"To find a good editor is like finding water in the desert. To find a friend is a far greater challenge. I am grateful to have found both in Bill. After many years of tossing my story around [in my head], Bill's professionalism, unmeasurable literary knowledge, and refreshing personality helped me in making my writing a success."
– Eduardo F. Calcines, author of LEAVING GLORYTOWN: One Boy's Struggle Under Castro.
Note: Eduardo's memoir was sold by literary agent Doris Booth to Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2008, and was published in March of 2009. LEAVING GLORYTOWN is an official selection of the Junior Library Guild and received a starred review from Kirkus.
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"After years of working alone on my writing, I wanted to find out if I was wasting my time. After all, I'd never taken a creative writing course, there were no local writer's groups, and I didn't have a college degree. The only place I had to turn was the internet. I will be forever thankful that my search led me to Bill Kowalski. He became my editor, teacher, mentor, and friend. His faith in my work bolstered me during difficult times and pushed me to believe in myself. Through skillful editing, gentle guidance, honest criticism, unwavering professionalism, and, more importantly, unending patience, Bill Kowalski taught me not only how to write, but how to be a storyteller. Now, I've finished my first novel and gone from a small-town dreamer to an author whose full manuscript has been requested by two NYC agents. There are insufficient words to express my gratitude."
– Ellen W., New York State
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"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, New York, N.Y., 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, who is currently representing the book. Congratulations, Jonah!)
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"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.
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"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. One of his short stories was published in December of 2008 by The Coast magazine (Halifax). He is also at work on a collection of short stories, which has already secured literary representation.)
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"Working with Bill Kowalski proved to be an enormously rewarding experience. Bill is an
outstanding mentor in every respect. He begins the process by talking to his client in
advance, giving him/her a sense of what to expect. His critique, which he finished on
the deadline he promised, turned out to be incredibly thorough and detailed, addressing
all aspects of the manuscript. He pays equal attention to style and content. He went
through the manuscript chapter by chapter, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of
each one. He includes a section called "General Comments" where he discusses the overall
"big picture" issues in the novel. The tone of his critique is positive from start to
finish. In other words, Bill gives you the encouragement you need to reach for new
heights in revising your novel. But he also understands the importance of being honest
about the shortcomings of the manuscript. As an acclaimed novelist, Bill knows that many
elements come together to create good story telling. Not only does the tale have to be
effectively told, it must also be inhabited by memorable characters, a believable plot
and sufficient conflict to maintain the reader's attention. Bill helps the beginning
novelist improve in all of these areas. Even the seemingly smallest details of the
novel, including minor inconsistencies and flaws that the author may not have spotted in
the editing stages, are discussed in the critique. I was able to revise my novel into a
much stronger second draft thanks to Bill. Before going to him, I was too wrapped up in
the writing of the book to see how it could be improved. But Bill helped me write the
novel I really wanted to write. Beginning novelists will benefit enormously from his
critiques. I will always be grateful for his invaluable help."
– Andrew Hunt,
Associate Professor,
Associate Chair Undergraduate,
Department of History,
University of Waterloo, Ontario
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