References: I have helped numerous editing clients over the years. Here's what a few of them have to say about me: Jan DeGrass is certainly a professional! First, she spends time with the manuscript and works hard. Second, no question about fundamentals like grammar or word choice. Third, she has a good sense for the overall theme and objective of the work and gives solid advice on structure, what fits and what doesn’t, good tips on boredom and suspense. Good suggestions on moods and characters. Now we are getting closer to what makes a book successful. – Wolfgang Harms, author, Banana Log & Don't Hit the Sugar Sails Jan, I just wanted to let you know how pleased I was with your editing. Reasonable price, quick turnaround, and some really great and tangible suggestions to help improve my manuscript. I appreciated your honesty and insight. You pointed out some places where the writing needed help and also offered insight into how to improve it, all without making me feel bad. Tactful and helpful, a tough combination to pull off. I have used other editors in the past but will be sure to ask for your assistance again. - Roy Dimond, author, The Singing Bowl, The Rubicon Effect and Saving Our Pennys. "To submit my writing to an editor for the first time felt intimidating: I was baring my soul, terrified that it would get trampled. With Jan, I needn't have worried. Years of experience reviewing books and writing up the local arts scene, conducting a lively writing group, and editing one- on-one enable Jan to zero in with a sure touch on the writing's strengths, and where it needs tightening, a character or a theme needs expanding, etc. She does this with the utmost tact, and is unfailingly encouraging and supportive. Jan has taught me a lot -- including how important a good editor is, especially for those of us who plan to self-publish: no matter how good we think a piece of writing is, we just don't catch all the mistakes and weak points in our own work. Thank you Jan!" - Sheila Weaver, B.C. "Knowing that choosing an editor is a very important part of the job of a writer, I chose Jan DeGrass, whose work I very much appreciate, to edit my book, Honouring the Child. She read the draft within a reasonable time and worked with me, putting forth some very helpful suggestions. I made the changes. I then asked her to reread the manuscript after which she made further suggestions. As a result, my book is considered to be well- written and I attribute that, in part, to Jan's very capable editing. I recommend Jan as an editor. She is knowledgeable, helpful, prompt and reasonable." - Pamela Proctor www.honouringthechild.com To see an expanded curriculum vitae Jan Degrass Curriculum Vitae (pdf).