Here are some of the things that our clients have to saw about working with the Black Wolf editor.
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Regan W. H. Macaulay
I am a Canadian author from Toronto, Ontario, who was inspired by my first visit to Aotearoa (years ago). I wrote a middle-grade novel set in NZ with endemic animal (anthropomorphic) characters, which then led to an outline for a series of four quest/adventure novels total, called "Peter Little Wing". This first novel passed by many eyes here in Canada, the US, and the UK. I received guidance and notes from many—but this led the story astray. I came to discover, through [Judy] especially, that New Zealand had become all but lost in that process. I needed to find the setting again—to almost elevate Aotearoa to a character. Since the characters were mostly endemic to NZ, the entire story was going in the wrong direction. I needed to find someone to help make sure NZ was ever-present, and that all my references were accurate, in addition to the usual edits.I sought [Judy] out to make sure New Zealand was fully and properly represented in my novel, and later, for the rest of the series. Together we whipped "Peter Little Wing" back into shape, recovered what had been mistakenly trimmed away in previous edits, pushing me to go back to the beginning to all that inspired me to write the story in the first place. The book found its way because of [Judy].
Judy gets right to the heart of what works and what doesn't in your story. She can help you figure out how to fix it, whether it's through her written editorial report that will break down your book chapter by chapter, and/or through her mentoring session with you. She has a true gift for really "seeing" your story—and therefore what crucial beats, moments, or other elements might be missing. Her criticism is truly and completely constructive. You will find yourself with a better story at the very least after working with Judy.
Best Part of Working with Judy: There are a number of things, really. [Her] detailed editorial analysis that broke down every chapter of the book clarified each element of the story for me. Those reports led to a new way of analyzing future manuscripts in the series (book three, specifically), which has been exciting to work on with [her]. Breaking down my own manuscript in a spreadsheet, in the way [she does for her] reports, and then having [her] notes included in that breakdown has been truly eye-opening. I see my story so much more clearly, now (and I have an idea as to how [she] see my story). I also really appreciate the mentoring sessions. Speaking to [Judy] "in person" (via Zoom) clears away any left over clouds of confusion. I also appreciated [her] help in referring me to other professionals where necessary (for those elements of my books that included Māori content).
Services: Developmental editing
You can follow Regan's journey through writing on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or via her website.
Peter Little Wing was published by Pandamonium Publishing House (2023) and is available through Amazon or directly through the author. The second book in the series is scheduled for release in 2025. Book three is currently in development.
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Scott Fack
[Before working with Judy,] I felt okay about [my writing] but not super confident. I felt like I was faking it a bit to be honest. [And] I worried about how we would get along, but that worry was quashed about a minute into our first conversation!
[Judy has] made me so much more confident in my writing and that's raised my own confidence in myself significantly. I can't thank [her] enough for [her] help, knowledge, and encouragement.
[And the best part of working with Judy:] Besides [her] really helping hone in on how my novel should look and giving me invaluable feedback and instruction? (Because those were very much great parts!) All the laughs we had and how well we got along. That helped me be me and listen to what [she was] saying and help[ed] me become a better writer.
Don't worry about your hesitations. Get in there and do it! Judy's friendly, very knowledgeable, and definitely a good mentor and developmental editor to have with you on your journey.
(Follow Scott's journey to publication through his website or Instagram (@ScottAndrewFack).)
Services: Mentoring (long-term writing coaching)
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Zaayin Salaam
Before Judy's edit, I felt I had a somewhat difficult and long novel, but an important one. I felt I needed more professional feedback since I'm a complete newbie to writing.I was hesitant if a straight, married woman would appreciate a lesbian, feminist novel. I feel that Judy is very able to appreciate and edit lesbian novels, and provide good feedback about when I'm being obtuse with addressing issues.
[She] said try first person, and I did. It made a huge difference to word count and closeness to characters. I also switched around certain segments. [Her] opinion on a number of small pieces was very helpful, especially in the follow-up face-time sessions. I really appreciate talking to a professional about my novel, piece by piece.
[The best part was] getting clear, cold feedback and direct answers, and also [her] examples of how to improve. I, for one, love specific examples, since I'm willing to change a lot of small things to help bring the larger message across. Also, I loved the follow-up sessions and might book another one!
Services: Developmental Editing
With Love from Planet B can be purchased through Amazon.
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Anonymous Science Fiction Writer
[Judy] pointed out exactly where my backstory sections and dialogue tags are. I need to see the precise areas. More importantly, how to sprinkle in backstory and not have an info dump. [And she shared] book resources that I can learn POV, first person [from].
[Judy is] excellent... just price is a little steep. I feel like for that price more words could have been edited... However, I understand it's a lot of work.
Services: Developmental Editing and Manuscript Assessment
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Maggie Dickison
I had come up with a story that I loved but I had no idea if it was worthy of publication, if others would enjoy it. I had put so much effort into it, so much editing. Yes, I was proud of it but was it good enough? I felt lost.
From your initial email, you provided me with invaluable (free) feedback and gave me some ideas of pathways, not necessarily forcing yours on me. You showed kindness without asking anything from me. It was a 'no brainer' to use your editing service.
