Editorial Services:
“I have benefited so much from having Lynnette critique my manuscripts. Even after going over my own work countless times, her detail-oriented, trained eye always catches things I missed. She’s professional and courteous in her feedback and is a great asset to have in your corner if you want to make your words sparkle.” –Roni Loren, author of CRASH INTO YOU published by Berkley Heat, represented by Sara Megibow of the Nelson Literary Agency.
“I’ve had Lynnette Labelle critique my work and found her to be professional and very well organized. Lynnette is a go-getter, and if she says she will do something, then consider it done. Her crits of my work were consistent and really helped me focus on my weak spots, which were grammar and punctuation (those pesky commas.) I look forward to working with Lynnette in the future.”–KC Klein, author of DARK FUTURE published by Avon Impulse, represented by Jill Marshal at Marshal Lyon Literary Agency
“I searched for an editor long and hard after a particularly bad experience. Stumbling over Lynnette’s website was a kiss from heaven! After seeing her sample edit, I knew I had found my editor. She is exactly what I hoped for–professional, yet approachable; honest, yet kind; direct, yet absolutely hilarious. I love her communication style and her sense of humor. They make tackling those tough spots in your novel much easier! Lynnette’s ability to push your writing to the next level, without crushing you in the process, is extraordinary, and precisely what I needed.”—LR Nicolello, author of DEAD DON’T LIE, represented by Jill Marshal of Marshal Lyon Literary Agency
“Perhaps it was luck or fate that landed my MS in the skillful hands of Lynnette Labelle. We met at a writer’s conference—one I’d almost forgotten to attend! After seeing what she could do with just a short sample of my work, I sensed my long search for ‘the perfect editor’ might finally come to an end. Now, after having her go over my manuscript, I know I need never look elsewhere for my editing needs. With Lynnette, I was looking for something very focused and specific—improving tension; tightening scenes and prose; crystallizing clarity and resolving any ‘logic fails’. She has respected my vision and my voice, and helped me achieve my goals beyond my expectations. Lynnette brings the perfect balance to the table: honest while still supportive; sincere and enthusiastic; and able to keep the distance needed for objectivity while also carrying the devotion to put heart into her critiques. Everywhere I struggle, Lynnette helps me excel. I will be sending her my next MS. And the next, and the next…”—Rebecca Hamilton, author of THE FOREVER GIRL and HER SWEETEST DOWNFALL, published by Immortal Ink Publishing, represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA Literary Agency.
“I experienced an array of emotions when I completed my first manuscript and made the decision to get it to an editor. Many questions raced through my mind, Can I trust the editor I choose with my work? Will it be worth paying for? Will I lose my voice? I finally came upon Lynnette Labelle’s website, thank the writer Gods. Everything, from her blog to actually corresponding with her through e-mails, comforted me in knowing that Lynnette was the gal for me… And boy was I right. She’s fabulous, insightful, concise, diligent, prompt… My list of flattery could go on and on, but most of all, I didn’t lose my voice. Actually, she helped me find a deeper voice that was within my words. I truly look forward to working with Lynnette in the future.”—Samantha Fountain, author of THE DARK INTRUDER
“Hook, line, and sinker, that’s how Lynnette Labelle caught me—literally. I took her Hook, Line, and Sinker class and my writing took a noticeable leap forward. I knew that when I finished my WIP, Lynnette would be the editor for me. In addition to having the keenest eye for detail, Lynnette has a way of pointing out what’s needed without putting words in your mouth. Since working with Lynnette—in online classes and on my latest manuscript—my work has won second place in the San Francisco Romance Writers of
America Heart-to-Heart Contest and every query and pitch I’ve offered has received an enthusiastic “yes.” It doesn’t get much better than that.” —Kat Drennan, author of MINT CONDITION.
“I gave Lynnette the unenviable task of editing my second novel, which is complex with a large cast of characters. I pretty much knew, going in, that the novel needed to be restructured. She helped with this, of course, but what really astounded me was that she helped to make each individual scene, each chapter stronger right down to the sentence level. Lynnette fully understands mechanics, and she darn well might be an expert on character motivation and reaction, and she is fantastic with missing pieces–those things we “mean” to write but don’t–and clarity. I had a lot of doubts about this book, but I now move onto the final polish knowing that the writing is absolutely the best it can be. Thank you very much, Lynnette!”—R.P. Kraul, author of MIRRORS OF ANGUISH and the forthcoming GATES OF PERDITION
“Labelle’s Writing on the Wall Editorial Services is a fantastic option for any author who aspires to polish their work to a publishable level. Lynnette not only runs a reliable and honest business, but also uses a straightforward editorial approach that is as efficient as it is effective. Her recommendations and observations on style, mechanics, and story made an immediate, lasting impact on the quality of my prose. And I believe she could do the same for any writer, at any level. Bottom line: She’s a pro, and she can help make you one, too.”—E.J. Wesley, author of MOONSONGS – BLOOD FUGUE.
