| Helping First-Time Writers Become Published Authors |
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Diane O'Connell
Editorial Director |
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From the Blog 5 Steps to Become Your Own Best Editor Embracing Ugly Drafts Decoding the Rejection Letter 5 Steps to Clutter-Free Writing |
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Diane O'Connell interviews Jeffrey A. Friedberg, former private eye and author of the critically acclaimed paranormal
thriller, Black Road 2012.
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One of the great things about working with Diane is her obvious love of writing - the whole process,
reading, editing, publishing. This combines with her actual experience in the field to give you a
tremendous certainty that she speaks the truth. If she says the writing is good, then you know she is
not just buttering you up.If she says it is not working you know she is probably right - and follows this with invaluable editing guidance delivered in a very positive way. I never ended up feeling bad about the weak sections of the book; instead I ended up understanding why they didn't work, and felt encouraged and confident fixing them up. Diane stuck with me on this for three years. She never made me feel like I was an annoyance, and kept telling me to stick with it. She is the real deal. I can state categorically that my first novel would never have been published without Diane. - Cody McFadyen, author of Abandoned, The Darker Side, The Face of Death and Shadow Man (Bantam) |
Want to sell your book? You need Diane O’Connell. I have worked with many editors, but no one gets your idea or
manuscript in shape and ready to be scooped up by a publisher as well as she can. Diane has fresh ideas, excellent
insight, and knows the market inside out. I refer my friends, colleagues, and anyone who asks to Diane O’Connell. You can’t
ask for more in terms of dedication, professionalism, and caring. The bonus: Diane is delightful to work with.- Susan Newman, PhD., author of The Case for the Only Child (Health Communications, Inc.) |
It has been a pleasure working with Diane! She challenged me to see beyond the words on a page and into the eyes of my characters. Every step of the way, she was always there for me and provided helpful and honest insight. I feel honored to have worked with her. - Erica Negi, author of My Life in Loubies (Crane Lake) |
I had seen Diane O’Connell speak at a conference in New Mexico and was immediately both impressed by
and drawn to her knowledge, skills, and bright personality. She agreed to accept me as a client and
worked fairly and tirelessly with me through my first outline, subsequent roughs, and the entire
process, to completion of my first novel, Black Road 2012.One of the many things I like most about Diane was her straightforwardness (“You’re staring at your navel here too much, Jeffrey.” “Cut this section down…”). Another thing I liked a lot was her attention to Story. I had been through thousands of dollars with another editor who was finitely concerned — to my detriment — with everything but Story. Diane helped me formulate, improve and navigate my story to a neat, concise and clear ending. She also helped me a lot with my opening paragraph — my hook. Diane is a very canny and talented editor with a massive background in this almost dynastic New York dominated industry. She has impeccable and impressive credentials, is very well associated, and is able to help guide new writers through the reefs and shoals of this industry. She’s also friendly, funny and seems to always have an important or kind word ready where or when it’s needed. I can recommend Diane O’Connell’s Book Doctor skills and talents without reservation. - Jeffrey A. Friedberg, author Lost Relic Of The Gods (INDI Publishing Group) |
My success all began when I placed the first call to Diane O’Connell. She helped me sharpen my
manuscript and write a first-rate book proposal - and she gave me cheers and smiles when I needed
it.- Kristin Alexandre, author of The Perfect Gentleman: The Secrets Rich Girls Use to Choose the Classiest Guys and Find a Great Guy: Now and Forever (Runnymede Press) |
Thank you, Diane O’Connell, for your guidance, humor, vision, drive for excellence, and for partnering
with me as this project grew from nothing to something. Without your faith and courage to risk on the
nothing, we would not have created anything.Your particular gift for working with first-time authors reminds me of every great coach I’ve ever had. They expected a lot, pushed hard, continued to expect more than I ever thought I had in me, and sometimes pushed so hard in the southern heat that several of us on the team threw up. This has been better. I do not recall throwing up a single time, nor do I recall having to sit out and recover. Your finesse keeps a tired, new author strong, and in the game. Thanks for your gracious balance of kindness and courage. - Dr. Jane G. Victor, author Moving Past Money Pain: The Gracious Path to Overcoming Financial Distress and Loss (INDI Publishing Group) |
I went to Diane for help on a book proposal and got more than I asked for. Not only did she help me
with the proposal that sold my book, she found me a wonderful agent! Diane O'Connell is patient,
professional and her insight into the publishing world is invaluable.- Lucinda D. Schroeder, author of A Hunt for Justice: The True Story of a Woman Undercover Wildlife Agent (The Lyons Press) |
Diane proved masterful at taking my stuffy academic words and breathing life into them. This very
successful book would simply never have happened if it weren't for Diane's gifts, not only in writing
and research, but in knowing how to work with an author who had never written a book, or anything for
the popular audience, before. If you want to turn your dream of writing and selling an interesting,
readable book into reality, look no further than Diane O'Connell.- Sanford L. Braver, PhD, co-author (with Diane O'Connell) of Divorced Dads: Shattering the Myths (Tarcher/Putnam) |
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