Some authors and institutions we’ve worked with were kind enough to supply a few words about the editing, educational, and community services provided to them. I’ve included a few here.
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R. Michael Burns
It has recently been my pleasure to work with editor Henry Snider on my newly-launched novel, Windwalkers. I can’t say it was always a fun experience, because there were times when Henry made me work pretty hard to sharpen my prose to a fine edge, and I sat at my desk, cursing his name. Then I bent to the task of making the changes he’d suggested – because as an editor, his job is to make me, as the guy with his name on the cover, look good. And he did that job exceptionally. What particularly impressed me was his ability to find improvements without altering my narrative voice. He didn’t change the novel, he genuinely improved it. And in a few cases, he kept me from making a complete fool of myself. There is no doubt in my mind that the book is stronger for the hard work and thought that he put into it. Henry also designed the cover for Windwalkers, and I am impressed not only with the final product, but also with how well he managed to balance my input with the editor’s requirements. At every point along the way, Henry was thoroughly professional. He addressed my concerns, took a stand when he had to, and always worked to improve the novel. When I think of what his editing added to the final product, I am actually glad the novel wasn’t published earlier. I can only hope that any future relationships I may have with other editors are as productive and altogether positive. – R. Michael Burns
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Jason Thacker
To whom it may concern,I recently had the opportunity to work with Henry Snider on my book “Dead Are Alive”. First Henry worked with me to edit my book. He was very professional and helpful. Henry helped bring out the best in my work with his vast editorial knowledge. He taught me so much more that I didn’t know about proper grammar and the mechanics of writing. Any questions I had, Henry was more than willing to go out of his way to explain anything I had trouble understanding. After going through the editing process with Henry, I felt like I had just completed an advanced writing course. Then I had the opportunity to have Henry work on my book’s layout and the cover. I showed Henry what I had in mind for the cover and he took it from there. I was blown away with the final results. He did an awesome job on the entire book, inside and out. I would put the appearance of my book up against any book put out by the Big Six any day. It really looks that good! I can’t recommend Henry’s services enough. He is the first and only person that I will ever use for my books in the future. Jason Thacker |
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Brooke Fabian
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Suzanne Robb
She is professional, responds in a timely manner to inquiries, and has an incredible editorial knowledge base. Her corrections on my stories let me maintain my voice, but also teach a great deal about proper grammar, and story structure. I plan to work with her again in the future, because each time I learn more, which makes me a better writer. Suzanne |
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Gardenia Press
Dear Hollie, This notarized letter is to serve as an affidavit concerning your reliability and competence as an editor. Gardenia Press has utilized your services for more than a year and has always been more than satisfied with your work. Your editing service and knowledge is above and beyond that of most manuscript editors. Line by line edits performed by you are extensive and detailed, exceeding our required editing levels by several degrees. When I met with you at the Orlando conference, I was impressed with your professional demeanor and obvious dedication to your work. Gardenia Press would be pleased to have you do editing for the company now and in the future. If you need additional references, I am available weekdays at our toll free number, 1-866-861-9443. Feel free to call and request whatever you may need, or have any individual requiring more information call. I am pleased to provide this reference. Cordially, Robert L. Collins, |
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Frederick F. Meyers Jr.
Ms Snider was the contract editor for my second novel, “Cry Judas.” I cannot speak with greater praise for the talented effort displayed in the editing of this manuscript. The dialogue with Ms Snider was positive and continuous throughout the editing process which was thorough, rapid, positive, and objective. Ms Snider goes far beyond the general requirements of an editor and proveides additional analysis as to the strengths and weaknesses of the writer. I found her suggestions and comments to be of great value. Her technical skills are excellent and the final “Cry Judas” product now reads much tighter and more fluidly due to her meticulous evaluation and review of each and every sentence in the manuscript. Her suggestions on plot and character development have been insightful and clearly added polish and depth to the novel. Perhaps more important than her editing skills, I found Ms Snider to be a “thoughtful ear” and excellent sounding board for my own ideas and concerns. I can offer no higher confidence in her skills and abilities other than to note that it is my intent to contractually Solicit her as my editor on future novels through whatever publisher I may then be working. She had made this author appear to be a much better writer than he actually is. Should futher information be desired, please feel free to contact me at the afore listed addresses. Sincerely, Frederick F. Meyers, Jr. |
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Woodland Park High School
Re: Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group To Whom It May Concern: It is my pleasure to recommend The Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group for their annual short story writing contest as well as any supplemental use in the classroom. The writers group provided a wonderful supplemental experience for my creative writing class at Woodland Park High School. Their guest lectures helped to reinforce and supplement my instruction relating to theme, dialogue, plot structure, characterization and genre in prose fiction. The fact that the speakers are all published authors and editors brought instant, real-life validation to the messages they were conveying to the students, who were engaged and attentive throughout the entire presentation. It is also my pleasure to recommend their short story writing contest. The students were genuinely excited to be a part of a writing contest. The idea of a contest motivated most of my students to put forth an enthusiastic short story effort. The students seemed equally impressed by the members’ descriptions of how CSFWG operates, and several students expressed an interest in attending one of the group’s weekly critiquing sessions at the invitation of group members. I was impressed, too, with the generosity of the group; not only did they share relevant cyber-links and personal email addresses, but they provided them with a multitude of useful and insightful handouts. Group members communicated well with the students and with me, demonstrating openness to suggestions for future contests and a genuine desire to help students become better fiction writers. Overall, my experience with the Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group was highly positive. I would recommend them and their contest, not just to creative writing classes, but to all high school level English classes. I hope they return to Woodland Park in the near future to help us teach creative writing and to help motivate students to put forth their best effort through the writing contest. Scott Leonard Woodland Park High School |
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Zebulon Pike Youth Services
I would like to recommend the Colorado Springs Fiction Writer’s Group as guest presenters to any organization that involves young people. I am a teacher at Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center which has a very specialized population of 40 male juvenile adjudicated offenders, a difficult population to work with. The Fiction Writer’s Group came to present to our students every month for six months. They presented with information about writing and how to become a writer with professionalism and courtesy. They were entertaining and informative. The students were always anxious for their visits. They even donated copies of Hollie Snider’s book, which they have all read and enjoyed. I highly recommend their services. Sincerely, Susan Maloney Special Education Coordinator |
June 17, 2003
The purpose of this communication is to provide comment on the editing expertise, abilities, and professional relationship with Hollie Snider. I have been a technical writer for the Department of Defense for several years and thus, believe I can speak with some reasonable degree of experience.
December 8, 2010
To whom it may concern,
