Client Reviews
Matthew Gill said,
★★★★★
I reached out to Ground Crew Editorial to perform a development edit on what will be my "proper" debut novel. I wished to make it as good as I could, ensuring character arcs flowed, the setting made sense to a new reader, and was a fun and compelling read. I had particular concerns about the journey of the main character and the intrigue plot line so I wanted a professional eye on to ensure both worked as intended.
Ariane is fantastic, kind, professional, and exceptionally talented. She identified problems and proposed actionable solutions. The in-line comments in particular were very helpful for tweaking the story at a scene level. Her attention to detail was also very impressive, spotting inconsistencies that were multiple chapters apart!
The one week check in was really helpful, particularly because I could hear Ariane's early concerns and then explain what I had been aiming to do with the story so that she could then edit the rest of it with that in mind. That then meant the feedback she ultimately gave was tailored to what I had been intending, rather than what I had actually written!
Working with Ground Crew Editorial has been a pleasure. I can highly recommend them to any authors, aspiring or otherwise. The skill and professionalism is fantastic. I worked directly with Ariane and she is friendly, understanding, and genuinely enjoys her work while being interested in helping authors. I most certainly intend to work with her again!
– Matthew Gill, Sci-Fi Author
Michel Veilleux said,
★★★★★
I was facing several problems. The main was my lack of confidence in the bones of the manuscript. But the first half of it was also in need of strengthening, determining where to begin the story.
Ariane is able to see through the written words to what you're truly trying to say, and then show you ways that will enable your true meaning to rise to the surface without forcing it, ways that you probably wouldn't have seen yourself without her guidance. The result, for me at least, was a tremendous eye-opening experience. She will help elevate the quality of your manuscript.
The generosity of information when communicating was wonderful, as well as the timeliness of the responses and the clarity of the information given.
Seriously, I had a great experience so far. I came in with some scepticism and a bit of reluctance. But not only was I proven wrong to hesitate, I'm glad I took the plunge and asked for your services.
– Michel Veilleux, Sci-Fi Author
Anna Hughes said,
★★★★★
I wanted my first manuscript edited after self-publishing it 11 years ago. Ariane has been a brilliant introduction into working with an editor.
We are 6 hours apart by time but despite this, she took me as I was, always makes me feel comfortable while talking to her, and even let me have a payment plan to help my budget. Her attention to detail shone through in the manuscript assessment, plus she listens to me talk too much and change the subject about a thousand times without losing patience with me!
– Anna Hughes, Dark Fantasy Author
Avalon George said,
★★★★★
Because Jackie took the time to understand me, she really understood my book and helped give me that extra push to take it to the place I’ve been wanting my book to go! Though it may sound weird to say about an editor, I was absolutely touched reading her edits because I really felt seen. I kept thinking to myself: She GETS it!
– Avalon George, Middle Grade Author
Rachel Boulos said,
★★★★★
As I wrote the first draft of my fantasy novel, I kept getting stuck. I needed to resolve plot holes and figure out how to connect various worldbuilding elements, but I couldn't do it by myself. Jackie was exactly the type of editor I needed!
I would recommend Jackie and her crew in a heartbeat! She put me at ease right away. Her insightful questions, conversational style, and editorial experience helped me build a better story!
– Rachel Boulos, Fantasy Author
Maddison Zigtema said,
★★★★★
I can’t recommend Ground Crew Editorial enough. Everything felt really professional but also personal. Ariane was incredible. Her attention to detail was next level, and her love of story came through in her feedback.
She was super communicative—from feedback to progress to suggestions to resources. She felt like a true partner in the process not just a consultant.
I walked away feeling more confident in my book and will be going to her for my future projects!
– Maddison Zigtema, Fantasy Author
KT Roth said,
★★★★★
I not only despise writing a synopsis, but it’s not my strength at all. Ariane has twice now summarized my novels while highlighting key character dynamics and the larger stakes of the stories.
She is excellent to work with—not only great at providing what’s requested, but lovely in our interactions throughout the process and highly solicitous of what exactly I want from her.
The best part about working with Ariane is the back-and-forth. I can always feel the project growing between the two of us.
– KT Roth, Sci-Fi Author
D. A. Neville said,
★★★★★
I was looking for manuscript evaluation of a multi volume work of fiction. Ariane eyed my humble wheelbarrow stuffed with struts, sheet metal, lumpy threaded bits flecked with oil and rust. “I see wings in there,” said she. That has made all the difference.
