Author Testimonials
“Starting with a Professional Analysis gave me confidence in Gemma's knowledge and natural analytical skills while only committing a small amount of money. So far we have worked on a structural edit and I plan to go through all the editing stages. Though this was not my original plan, I can see the benefits of each stage.
The Professional Analysis report had its own value, allowing me to look at some initial editing work while advising what my book needed. I have enjoyed working with Gemma as she has a genuine passion for what she does, and I feel she is as invested in my story as I am. Gemma points out the positives with the book as well as the weaknesses, while advising on my strengths and where I can improve. She advises and questions things that are unclear while not interfering with your work, allowing it to be something you have created on your own.
Gemma has helped me improve my work to the point I feel it is a stronger story, twice what it was.
Through the process, I have come to appreciate her advice and now see it as a necessity in order to take the book to the next level.”
James Anderson, author of The Titan Hunter
“I have worked with Gemma Taylor as my independent editor since she first hung out her shingle. Having already edited a previous novella of mine, she initially helped me with a full developmental edit of my newly-published Roman mystery novel, The Governor’s Man. She saw at an early stage that I needed a change of principal characters, as well as much more suspense and pacing.
She was right: the book became much more fun and exciting. Late in 2020 I went back to Gemma with a full draft. Her basilisk eye and great feel for character development and story helped me quickly write the final version. I sent that version out on submission in February 2021, and gained a 3-book deal with a publisher, Sharpe Books, in April. My novel was published on 19 May, and is selling happily, both here, and in the US and round the world.
I owe so much of this success to Gemma. She is that rare person, a consummate professional who has both the vision for the whole story, and also a terrific eye for detail. She’s a joy to work with. She will love your book/thesis/article like you do yourself!
I recommend her services without hesitation.”
Jacquie Rogers, author of The Governor's Man
“Gemma has done an amazing job of editing my children’s book. Somehow she has made it come alive and even more real. Gemma is very professional, kind and positive with her feedback. I would absolutely recommend her services.”
Dominic Brown, author of The Grumpy Duck
“The editing process was thorough and helpful in so many ways. It was a pleasure to be working with someone who had taken the time to understand the story and get to know the characters. Before Gemma was involved, the characters in my book only existed in my imagination, and needless to say, they were more one-dimensional than they might have been. Gemma helped me correct that, and now my characters are much more grounded and real.
Gemma provided a professional analysis and annotated manuscript to help with the recommended alterations. Everything was easy to understand and pointed me in the right direction without being over-influential. She also helped me construct a letter to a prospective publisher, create a synopsis (which I found challenging to do on my own), and write blurbs for the rear cover and Amazon.
Another plus was that when she committed to do something by a particular date, she delivered every time while also being available to respond to ad-hoc inquiries.
Before this experience, I had avoided the costs of using an Editor. But now that I have discovered Gemma and can see the real value she can bring, I will continue to seek her expert advice in future books.”
Hugh Macnab, author of Dark Matter
"Gemma knows all about the publishing world and her efficient and friendly advice on how to edit my manuscript was so useful."
Christopher Scott, author of United in Valour (historical fiction)
“One of the best decisions I ever made to advance my writing was to utilise Gemma Taylor’s services as a professional editor. I have found her advice to be clear and detailed, and she has a sharp eye for what is superfluous in a manuscript. I found Gemma to be expert in guiding me through the editing process, and she gives an honest assessment of what services would be of most benefit.
I would thoroughly recommend working with Gemma, she is helpful and approachable, and extremely knowledgeable. I hope to be working with her in the future.”
Fiona Lamont, author of The Dark Angel Sings
“Being new to writing I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, even the terminology was a tad baffling: I didn’t know a copyeditor from a proofreader. But Gemma was amazing at her craft and explained everything clearly and concisely, talking me through each step in the editing process.
Now my first novel is complete and heading out for submission, which certainly would not have been happening without Gemma’s guiding hand and attention to detail.”
Scott Davies, author of Sadie
"As a new writer looking for direction, Oak Leaf Editing was a great find. Working with Gemma was an amazing experience for me. Gemma's professional expertise and support, which was extremely kind and constructive, has been invaluable to me and my development as a writer. I have found Gemma to be extremely approachable and a real pleasure to work with."
Keely Chalmers-Stevens, author of Start Over Lucy
“Gemma was extremely easy to work with and was always constructive and positive in her feedback. This was the first time I had been through a structural editing process, and I found it very enlightening. Gemma provided useful critiques, whether it be broad sweep observations around a character's background and development throughout the story, to smaller notes around the sequence of actions within a specific section of the book. I am left far more confident about my novel, and ready to now either seek out representation or publish myself.”
Paul Ilett, author of Exposed
“My whole experience with Oak Leaf Editing has been positive. So reliable and friendly it has been great dealing with Gemma. Always at hand for a helping phone call. Whilst giving me great tips on my writing as well as different angles and subjects to be writing about. Fair and easy to deal with, can't ask for much more.”
Jamie Clark, author of A Working Man’s Stories (memoir)
“As a first time novelist I needed to find someone, with experience of the publishing world, to check my manuscript and advise me. Looking on the internet was a minefield. Who was the right person for me? I had no system but I opened Gemma’s website and liked what I saw. The face that looked back at me looked friendly, sensitive and intelligent and so with no more than gut feeling I contacted Gemma.
I didn’t understand some of the terminology when Gemma sent me her list of services but we spoke and decided what I needed to begin with. She kept in regular contact with me and gently guided me through the process. I was always excited to open the next email from Gemma. She was flexible and understood that there were financial constraints but we had a delightful working relationship and I feel confident she has helped me tidy up and improve my work ready to find an agent. She is professional and caring and my initial judgement on seeing her website proved to be right. I will use her on my next project and can highly recommend her. Thank you Gemma.”
Anita Philpott, author of The Budgerigar (historical fiction)
“A really professional editing service. Instructions on what to do and how to do it are clear with lots of helpful and good suggestions on how I could improve certain areas of my novel. Things that have been done are always clear too - I would definitely suggest this editing service as my novel has improved and the writing is also clearer.”
Millie Blair, author of Four Distant Lands of Nikos (fantasy)