“I was ready to give up on my manuscripts and focus my energy elsewhere, when one of my friends recommended Lynnette to me. Desperate and frustrated, I contacted Lynnette and was so impressed with how quickly she replied to my pleas for help. She not only provided me the reassurance and comfort I needed but also amazed me with her editorial skills. She was the one to finally answer my questions with detailed feedback, showing a firm grasp on the publishing industry. She forced me to look at my writing in a different way, drew out the best writing in me, and helped me turn my manuscript into a marketable product. Lynnette is very honest and direct but is kind and caring at the same time. She believes in you and helps you to go to the next level. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and hope to take her courses as well as have her edit my other manuscripts. When no one else has the time in this crazy publishing world to assist you, Lynnette does with poise and grace. I look forward to working with her in the future.”—Kerry Boquist, author of DESTINY UNLEASHED
“Lynnette did a developmental copyedit on my MS. I learned so much. I can’t believe it. Since I found Lynnette’s Writing on the Wall, I have a new understanding about what makes a good read. I wish I would have found her before having submitted a single MS. Writing could have been much more fruitful. I’ve learned from her. Not all of it easy to hear but so spot on and served up gently. Her eye for detail is amazing. She is one of the best writing resources I know, and I will continue to request her services for every title.”—D. Waldref-Brant author of LEAVING FRANNY and EMBRACING FRANNY.
“Lynnette Labelle is a true professional. After a bad experience with a freelance editor, I was nervous when it came time to look for another. Lynnette answered my e-mails and questions promptly, and as soon as I saw the attention to detail in her editing sample, I knew I’d found the right editor. My manuscript came back to me in the promised time frame, with thorough corrections and notes. I received not only the services I paid for but an education that will improve not only my current project but future novels as well.”—Coleen Patrick, author of COME BACK TO ME, http://coleenpatrick.com/
“Lynnette did substantive editing on my debut fantasy novel and did a spectacular job. She’s fast and delivered ahead of schedule. Her markup in my Word document was extremely clear and highly detailed. Her changes and suggestions really improved my book, and some of her comments and questions demonstrated where I had failed to properly communicate plot or character details. Most of her markups came with an explanation, allowing me to learn more about the writing craft. There wasn’t a single case where I didn’t understand what she was doing or why.
“I also engaged Lynnette for some writing coaching for a couple of troublesome areas of my book. Once again, her responses were swift, and her teaching clear and extremely valuable.
“Apart from her professional work, she’s also super friendly and easy to communicate with. I’ll be asking Lynnette to edit all my future books. I hope she has time!”—Graeme Ing, author of OCEAN OF DUST
“I feel so lucky to have found Lynnette when I began searching for an editor for my fourth novel. What drew me first to Lynnette were her professional website and the many different editing/proofreading packages she offered. Also, after reading her blog, I was convinced she knew her job well. She did not disappoint. Her work is professional and articulate. She sets deadlines and keeps them, which is refreshing in today’s world. Lynnette gave me 120% of herself when proofreading my manuscript, and was pleasant and easy to communicate with. I was so impressed with her work on my novel that I have already booked her to proofread my next one.”—Deanna Lynn Sletten, author of SARA’S PROMISE
“Lynnette exceeded my expectations. She was very professional and thorough. Her knowledge and expertise was obvious and invaluable. I have no doubt that my work is better for having gone to Lynnette! I couldn’t recommend her more highly.”—Tyr Kieran, author of GETTING BETTER, www.tyrkieran.com
“Lynnette did a great, great job making sure my novella was correct, concise, complete, and consistent. She did a fantastic job correcting my spelling, grammar, terminology, jargon, and semantics. Although proofreading is a separate task from copyediting, she performed this function as well. She e-mailed me several times for clarification on certain sections on the book and made sure my text flowed. I would definitely use her again.”—Harlow Coban, author of LIFE IN DEATH
“When I handed my story over to Lynnette, it had already been through several revisions. But it was still missing something. I could not figure it out on my own. Lynnette pointed out the holes and helped me figure out where I’d gone wrong and brainstormed ways to fix it. Before talking with her, I’d decided to shelve the story indefinitely. But now I have renewed hope for it!”—Stephanie Haefner, author of A BITCH NAMED KARMA published by Lyrical Press.
