Hester guided me in writing and revising my first novel and setting me on the right path in developing new short stories and essays. Hester gets to the heart of what works in a piece and what doesn’t, not by providing the answers but in asking the right questions. She’s smart, insightful, patient, and kind. Writing can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain; when that happens, I turn to Hester to be a most excellent sherpa.

Working with Hester on my writing has been an absolute joy. She makes the critical comments and edits I need, but with such positivity and humor that I come away from every one of our telephone sessions, or from any email feedback she sends, feeling energized and eager to get to work. She is patient, generous, and incredibly insightful. I always feel like she hones right in on the crucial weaknesses in my work so I can focus my efforts for best effect. 

I would never have finished my novel without Hester’s good direction. She is kind, clear, and right on target. I will always be thankful for her help.

I have worked with Hester for a decade now with great success. She took the time to understand my particular voice and writing style, and never tried to change it. Instead, with her thoughtful commentary, she encouraged me to hone my instincts and to push past the limitations and blind spots I had as a writer. Hester’s feedback always results in me gaining greater clarity about any work-in-progress. I would highly recommend her editorial services to anyone seeking to polish a manuscript into the finest version of itself.