What Clients Have to Say About Working with Me

Candace is nothing short of a word artisan with her insightful literary skills and mastery of words.

I never intended to write a book, but I was spiritually guided to do so. My chapters are generally the chronologically recorded transcriptions of my sessions with my spirit guides. Having no experience or knowledge about how to write a book, I was grateful Candace gave me the opportunity to work with her. Her encouragement, guidance, and outstanding literary skills helped me find my voice and transformed the pages of my journal into a cohesive story that organically flows. I am receiving many compliments that the book is well written and hard to put down, which I contribute to Candace’s talent shining through on the pages.

I couldn’t imagine working with a better editor. Candace went above and beyond my expectations of what I was looking for in an editor. Thank you, Candace!

Marlene Naughton, author of Lost Soul: How I Became a Lightworker Medium 

 

“As a first-time author, I was very green to the process of publishing a book. The one thing I knew is that the editor I chose mattered. Due to the personal nature of my manuscript and the spiritual component of it, it was crucial that the project resonated with my editor–and Candace understood what I was going for entirely. She provided expert advice and guidance in the areas where I needed it, and she played an important part in getting my book to publication. Working with her was easy, timely, and smooth. She went above and beyond to pass along helpful info and opportunities that fit my book, as well. I highly recommend Candace for both first-time and experienced authors, and I look forward to working with her again in the future!”

 

“As a first-time author, I didn’t know what to expect from a collaboration with an editor. Candace took my manuscript to the next level, while also taking into consideration my specific needs and focus. She not only straightened the technical aspect of my work but proposed many suggestions that really improved the reader’s experience. She also guided me through all the questions on my publishing path and provided many marketing opportunities to get me started on that front. Candace is an expert editor, but she also cares about her authors and truly wants to see them succeed. It has made such a difference for me. Thank you, Candace!”

—Marion Holt, author of Never Eat Your Emotions Again Books 1, 2 , and 3 

“I have had the pleasure of working with a great editor on several prior books, so when she retired and referred me to Candace, I was hesitant. Given how wonderful my prior editor was, this new one would have a very high bar to meet. And Candace certainly did.  Besides her excellent editing, she was attentive to nuances, always quick to respond to my questions, expanded my thinking of how to promote my ideas, and ready with resources I sometimes didn’t even know I needed. Even more important than her calmly and efficiently helping me through publishing crises, Candace was fun.”

—Karen Gail Lewis, PhD, author of Sibling Therapy: The Ghosts from Childhood that Haunt Your Clients’ Love and Work

“Big hugs to Candace Johnson for her very extensive evaluation and suggestions that, as painful as they were for me, made the book far superior than I imagined.”

—Dave Pelzer, author of Return to the River: Reflections on Life Choices During a Pandemic

 

 “Candace is professional, patient, and kind. She listens to what you need and works with your schedule. She is a wonderful editor and a pleasure to work with. She improved my writing by identifying my endless habit of splicing commas and caught other grammatical errors. There is no doubt in my mind that you will love having Candace as your editor.”

—Melody A. Krafft, author of Get Me Out of Here! What’s Beyond This Madness

“I am deeply grateful for Candace Johnson, the best editor ever. Candace has been essential to my writing process. She is every writer’s dream: smart, insightful, and compassionate, with a profound level of discernment. She’s helped me discover my voice and has been my close companion in learning to express it.”

Susan Powers, PhD, author of Ruthless Grieving: The Journey to Acceptance and Beyond and Walking on Air: Embracing the Uncertainties of Life

“I have always wanted to blog articles about my Lizzie Borden discoveries but I needed someone to help me polish and proofread them. I asked our local library for referrals in this area and found Candace was just a few blocks away. We immediately connected through email and Google Docs. How lucky am I to have someone so knowledgeable and hard-working as Candace when it comes to making my work stand out. I don’t stress anymore when I think about writing my next article. She’s the ace up my sleeve and the secret sauce to making a good article morph into a great one that gets noticed.”

Kate Lavender, podcaster, writer, and Lizzie Borden trial expert

“I wrote a book on infant bottle-feeding that applies to all babies. Hence, I wanted the information to be easy reading for parents no matter what country they live in. As an Australian, I was not aware of the subtle differences in language and grammar that I was using, which might not be well understood by non-Australians. Candace was invaluable in setting me on the right path by making my work not only understood by all but an easy read. Her editing is not only impeccable; it is impressive.”

“I would highly recommend Candace’s editing service to identify any grammatical errors and omissions you may have overlooked and to polish your writing efforts to a high standard.”

