David Colin Carr

I interviewed three editors before finding David and it was obvious he was the choice I needed. David gave my novel a brilliant, honest and informed edit that has not only greatly improved the work but provided a good lesson in the strategies of plot, character and point of view. David is a natural born teacher and holds nothing back. He is erudite, experienced and brings a deep appreciation for good writing, whatever the genre or style, to the task of «moving words so your words move others.» David’s notes are clear and to the point. And his discussion with me was deeply helpful in reshaping some of my story’s critical transitions. I have other novels waiting in the wings and will use David again. I’ve never had an editor who can grasp with such facility both the nuts and bolts structure of language and grammar and the larger, developmental issues that arise in the construction of any written work, whether fiction or non-​fiction. David is a gem. You’ll be lucky to have him as an editor.

I found David on Unilocal,and I can testify that he lives up to his billing. I had just finished writing a book on our nightmarish healthcare system (The Midnight Stranglers), and needed an experienced hand who could guide me through the editing and self publishing process. David really helped me tighten up my prose, and he worked hard to keep me from blathering on and boring the audience. The payoff came after publication– I have received many compliments from readers on the quality of the writing. And I couldn’t have done it without David! Equally important, I found that David was someone I could trust. There are a number of flakes in the self publishing world, but not David. When I told David I was on a tight timeline, he pulled out the stops to help me meet it. And he introduced me to other equally valuable and reliable self publishing resources that assembled a truly professional end product. If you need help navigating the hells of self publishing, David can be your Virgil. BTW — he also has a great sense of humor!

David laughs a great deal, until he pulls out his red pen. Look out! Not only will your work go from stinky to brilliant you’ll learn from his comments how to be a better writer. He’s quick, reasonable, and not afraid to tell it like it is (but in a comforting way like when your mom says you have spinach in your teeth). Call him if you want straight talk about your writing and concrete suggestions to improve.

David has an innate way of understanding an author’s evolving story. And from there, offering either coaching to further the process or precise editing techniques to enhance the story. From a beginner to a seasoned writer, David has assisted me in all aspects while retaining and even enhancing my characters’ and the author’s voice. Through his support and stellar editing, my first book was published. And I’ll be back at his doorstep, when it’s time for the second!

Working on a writing project for over a year, I needed fresh perspective, provocative reflection and an objectivity that was getting harder and harder to find. I had worked through several editors over that year and kept looking. I found David on Craigslist. He presented on the phone as mindful, capable and personable. I got off the phone feeling optimistic, though still skeptical. We met in person to discuss my project in greater detail. David quickly grasped the project and my goals in its complexities and subtly. I left the manuscript with David that day feeling a ton lighter.
When I got the manuscript back I was immediately at ease. David impressed me with his thoughts, reflections and edits. Working with David quickly became refreshing and exciting as the weight of the project immediately felt perceptively lighter and fresher. David came to wear many hats. Editor, coach, cheerleader and friend.
After several years of working continually with David I recommend him without reservation. Communication is always clear. He produces his work on time and it has always exceeded expectations. David is honest, direct, says what he will do and does what he says. In short, David has become an invaluable asset to my writing.

Working with David has been one of the best writing and editing experiences of my life. He has a well-​tuned ear for the voice of the piece, a sharp eye for style and clarity, and a compassionate heart that wants the best for the work and myself. David gently nudged and supported me in stretching past my habitual comfort zone to bring my passion into the work more fully and the finished pieces shine all the more brightly because of it. Editing can be a painful process for any writer, but with David’s support it becomes a process of seeking clarity and truth both in the writing and in oneself. Treat yourself well — give yourself the joy and pleasure of working with David as an editor!

Writing a book can be a deeply personal journey, so that editing is not only care for the work but care for the soul of the writer. In addition to his technical expertise, David brought to the task an ability to reach to the heart of the work and the author. This connection was vital when pieces of what I initially regarded as my best efforts had to be reworked or even discarded. I felt well cared for, indeed, and will request his services when my next project is underway.

Having David’s editing expertise was tremendous. He gave me a lot of helpful feedback as well as support, so when my book was published I felt confident about it. He is also completely professional, and just a really great person to know. When my next manuscript is ready, I look forward to working with David again.

My love is true! No kidding.
How can I begin to sing the praises of David the Great? Let’s see. David is a consummate professional. He does what he says he is going to do when he says he’s going to do it. He loves what he does and it shows. I love his passion for the work. I feed on it. Because it makes me a better writer. He pushes you to be better. And is supportive every inch of the way. I have yelled with David, cried with him, delighted and basked in his praise, and trusted him completely. You really can’t say more than that. Ok, I can. If you have a project, stop looking. You found who you are looking for. I will never, ever, ever, ever write a book without him. So what are you waiting for?

David gets it. Though I know I need an editor, I have resisted getting one because I know more about writing than many editors. Besides, I don’t just need an editor who knows about writing, I need one who knows about life, who brings a perspective that can see into my writing and understand where I am going with it. I need an editor I can sit down with, and come away feeling like he gets me, he gets the writing, and that by listening to me and speaking a few words back from that «getting it» place, he has opened the door for me to understand something about my project that I did not know before – something that informs my writing from that point forward. Such an editor is hard to find. David is that editor.