Testimonials
"I recently used Margaret for the first time to edit two of my fictional short stories, and I highly recommend her services. She provided a critique that was thorough, frank, and kind. I am an amateur writer, and all of these factors were important to me. I was inspired, not discouraged, to continue working on these stories despite the daunting task of fixing structural issues. I did not have the dilemma of figuring out how to move forward as Margaret gave wonderful suggestions and advice on improvement. If you are shy and/or doubtful about having others view and critique your work (like I was), don’t be afraid to utilize Margaret to help you become a better writer! You won’t be disappointed." Vicki Morrow (fiction writer)
"Margaret copyedited my mom's 40,000-word memoir with speed, precision, subtlety, and respect for my mom's voice. Although it was not part of her charge, she also offered some big picture observations that helped us think more deeply about what readers would want to learn. Margaret is a pleasure to work with; we corresponded entirely by email and she was always clear and responsive. Lastly, she gave me the most affordable bid -- what's not to like?"--Monona Yin (memoir)
It is hard to capture the extent of my appreciation for the editing services Margaret Diehl provided. She went far and beyond engaging with both my book and with me, teaching me more about writing than I had ever imagined and holding my feet to the creative fire of making my book a much better work than I could have done on my own. Her ear for writing, the arc of the story, placement of events, and the need for ever further character development went far beyond any remuneration I provided. Margaret also had the eerie ability to detect the presence of an absence, challenging me to fill in the blanks, blanks I soon realized were there in unconscious defense against emotional material from which I was shying away. Margaret’s maintaining deadlines, prompt responses, and dry wit all added to maintaining the challenge and momentum of writing, making it an ever more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. I recommend Margaret Diehl not only without reservation, but wholeheartedly. No need to look further. Hire her now."--Charles Creath McCormack (memoirist)
“Margaret is a passionate and detail-oriented editor who is insightful, conscientious and organized. She is invested in each project she undertakes and goes above and beyond what is asked of her. She is very thoughtful, observant and quite intuitive; an effective communicator, easy to work with; and provides the critical feedback necessary to make good work great.” Kimbriell Granderson (journalist and memoirist).
“Margaret was enormously helpful in both the fiction and non-fiction genres. Prospective clients should know they will be receiving solid, thoughtful, and creative advice.” Karen Recht (novelist).
“Margaret has all the editor's usual virtues -- she's competent, fast, efficient, and tactful -- but storytelling is her special God-given gift. As an editor, she helps the writer locate the theme, organizing conflict, and resolution in their work. She helps writers develop characters readers care about -- the writer's hardest and most essential job.” Susannah Levine (business writer and novelist).
“A wonderful and versatile writer, Margaret is also an astute editor with a critical but compassionate eye. I highly recommend her to help you nurture your manuscript to the next draft.” Elizabeth Frank (novelist).
“Margaret is a highly discerning writer and editor. She brings sharp analytic skills to any project combined with a prose style of great clarity and power.” Garth Prichard, Owner, English Language Services (screenwriter and business writer).