Client Reviews
Anna Hughes says,
★★★★★
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 says,
★★★★★
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 says,
★★★★★
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 says,
★★★★★
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 says,
★★★★★
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 says,
★★★★★
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
Dori Sz said,
★★★★★
Ariane has been a wonderful help. I approached her with a rather unusual project; I needed to choose a translator for my book (from its original, a rather small and obscure language, to English) and I needed expert advice since I'm not a native English-speaker. I was really happy to find Ariane flexible and helpful, even though the request was not a regular task of an editor. But she gave me great advice, in form of a review of the translated samples, explaining and highlighting both flaws and strengths of each translator. Her pointing out common mistakes helped me prepare for the full process later on, and her recommendations/ranking the translators supported my final decision. Now, looking back, I couldn't have chosen better (my translator is a blessing to have), and I have Ariane to thank for it.
– Dori Sz, New Adult Fantasy Author
Kim Gerstenschlager said,
★★★★★
After working on my first novel off and on for eight years, I knew it was time to get some professional guidance. My developmental edit with Ground Crew Editorial exceeded my expectations! I’m not a professional writer nor do I have an English degree background, so getting a developmental edit was like having a master class for my own book.
Ariane met with me at the beginning of the project to understand my goals as well as to identify areas to focus her attention. She gave me a detailed check-in after the first week, which put me at ease while I awaited the feedback. I’m so pleased with the specific comments she left in the manuscript, but the real treasure is the editorial letter.
Ariane meticulously analyzed the character arcs, themes, and plot, as well as the worldbuilding and genre expectations of my novel. She provided ideas and actionable next steps to consider to make my story the best it can be.
This was the first time anyone had ever read my manuscript, so I was anxious awaiting the feedback. Ariane showcased my strengths while identifying areas of growth. We were able to meet at the end of the project as well. We discussed the story, gave me opportunities to ask questions, and helped me map out what to do next.
As a new writer, this whole experience has been incredibly valuable and well worth the investment. I can’t wait to work Ground Crew Editorial in the future.
– Kim Gerstenschlager, YA Sci-Fi Author