"I had just completed my first novel. I felt a mix of elation and uncertainty. Bill helped me believe in my work while aiding in its improvement. His suggestions and critique were invaluable to the formation to the story. Not only that, but he also helped me greatly in the arduous Agent Search and has kept in touch with me thereafter. I believe he believes in my work and that has enabled me to push on. He was truly a terrific ally to have in this war for words. Many thanks, good friend!"

--Jonah Green, author of THE PENGUIN EXCHANGE

Note:  After a critique, Jonah's manuscript attracted the attention of Heide Lange, literary agent at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.  Congratulations, Jonah!

"I've worked with various other professional writers and editors, all of whom pale in comparison to Bill Kowalski. Bill's advice has made the single biggest impact on my writing to date. His input is always direct and honest and I can count on his accuracy with what works and what doesn't. His editing skills are first-rate, but above all, he is a master storyteller. Unlike many gifted writers, Bill imparts this skill to others easily and I find that I grow as a writer every time I work with him. Most importantly, his criticism is always valid and conveyed in a constructive manner, leaving me energized to get back to work. "

--Keir Lowther, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Note:  After editing, Keir's short story "dirty bird" was shortlisted for the 2007 CBC Literary Awards, a $6,000.00 prize that includes publication in Air Canada's in-flight magazine.  He is also at work on a collection of short stories which, though not yet complete, has already secured literary representation.

"As a first time novelist, I was indeed fortunate to find Bill. He was able to feel the unique voice in my writing, and from there, intuitively and stylistically, guide me in the direction that I needed to go. He found all the little cracks and gave me the paste to fill them. He didn't try to enchant me with compliments nor did he try to extort exorbitant fees. He was honest, direct, flexible, supportive, and above all professional. His talent for writing and editing by far exceed the cost of his services, which are very reasonable."

--Yolande` McVey, Chicago, Illinois

Note: After editing, in June of 2006, Yolande's full manuscript was requested by editors at Harlequin Romance's African-American imprint, as well as at Genesis Press. 

UPDATE:  Yolande McVey has learned that Genesis Press will publish her first novel, LOVE'S SECRETS, in July of 2008.  Congratulations, Yolande!

"There is no reader I trust more than Bill Kowalski. I have known him for years and have not only benefitted specifically from his skills as a reader but have learned a lot from him about the craft of writing in general. For if Bill is a reader and a writer, he is a teacher, too -- and a very good one at that. He is kind, thoughtful, and patient. He reads with empathy and care, with an understanding of how best to help a writer. He is never overbearing. Your story remains your story to the end. Yet, make no mistake about it, Bill will tell you more about your story than you thought possible, more about your story than you yourself knew. He reads that well."

--Peter Adam Nash, Albuquerque, NM, author of MAPPAMUNDI, Finalist for 2005-2006 Virginia Kirkus Literary Award.

"As a first time novelist, I found Bill's critiques to be insightful, helpful and spot on.  I've been writing my whole life--but never fiction, and Bill is giving me the ballast and the balance to see this project through to a successful completion. He really gets inside your characters and your plot, lauding what works and analyzing what doesn't--in a way that is constructive and precise. Writing can be a lonely venture; Bill is a combination teacher, rabbi, mentor."
 
Mark Effron
Former Vice President of Daytime Programming MSNBC
Former Vice President of News Post-Newsweek Stations

"Many thanks for your critique. I find it thorough, honest and a real eye-opener in pinpointing my various shortcomings as a writer. I'm confident that your comments and observations will prove invaluable in making me a better writer."

--Leonard Pompa, Reston, VA

"Not only has Bill strengthened the specifics of my manuscript, but he has sharpened my eye to avoid repeating the same mistake twice. I can best describe his style as direct and thorough, relentless yet fair. He offers broad sweeping advice on such fundamentals as plot and character development, while maintaining an eye for detail. He brings the experience of a contemporary novelist, without the ego. Most of all, he has taught me to face head-on the brutal, tedious process of revising a 120,000+ word novel."

--John H., North Carolina, USA