Rowena Bennett, author of Baby-Led Bottle Feeding: The Key to Problem-Free Feeding

“In completing my manuscript, I am indebted to Candace for her assistance in improving paragraph connections, learning the correct use of commas, and for making my statements clearer in meaning.  Her cheerful, and always available, phone conversations and emails were helpful and encouraging as I plowed forward to the finish.  The experience and knowledge she shared was easy to work with.”

—Sharon Meisenheimer, author of Brought This Far: The Unseen Providence and the Unique Experiences in My Missionary Life

“I’m a first time author who tried two other editors before I found Candace. If you need an editor that is professional, hard working, diligent, committed to your project as much as you are, and has great ideas to help you take your book and words to the next level, Candace is the person to turn to. She brought out the best in my writing, and I was extremely satisfied with our working relationship. I look forward to working with her again as soon as I figure out what book #2 is going to be about.”

David G. Fivecoat, author of Grow Your Grit: Overcome Obstacles, Thrive, and Accomplish Your Goals

“If Candace is available, you are in luck! I consider myself extremely fortunate to work with such an experienced, talented, and supportive editor. Candace’s communication is second to none, and apart from doing all that needs to be done in terms of editing, Candace brings such a positive and supportive energy to book editing, you can’t help but enjoy the process!

“She is also extremely generous and helpful with her knowledge of the book publishing industry and has answered all my never-ending questions and concerns with enthusiasm and understanding for a debut author. I know I could not have taken this journey and reached my lofty goals without Candace! Thank you!”

Richard Lyntton, author of North Korea Deception, Hyde Park Deception, and Leningrad Deception  professional actor (Ringside Doctor Creed 1) and QVC USA on-air guest host.

“Candace Johnson came highly recommended, and I was impressed by her numerous accolades from so many renowned authors. Having her edit my book was the best decision I made. Candace has excellent editing skills, and she always went over and above to make sure that my transcript was as close to perfect as possible. She has a remarkable ability to explain why something should be modified to enhance my thoughts and ideas. Candace offered advice and guidance to make my book distinctive in the law enforcement community. If you are thinking about having anything edited, take the best and only suggestion that I can make, no need to look any further. Candace Johnson is your editor; you will not be disappointed!”

Ron Rufo, EdD, retired police officer and author of Breaking the Barriers: Changing the Way We Support the Physical and Mental Health of Police

“I was somewhat skeptical because I saw a picture of a woman with white skin and blonde hair from the Pacific Northwest. I was not sure that she could understand or empathize with my experiences of growing up as a Black girl in Mississippi. I emailed her the twenty-five pages of my memoir, which eventually became the 200 pages of this book. Through this journey, Candace provided me the space to express my feelings and my story, which I greatly appreciate. I would recommend Candace as an editor with good insight.”

Estell Sims Halliburton, author of Leaving Aberdeen: Memoir of a Young Girl 

“Candace is simply the best. I had the distinct honor and pleasure of working with her on my first book. She has been exceedingly exceptional to work with from the very first contact and remains remarkably consistent several years later. She far surpasses every expectation I have for her. Her professionalism, outstanding editing, prompt responses, and repeatedly exceeding expectations in every aspect of the project made an otherwise challenging process a breeze.

“I am so enamored with Candace as a valued partner and am confident in her skills and abilities; as a critical member of and resource on my team, she is taking the lead role for the development of the remaining four books [in my series], from concept to publishing, leaving me to do what I love most: creating content.

“Most important, she takes the time to listen, fully understanding your needs. The topic of my first book was deeply personal, and the message needed to be conveyed in the correct voice. I was apprehensive about and highly selective in finding the right editor. Several never make it past the first interview. With Candace, there was an instant connection from the start. It was like she could read my mind and convey on paper better than I could express. She quickly earned my trust. I would recommend her without hesitation or reservations to any author.”

Nate Battle, author of Battle EnduranceHow You Can Be Someone Who Never Quits and Gives Everything You Have To Give

“You have been much more than just an editor for me. You have been a wonderful mentor. And a guardian angel for me and my story.

“All of this work on my book, proposal, and now the social platform is challenging for any author, but has been especially challenging for me because of how vulnerable and open I have to be. I am especially grateful to have found you and been able to share this whole experience with you—someone who really gets what this takes and what it means to me, and potentially (hopefully) what it will mean to a lot of women out there in the world who are like little seeds just wanting for the rain I am bringing to help them bloom into beautiful flowers! With much gratitude, Warrior/Goddess/Thriver, Denise”

Denise Bossarte, author of Thriving After Sexual Abuse: Break Your Bondage to the Past and Live a Life You Love

If I can encourage even one other person as much as @ChangeItUpEdit has encouraged me, it will have been a good run.”

