Testimonials
What authors are saying about my work...
"Tara Kelly has been my critique partner since we met in 2008 and I always rely on her for honest, insightful suggestions. She is not only skilled in the basics--grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure--but also has a keen ability to recognize when a scene fails to propel the action forward or when a character's behavior is not ringing true. It's no exaggeration when I say I couldn't have written my book without her."
~Trish Doller, author of THE NEW NORMAL, due Fall 2012 from Bloomsbury
"Just about anyone can help with manuscripts that have big gaping holes, but Tara came in to help me with Losing Faith after it had been polished and sold to a major publishing house. She helped me pinpoint areas I could make stronger and helped me take my book up a level. Tara has great editorial insight and I highly recommend her to any author who wants to improve their novel at any stage in the process."
~Denise Jaden, author of LOSING FAITH, now available from Simon Pulse
"I was lucky enough to win a chapter critique from Tara Kelly. She gave me invaluable advice, helping see where my manuscript needed to be tightened. Everything she said made so much sense and I have no doubt this book, and all my future books will be better because of her insight. I can't thank her enough!"
~Kelley Vitollo
"Tara Kelly looked over my first chapter with expert eyes and told me exactly what to work on to make it the best it could be. Her advice is sound and her criticism honest; I believe wholeheartedly that her editing is extremely helpful for writers trying to perfect their manuscripts." ~Chelsea Swiggett
"Tara Kelly gave me a crit on my first chapter and it was like having a light shined on my writing. Her clear advice has helped make my writing tighter and sharper. It has also highlighted where the tension can be dialled up and the reader kept on the edge of their seat. I was so impressed by the advice she offered on just my first chapter, I am now looking into putting my complete novel into her hands for a full manuscript critique."
~Kim Curran
"Every writer needs a good editor and, to my mind, Tara Kelly is the real deal. She offered sensitive and thoughtful suggestions on the opening chapter of my story - providing real food for thought. Her line editing was accurate and clear, cutting away excess without spoiling the flow of writing. I was impressed and am more than happy to recommend her services." ~Jane Alexander
"Tara did a thoughtful line by line on my first chapter. Her notes were both micro and macro, and all right on.She let me know what was lacking, and always told me WHY, and gave suggestions or examples for improvement.What more could you ask for? Honest and thorough. This kind of feedback is exciting because I know exactly what needs to be done to make it ten times better."
~Monica Ropal
"Not only is Tara Kelly a talented and experienced author, she is willing to help aspiring writers reach their goals by giving in-depth and important feedback and critique. She tells you what you need to hear in a way that won't make you want to quit writing altogether, but will inspire you to change what needs to be changed and make your writing better. Her feedback in invaluable."
~Alexander Bennett
"I was so lucky to have Tara Kelly edit the first chapter of my manuscript. She has a keen eye, and caught errors/issues that several beta readers and a college English professor have missed. Her advice is clear and undeniable, and she always tells you why she is providing a particular edit. As I intend to be a returning customer myself, I highly recommend employing Tara for all your editorial needs." ~Melissa O'Malley
"Hi, Tara, I want to thank you so much for critiquing my query letter. Your comments were extremely helpful and informative. I truly appreciated you explaining to me what agents look for, such as the hook, and then taking the time to outline how to develop not only the hook, but the query letter as well. I will be working on rewriting the query letter for "IMAGINE" and will let you know when I receive an interested agent. Also, thank you for taking the time to read the excerpt off of my website and giving me some additional comments. Tara, your quick turn around time was so nice. I didn't expect to receive your comments for at least a week and when I received the e-mail the next day I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you again. I know that I will be using your editing services in the future." ~Kathy Picciano
"Tara Kelly's clear, practical, and insightful critique gave me the professional second opinion I needed. I know this sounds like I took my manuscript to the doctor, but that's exactly what it felt like--except Tara's feedback was much more friendly, helpful, and easier to understand than that of the average doctor. For a new author who has never had to go through the query process before, her advice and edits were invaluable. Though it was hard to trust my writing (and my ego) to an editor, Tara did a fabulous job and I am very thankful for it." ~Laura Wise
"Waiting to hear from agents you've queried isn't easy. For me, it's been the perfect time to start something new, but also to make yet another pass over my manuscript. Tara's "Big Picture Critique" inspired me and helped me feel like I wasn't alone in revision land. I sent Tara my ms and she got back to me in a reasonable amount of time with insightful comments and good ideas both large and small. Tara is friendly and smart with a keen eye for editing. She's also very supportive and encouraging. I wouldn't hesitate to send her another story." ~Mimi Cross
"Self-editing a work of fiction is like trying to keep your house clean. You look at the same stuff every day, and after a while you stop seeing your own clutter. Then friends come to visit, and all at once you realize that you are a disorganized mess. Tara's edits are a way to see your writing through the eyes of someone who's accomplished something in the world of fiction. I'm absolutely confident my book will be better once I'm implemented her suggestions. I would recommend Tara to anyone who is trying to improve their manuscript." ~John Ploskina
"Tara's insights have proven invaluable. I had reached the end of my editing skills and knew my manuscript needed help, but wasn't sure what to do. Tara took my young adult manuscript and helped me turn it into a much stronger story. Her careful examination of my characters and plot opened my eyes to issues I had never considered. She also gave me honest advice on how to strengthen my writing, which has helped me with a number of other projects." ~Debbie DeeÊ