“Lynnette’s got an eagle eye and a fantastic ear for dialogue, so while she can spot a word that’s been used twice in three pages, she can also point out language that sounds unnatural. She’s honest in her criticism but always points out what I’ve done well. Reading her critiques is like sitting next to someone as they read through your story – you get her reaction as the story unfolds, which is incredibly helpful. Her critiques have been invaluable in helping me tighten my story and inject more realism into my characters.”—Katrina Crew, winner of GDRWA’s Between the Sheets contest, finalist in Alaska RWA’s Break-up contest
“I love Lynnette Labelle’s editing and critique style. She is both gentle and clear. She’s totally aware that this is your baby. She also knows that we want to make the best impression when it goes out into the world. She can help clarify and focus your writing and your voice. The most important part? She can help you improve your voice and not change it. It’s still you and your voice. She’s like a vocal coach for writers!”—Suzi McGowen, writer
“Lynnette has a great eye for detail. Her thorough critiques have helped streamline and strengthen my stories and broken some of my bad habits. My writing is undoubtedly better thanks to her input.”—Gwen Mitchell, writer of dark paranormals
“After a bad experience with a former editor, I did not want to consider utilizing another editor. My trust was shattered. But things changed for me when I won a five-page critique from the lovely Roni Loren, and she helped me out even more by referring me to Lynnette. I decided to trust my instinct that this was a positive move because, at this point, the rejections were piling up. Lynnette completed a sample edit, and that was it. I knew she was the editor for me. Lynnette was patient. She understood my fears and told me honestly what will best work for me. First, I worked on my GMCs. Lynnette’s positive encouragement helped me grasp the concept. What I adore the most about Lynnette is that she won’t tell me what I want to hear because that won’t improve my craft. I’m not going to look backwards. I trust that finally my manuscript is in good hands.”—Keisha Martin, author of Ecliptic Dreams
“I found Lynnette through a blog that I follow and I’m so glad I did! She’s one of the best writing resources I’ve found since I began seriously looking into the publication of my work. Lynnette critiqued a sample of my work, and the feedback she gave me was absolutely pivotal to my novel as well as my writing process. Lynnette was thorough and her criticism was completely constructive. I’ve been critiqued before, but I’ve never had such a positive experience as a result. While issues were pointed out with my work, the
suggestions and highlights she offered made me immediately feel like I could move forward in a new and better direction. I look forward to working with her in future and I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking editorial guidance!”—Kiera Bryant, writer
“I was getting rejection after rejection-with no idea why. Having Lynnette critique my story was a real eye opener! She critiqued it line by line and didn’t give a “general, blase critique”. Her critique was insightful and pinpointed the problems with my story and she gave wonderful suggestions to help me improve! Definitely a good experience!”—Tamika Spruill, writer
“Lynnette Labelle will help you improve your manuscript. Her critique is detailed, courteous, and spot on. Her suggestions will enhance your work but keep true to your own unique voice and plan for your manuscript. Lynnette worked with me to customize the level of editorial feedback I wanted. The results were amazing. When I have another manuscript ready, she will be my editor of choice.”—Heather Starnes, writer
“I highly recommend anyone looking to sharpen their writing submit here.”—Angela
McCallister, writer
“Lynnette was able to point out my blind spots in a direct, professional manner. She balanced her critique with what worked and offered suggestions for what didn’t. Now I know where to add description, clarify action, and develop characterization. I’d definitely want to consult with her again!”—Laura Diamond, writer
“Lynnette performed a sample edit for me on my manuscript. I was pleased with her attention to detail but more how she pointed out the areas where my voice came through. She balanced her edits by showing my need areas as well as my strengths. Utilizing her suggestions, I can do a rewrite and come away with a stronger piece.”—Terri Tiffany, writer
“Thank you so much for your thorough critique, Lynnette! I’ve already started to make changes based on your excellent suggestions.”—Nicole Zoltack, writer
“Lynnette, thanks so much for the critique. The thing that amazed me the most is that I pride myself in being a natural born proofreader–but this was an early draft and I could not believe the REPETITIONS I missed (i.e., the same words used over again in a short space of writing). You also pointed out stylistic concerns as well that are really valid. Your comments were really helpful–thanks again!”—Miranda Liasson, writer
“Lynnette’s sharp eye and strong editing skills will help you get that polished look publishers are looking for.”—Kim Hruba, writer
Query Letters and Synopses:
“I am very grateful to Lynnette for her critique of my query letter. She gave me excellent advice, both on reordering the content more effectively, and making my query snappier and more compelling. We went through a couple of revisions, and the final result is superior to the many attempts I had previously made.”—Graeme Ing, author of OCEAN OF DUST.