I would have no qualms in recommending that others come to you. You clearly want to help writers. There is no hidden agenda. We all need help along the way and I am so glad that I have someone that I can go to. Yes, you are offering a service, but that is fine with me, too. I want to be able to ask for feedback, honest and straight to the point. It is money well-spent.
I am hoping that we can work together for the long term.
Services: Manuscript Assessment
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Anonymous Fantasy Writer
I felt like [my story] needed some polishing and some rewriting, but I wasn't entirely certain where or how to accomplish it. I tend to have a negative gut reaction to feedback I consider criticism, and it takes me some time to digest it before I can act on it. I was nervous that development editing of this nature would be a challenge for me to accept.
To those who have those same hesitations: Go for it. The feedback I received from Judy was positive, direct, and will immensely help my story. Without her advice, I'm certain it would never be what I know it can be. I feel that I can take her advice and use it to make my book series successful.
[She] reframed certain story components in a way that will help me restructure the story in a faster paced, stronger overall plot. [She] also pointed out what was done well, which will allow me to use those elements as I go back through and rewrite. My story will be stronger for this.
Services: Developmental Editing
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Helen Savore
Judy worked on a critique of my Phoenix Grail WIP. The analysis provided a great new optic into my story, and is helping me reorganize the WIP for the better, especially the ending. She provided not only these good insights, but some solid suggestions for editing techniques to guide in discovering the best solution.Services: Manuscript Assessment
Check out The Phoenix Grail and Sword in the Throne on Amazon. -
Aderyn Wood
Judy helped me immeasurably to improve my novel. Her constructive critical feedback proved invaluable in the process of readying my manuscript for publication. She offered pertinent suggestions on small details, like line edits, and also on the big picture elements of plot, pacing and character development. Judy has an eye for good storytelling.
Services: Manuscript Assessment
The Raven can be purchased through Amazon. -
Nicky Taylor
I had reached a point where I literally couldn’t read my novel any more. I needed new eyes and Judy provided them. I liked having access to Judy’s wealth of knowledge, and the tips on her website and other links she sent me.
Judy’s package deals are great, because you know exactly what you’re getting, and it was paid for up front so I no longer had to think about it. You have to pay for quality!
Services: Manuscript Assessment
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Ann Bell Feinstein
I hired Judy L Mohr to provide a developmental edit of my manuscript. She went above and beyond the duty of an editor, providing mentoring while I reworked the manuscript and developed an understanding of the things she pointed out. She made excellent use of technology to review her report with me since we are in different countries. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone.
Services: Manuscript Assessment, Developmental Edit
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Jill W
Judy's feedback was invaluable. Not only was she supportive of my intentions, her critique has given me the tools to significantly improve my writing across all of my writing projects. I was initially anxious as this was the first time I had submitted my work for review however Judy's professionalism fostered an environment of trust.
I am looking forward to working with Judy on many future projects and would have no hesitation in recommending her services to writers of all levels.
Services: Manuscript Assessment
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Nadine Kats
Thanks so much for your flattering feedback! Of course I LOVED to hear that you have such great comments about my writing. But it’s not just the good comments I like. I like your style of critiquing because you have a mix of general points to make but also give detailed examples with your line-edits on how to improve my writing. This means I can learn from my mistakes and then go through the manuscript and apply changes to the rest of my writing accordingly.
I just found your feedback too helpful that I’m telling myself: “I’ll just get Judy’s opinion on that next scene. Oh, and maybe the next, and the one after.”
Services: Manuscript Assessment
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Joan Gladwyn
I realised my website was just a placeholder, designed to show that I had a business, but not optimised to drive business to me. I was worried that the cost would be higher than I could afford, or that Judy might change things so much that it wouldn't be "my" website anymore.Judy listens to what you want to achieve and has the technical know-how to achieve it. I'm glad I invested the money and can now reap the benefits. I had an enquiry via the website the first week after the website revamp. That had never happened in the previous three years.
Now, I have more confidence to carry on and keep the site up-to-date.
(Joan Gladwyn is a freelance editor for nonfiction works. You can contact her via her website or through LinkedIn.)
Services: Mentoring (Website and Online Presence)
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Nigel Ferguson
Working with Judy Mohr is money well spent. Her advice to authors is sound and sensible, and is bound to enhance the recipient's understanding of how a well structured piece of writing should present. In my experience, her criticism of my plot and the helpful comments made for each chapter, gave me the impetus to make improvements to my story that has transformed and enriched the novel.
Services: Mentoring (Writing Coaching)
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Madeline Konrad
[Before we worked together,] I felt like it was strong, though not well directed -- that sometimes I had lost the point through it all.
[Hesitations:] Mostly the price. I'm not in a terribly strong position to be hiring editors to go over my writing, but I felt like this project deserved a professional editor look it over.
[Now,] I would say — go for it, keep working and improving your writing, and share what you have with others who can help you.
[The best part of working with Judy:] Definitely the large amount of experience [she] bring[s] to the table! I'm gratified that my project was able to be analyzed on a level that made me feel, well, "I could do this. This is a thing I can do." I felt like all of [her] critiques were fair and pointed to ways I could improve my work. [Now,] I think I can better structure my writing and work to craft more engaging stories.
Services: Developmental Editing (Manuscript Assessment)
You can reach out to Madeline via Mastodon.