– D. A. Neville, Sci-Fi Author
AE Marling said,
★★★★★
After the final draft, you always have to consider hiring editors. Is it necessary? Maybe the manuscript is clean enough as is. After seeing the fixes found by Ground Crew Editorial, I am mortified at the thought of publishing a story without having it first professionally edited.
– AE Marling, Solarpunk Author
Kristine Cash said,
★★★★★
Ariane has an eye for detail that not many people possess. When you use her, not only are you signing up for someone who cares deeply, but someone who also has the skill to back up their passion. Honestly, my book wouldn't be near completion if it wasn't for all her feedback and help. I cannot recommend her enough.
The best part about working with her is the personal touch she adds to her work. I feel like I get my money's worth each time because she gives so much back.
– Kristine Cash, Adult Fantasy Author
Leigh Gaddy said,
★★★★★
Jackie at Ground Crew Editorial surpassed my hopes for a developmental edit. I'm writing a middle grade fantasy and I wrote way too many words, especially for current publishing practices. This was the main problem that I asked for help with at the beginning. Jackie came back to me with an incredible editorial letter and suggestions throughout my whole manuscript, helped me realize that I had enough material in there for a whole trilogy, and spent a generous amount of time helping me understand the questions to help me refine the story. I'm so incredibly grateful. Jackie (and her sister, Ariane) is the right person to turn to for help with any story, but especially middle grade fantasy. She GETS IT. I can’t recommend Ground Crew Editorial enough. Highly recommend!
– Leigh Gaddy, Middle Grade Fantasy Author
Esther Moon said,
★★★★★
Ariane was so generous with her time and very thorough.
I felt really comfortable choosing Ground Crew for my project because of her professionalism and her process of communicating up front about my needs and then providing two editing passes through my document, with space in between for me to review her work and make requests/changes.
Also, she was really fast and met my deadlines with ease. I'm very impressed!
—Esther Moon, Nonfiction Project
Karen Morgan said,
★★★★★
Jackie is highly professional. Her comments and suggestions are well thought out.
She keeps the industry standards in mind, researches, and gives great advice to bring the work to its full potential, all without taking anything away from the author's vision.
Anyone needing editorial work should definitely contact Ground Crew Editorial!
– Karen Morgan, Children’s Book Author
Larry Nyanti said,
★★★★★
I had a novel manuscript which needed sprucing up! Jackie is someone who's easy to work with and efficient. I most appreciated the ease of communication and excellent editing work done on my manuscript.
– Larry Nyanti, Adult Speculative Fiction Author
Christy Eiler Ward said,
★★★★★
The editors at Ground Crew helped bring my children’s book to the next level. They went way beyond any expectation, both with time and written feedback. I highly recommend!
– Christy Eiler Ward, Picture Book Author/Illustrator
AE Marling said,
★★★★★
I needed help with finding typos in my work.
The service was timely, affordable, and thorough. Ariane was clearly passionate about the project and delivered a high level of understanding.
– AE Marling, Sci-Fi Author
Keela Lupton said,
★★★★★
Jackie was fantastic! I needed expedited editing services for a writing competition I was entering.
She was responsive, thoughtful, encouraging, and full of wisdom. I was grateful for Jackie's experience in the field and willingness to support me throughout the whole editing process. I would work with her again in a heartbeat!
I felt so supported!
– Keela Lupton, Picture Book Author
KT Roth said,
★★★★★
Ariane was impressively able to condense a full story into a tight two-page synopsis that captures the protagonists' journey and stakes, framed by the salient narrative plot elements. Great communication and a simple ease in the back-and-forth process.
– KT Roth, Sci-Fi Author
Nick Manwaring said,
★★★★★
When you have reached the end of all you can do for your manuscript, start here. Coming to Ground Crew for book help was like asking the Oracle of Delphi for guidance—minus the speaking in riddles aspect :) Going into this, I admit that I worried about the quality of the commentaries. I asked myself questions like "is this worth my money? Can they offer something few beta-readers could?" In the aftermath, I see my worries were unfounded.
My publishing journey has taken a new trajectory because of the help I received here.
– Nick Manwaring, Sci-Fi Author
Sean Neubert said,
★★★★★
I have worked with five editors, and Ariane’s feedback is the best I have received.
Ariane is a brilliant editor. She was able to literally read between the lines and determine the writing choices I made—it’s like she was in my head! She was able to tell me what is and isn’t working and made excellent suggestions for how to improve my manuscript.
The next time I write a novel, she’ll be the first editor I’m calling.
– Sean Neubert, Adult Sci-Fi Author