“I’m so thankful to have found Lynnette’s editorial services. As a new author in the market for an agent, I spent weeks shaping my query and days honing it into perfection. Within less than 72 hours, Lynnette had completely restructured my letter, polishing it until it shined and emphasizing aspects of my novel I hadn’t even thought to emphasize. She repeated the process with both of my synopses, tweaking them in a way I know will make them stand out to industry professionals. In today’s competitive market, I am certain Lynnette’s work will help my query and synopses rise to the top of the slush pile. Thank you, Lynnette, for being such a top-notch editor. I look forward to working with you again.”—Michele Zugnoni, author of STARFIRE
“No matter what service you’re requiring, Lynnette brings a level of professionalism and a unbiased pair of eyes to your piece. She helped guide me in the direction that I was trying to obtain but couldn’t reach because I was stuck. I loved that she always asked thought-provoking questions that made me consider or even reconsider what I was trying to portray. I would definitely recommend her and would be happy to use her services again in the future! Thank you, Lynnette!”—Rebekah Yami, author of UNWANTED
“Lynnette was so helpful when I approached her for assistance with writing a synopsis. This was my first time drafting one, and her guidance was clear, practical, and constructive. She helped me identify where I could most improve the synopsis in a very gentle and collaborative manner.”—Stefanie Little, author of LOVE EN POINTE
“I am so thankful to Lynnette for the work she did helping me get my query letter and synopsis in shape. Without her, I was just firing blind and had no idea what I was doing.”
–Tyffani Clark, author of SHEKINAH
“Incredibly pleased that I came across Lynnette’s website while surfing the Internet. A detailed, committed, and friendly editor who helped turn my so-so query letter into a sellable work of art. Will definitely recommend her to all my friends.”—Yashwanth Dhakshana, author of HELL SCHOOL
“Lynnette’s critiques have been instrumental in the cumbersome, query-writing process. I have yet to disagree or disregard any of her suggestions. I feel a lot more confident about what I am sending to agents and publishers.”—Holly Vance, writer
“Recently, I won a query critique from Lynnette. She requested I send my main character’s goals, motivations, and conflicts along with the proposed query. I hadn’t thought of writing the query from quite this angle, and the request made me look at my query, and my characters in a new light. Lynnette pointed out weaknesses in voice and character plots I needed to add to the revision. Her feedback and assistance has enabled me to construct a concise, viable query. Working with Lynnette has been a satisfying experience, and I hope to retain her services for a novel critique in the future.”—Donna Hole, writer
“When I won a query critique with Lynnette Labelle, my first thought was Yes, she’ll whip my first query letter into shape. My second thought was Oh, no, she’s going to see my first attempt at a query letter. She requested my novel’s GMCs (character’s goals, motivations, and conflicts) and the query. After several starts, I wrote and sent. Lynnette and I had a few conversations about the GMCs. When the query letter was posted, I must admit I feared to look, but it was awesome. Lynnette is kind, thoughtful, but tough. She told me what was working, what wasn’t. She gave me options and requested a rewrite and resend for an additional critique. She took the scary process of writing a query and helped me create one I think is strong and represents my novel’s voice and what it is about. If you ever get a chance to have Lynnette critique your query or manuscript, jump at it.”—Cherie Reich, writer
“Lynnette was kind enough to critique my query on her blog, offering two rounds of helpful feedback. Her critiques were clear and incredibly thorough. She helped strengthen the query’s weak spots, further improve the parts that were already fairly strong, and craft a better hook. Her questions and suggestions were framed constructively, making it especially easy for me to take full advantage of her insights. My query benefited from her expertise, and I’m excited to share the enhanced query with agents.”—Josh Trapani, writer
“Lynnette’s critique was amazing. She’s clear, detailed, and when she points out a problem, she explains why it doesn’t work. For my query, she said I needed to explain the goal, motivation and challenges and it felt like something unlocked. Suddenly, I understood how to make a query work! I am eternally grateful for her advice.”—Jeanne Fritz, writer
Classes/Workshops:
“Thinking like an editor isn’t easy, but it’s what gets authors published. Hooks are important to editors and readers alike, so why is it that some writers catch our attention, while others don’t? Taking Lynnette Labelle’s ‘Hook, Line, and Sinker’ course teaches you how to look critically at your writing, and ask specific questions to see if your manuscript really hooks! Lynnette breaks down the mechanics of a solution and shows how best to implement it for maximum effect.
