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Editing Testimonial

Kiah Sherif provided valuable insight at a time where I felt in a rut, listless, and unable to clearly see my own manuscript anymore. I’d worked on my manuscript for years since graduating from grad school, and found it had become an utter mess, much like an undefined oil painting with so many underpaintings that the artistic design was muddled. What I should have done was contact Kiah earlier, that would have saved much consternation.

Kiah’s edits proved incredibly useful on many levels. Formatting edits helped to put things in their proper place, word choice edits helped to clarify sentences. In short, Kiah provided line edits and overarching edits. She read the manuscript twice, allowing me to see edits from her first and second read. And yet, she didn’t over edit. She would make a point and let it stand, coming back to remind me of that point when called for. She focused characters and made the action of the novel much clearer. She is incredibly conscious of the way she phrases – which is not to say she doesn’t punch when a punch is called for, but her punches come with the greatest kindness. Honestly, I could have used a little more of her edits.

Kiah is unafraid to work her creative muscles too. In some instances, rather than explain what she wanted to see, she’d attempt to match my style while writing out a sample scene. While no editor can give edits you always agree with, I think Kiah has got to be hitting the 90% mark. She understands the story at an incredibly professional level. She doesn’t try and rewrite anything but nudges the story in the direction she feels the story is going.

Lastly Kiah’s follow up conversations have been invaluable. She engaged in multiple conversations, either about her comments, or about potential changes. She inspires great confidence in your writing and brings a deep understanding of creative works and life to the table. I recommend that anyone work with Kiah, from the most seasoned vets to the biggest beginner. Don’t wait, like I did, but allow a fresh pair of well trained and practiced eyes to take a look and help your story unlock.


- Sam 

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