she saw as shortcomings in my work, but also showed great enthusiastic for those elements of the work she digged. I would have no hesitation recommending Stacey to anyone looking for an honest, intelligent review of their work. - Brett Morris

If you want an editor who will not give up on making your work, be it fiction or nonfiction, the best it can possibly be, then Stacey Donovan is the right choice. I’ve worked with Stacey on several published works, and the one indefatigable quality that defines her is an unwavering dedication to excellence. She is a writer’s writer – intuitive, resilient, tireless – with an emphasis on craft, authenticity, and surprise. Stacey knows down to her bones what is ineffable in any creative work.  
-Elise D'Haene

Because of Stacey Donovan's insightful questions and belief I could do better and reach deeper, the novel I was writing went from being a rather predictable story to one full of surprises that kept the pages turning. The story was told from three points-of-view, and Stacey helped me develop each narrator’s story and knit them into a cohesive whole. She stayed involved throughout the entire project, including my query letter and strategy for approaching agents. While the novel didn’t sell, it did land an excellent agent, who has continued to be responsive to me based on that effort. Stacey taught me to be precise in my word choice and how to more effectively use details to evoke character. In addition, she was a pleasure to work with and very knowledgeable about the industry and current marketplace. She consistently kept to our agreed upon schedule and was always available for my endless questions. I am a much stronger and more confident writer for having worked with her.
 -Laura Stein

Working with Stacey has been very rewarding. Her thoughtful and thought-provoking insight lingers. She doesn’t make changes just for the sake of making changes, or just because she knows better (which she does), but shares her reasoning with you so it’s a learning process.  Understanding where her changes come from allows you to then apply the knowledge you’ve acquired to the next proposal draft or any new piece of writing. She’s always so responsive and often has an amusing anecdote to share to illustrate her point. I truly appreciate her candor and refreshing sense of humor along with her extensive experience. Having your work edited can be a painful process but Stacey has made it less so by being willing to share why as well as how.   -Anne O’Connell

Stacey Donovan is more than a good editor. What makes her better than just good is an unerring ability to work with an author. She brings to the table not just an eye for weakness, but the creativity to make suggestions that the author can work with. Naturally, the writer's talent is a factor, but with an editor's help, the writer can give it his or her utmost. Stacey makes you work and work better than you ever thought possible.
-Robert Boris Riskin

Stacey Donovan was an inspirational individual in my writing career. Self-possessed, passionate, and well-informed about the industry – Stacey brought out the best in my efforts and advised me on how to present my work to the trade. As a developing memoir writer, I possessed exceptional life experiences and the intellectual capital to articulate them. But without the guidance, instilled confidence, and empowerment that Stacey Donovan provided to me, I would not have been able to bridge the great divide that ultimately produces a book. Besides being a decisively insightful first reader, Stacey enabled me to visualize the vehicle that transformed my string of anecdotes into a cohesive well-formed framework. My personal story used a vast vocabulary of nautical vernacular; without it, the authenticity of my story would have been lost. Stacey was instrumental in enabling me to cull colloquial expressions to create just the right amount of edge; treading the fine line between believable authenticity and illusive expression. Our work sessions challenged and elevated my desire to express myself with clarity and joy.
-Pat Mundus

My experience with Stacey Donovan spanned 2 years. As a first time novelist, I remember our first meeting well. I showed up with a shopping bag of journalistic writing and a good idea. Thanks to Stacey's experience and creativity, my idea grew wings and substance. With her direction, character development, plot continuity, tone and language were expertly handled, I can rightfully say, without Stacey's skill and direction, Love at First Site would never have become a novel. With great appreciation and thanks.
-Bobbie Braun

I approached Stacey to get her advice on my work so far for my first novel. She was very friendly, honest, professional and diplomatic in her approach. The way she communicated constructive criticism didn’t come across as criticism at all, rather articulated suggestions followed by advice backed with industry experience. I will be continuing to seek Stacey’s advice and would heartily recommend her to any writer, new or established.
-Kishun Gohl

My first ever foray into the world of website-making was fraught with fear of going live into the big world out there, knowing that everyone I've ever known would be reading through my site and commenting, either in their heads, or letting me know what I could've done better. Having Stacey Donovan check me out before pressing GO was an insurance policy to keep my stress level below a roar and clean up the rough spots. After all was said and done, I got more compliments than complaints because Stacey's important nudges moved things in the right direction. Now I know to always get a professional to look me over first and make me look good. Stacey's eye for quirky, edgy and hip allowed me to be myself in the copy, and still sound sharp and smart. I didn't lose my voice or color in the editing process...all I got was clarity. Thanks Stacey!
-Eve Springwood Minson