“This student learned that hooks are living, breathing, three-dimensional things that come in different guises. I enjoyed Lynnette’s down-and-dirty analyses of what works (and how to implement some of this good stuff into my own novel), as well as what doesn’t. I found that the course examines some obvious and not-so-obvious pitfalls in a writer’s quest to hold her reader’s attention, not just in that all-important opening line but throughout the book.
“The lessons are clear, straightforward, and effective, and are packed with extensive use of examples from well-known authors. Even homework is enjoyable, consisting of focused exercises that are lesson-appropriate. It involved dealing as much with my own writing as reading other students’ excerpts. I found this course to be a safe place in which to post my excerpts, and each student received personalized, detailed help in return.
“With solid advice and clearly-explained techniques that can be applied to your manuscript right now, ‘Hook, Line, and Sinker’ is a must for all writers who are serious about getting and staying published.”—Nicola McKenna, writer
“Lynnette’s Hook, Line & Sinker is a great course that gives a good grounding in the tools you need to keep a reader hooked on your book. She make sense, and gives good examples of the terms you hear all the time from other writing instructors. The difference with Hook, Line & Sinker is you understand it at the end. She also shows you with the samples of your own work when she not only tells you where it’s weak, but offers solid ideas on how to make it better. If you’re serious about your writing this course is more than worth it.”—GK Parker, author, http://gkparkernoir.com
“Thank you for a wonderful workshop. The amount of information I have learnt here surpasses all the other classes and books I have used. I liked the way you facilitated information. (In my day job, I teach high school chemistry, and I know how easily students lose interest.) I am a logical sequential learner, and your instruction style appealed to my learning style. Your lessons were organized and feedback honest and prompt. And you didn’t make us buy gazillion books, but made us re-read the books we liked and used those as examples instead. Very difficult for an instructor to keep up with all different readings from the students. I absolutely enjoyed every single lesson and assignment including interacting with others in this group.”—Ushma Kothari, writer
“I have taken many, many online classes and this one was extremely valuable. Your expertise and teaching style were a perfect mix. The assignments were very doable and even enjoyable. This class came at the perfect time for me and I think what I have learned was one of the vital missing links for me. I wish you offered more classes. Again, thanks for a great class.”—Suzanne Purvis, writer
“Your approach and format were the best I have seen in RWA. By that I mean, setting up the topic, reviewing published and favorite work as examples, having participants submit WIP examples, and then editing them. The final step, reviewing other people’s
submissions, just added frosting to the cupcake.”—Katina Drennan, writer
“From a former teacher’s perspective, your notes are clear, concise and to the point. I have taught a multitude of methods classes to young aspiring teachers and your work is spot on. I have learned A LOT and I like the way you explain the hooking process, give examples (you can tell I’m a math geek)…………and the lessons: finding examples in what has been read plus applying the context of what you’ve had put out to model and react to is great.”—Laurie Bumpus, writer
“Lynnette’s class - Hook, Line and Sinker is a course all aspiring and experienced authors should take. It opened my eyes as to how many ways and in how many places we need to “hook” our readers, constantly striving to keep them engaged and coming back for more.
Lynnette uses a structured and logical approach of enjoyable exercises to demonstrate strong and not-so-strong hooks, and then takes the time to reply to each student on their own projects. She provides prompt feedback, suggestions and encouragement. This class has definitely helped me to identify where I need to make improvements. Thanks for a great course Lynnette.”—Elizabeth Lang, writer
“I thoroughly enjoyed taking the Hook, Line, and Sinker writing class from Ms. Lynnette Labelle. The lessons were intriguing—using original material—and easy to understand. The examples were relevant to the lesson, and directions for completing the assignments were uncomplicated, needing very little time to accomplish. I liked having the interaction with both the instructor and the participating classmates. This was a class that I would take again, or a similar one; and I highly recommend it to any writer, beginners and
advanced alike.”—Donna Hole, writer