—Maureen Anderson, host of Doing What Works syndicated radio show and podcast

“Candace is responsible, thorough, knowledgeable, and cares deeply about the success of my book. My utmost respect for her super-logical mind, keen insights, and meticulous work on shaping my words into a book that resonates with readers. Her judgment and advice kept my writing sharp and riveting. If you are shopping for a good editor, try her out. You won’t be disappointed!”

Dr. Ivy Ge, author of The Art of Good Enough: The Working Mom’s Guilt-Free Guide Thriving While Being Perfectly Imperfect (posted on Reedsy.com)

“I worked with Candace to prepare a book proposal and initial manuscript. That non-fiction book is now being published by W.W. Norton in Oct 2019. Candace helped to bring an initial idea along and went the extra mile to nurture & guide me as a writer. She mentored me thru the process from proposal, to finding an agent, to building a marketing platform. She is also easy to work with and incredibly understanding.”

Oliver Morgan, PhD,  full professor at University of Scranton and author of Addiction, Attachment, Trauma, and Recovery

“In the summer of 2018, as the deadline to submit an initial draft of my book was looming, the manuscript was a mess and I felt stuck. I had worked with Candace in the past, and I knew from that experience that she would be the right person to help me with this. Candace saw the book that I wanted to write hidden inside the chaos and helped me turn it into a manuscript that I was proud to submit. She was thorough, quick, and professional, and truly a pleasure to work with. My book is now at my publisher and scheduled for release in the June 2019. I cannot imagine how I would have gotten to this point without her help.”

Howard S. Farkas, PhD, author of 8 Keys to End Emotional Eating

Candace Johnson is an author’s dream come true. She just recently served as my editor on my latest book. Not only is she a superb copy editor, but her thoughtful and creative editorial comments made my book much better than I could have imagined. Candace has the gift of knowing what I am trying to say better than I do and the skill to deliver essential feedback without bruising the delicate ego of this writer. The privilege of working with Candace can be summed up by saying, not only did she help me create the best book I could possibly write, but it was a delight every word of the way.

David Treadway, PhD, author of Treating Couples Well: A Practical Guide to Collaborative Couple Therapy

I cannot imagine being on this book project and meeting all the challenges with anyone other than Candace in my court.  While I was working on my book, my husband’s health issues became life-threatening and Hurricane Harvey destroyed my daughter’s home. But with Candace’s mentoring, support, encouragement, and expertise, we pushed forward.

Why is this important to share with you now?  Because choosing an editor is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your author career, and choosing the right person is paramount to get you to the finish line. If you want someone who not only is experienced and highly skilled but has a delightful sense of humor for the difficult days, someone who knows just how hard to push you when you need to get out of neutral, that person is Candace!

I will definitely continue to work with her in the days ahead on future books and projects, and cannot imagine working with anyone else. Thank you from the bottom of my very grateful heart, Candace! You continue to be the “wind beneath my wings!”  —Deborah A. Olson, RN, MA, LPC, author of The Healing Power of Girlfriends: How to Create Your Best Life Through Female Connection

“Candace is an excellent editor. She has worked with me on multiple projects including my book Growing Happy Kids, which won book awards (thanks to her!) and also my new one, The Emotionally Healthy Child, which was given a preface from the Dalai Lama (again with her help!). I cannot provide Candace a higher recommendation since she is both knowledgeable, highly skilled and pure delight to work with.”

Maureen Healy, author of Growing Happy Kids and The  Emotionally Healthy Child

 

“I had the opportunity to first speak with Candace Johnson while in an airport terminal, and even though I had a lot of background noise, Candace was poised, articulate, warm, and genuine. I knew from that conversation she would be the perfect fit  as my editor. My son had read my book and shared that the work I was doing was too important not to get it perfect, so I reached out to a colleague who had  released a wonderful book and he immediately gave me Candace’s name. He had glowing reviews about her. Now I know why! She was nothing short of a game changer for my manuscript! I am so very grateful for the stardust she sprinkled on my words. She was timely, efficient,  and it was effortless to work with her as she leant a better voice to my words. My book hit Amazon’s bestseller list in three categories in just twenty-four hours after its release. That is no coincidence. Candace was a great contributor to this success. I am so deeply grateful to have collaborated with her.

—Teri Cochrane, CCP,  author of Wildatarian

“I was unsure whether or not to use an editor. I’d read how crucial it was. But I thought the manuscript was tight. I’d already used several beta readers, and had poured over the manuscript many times. In addition, I was reluctant to spend the money, just didn’t think it was going to be worth it.

Boy, was I wrong, and boy was I lucky to have found Candace Johnson. Candace was professional and easy to work with from the start. I thought I had the manuscript formatted correctly, but I didn’t, and Candace deftly fixed everything. Every suggestion she had, every word choice and general thought, was relevant and right. And she found any and every mistake. She’s a master! I can’t recommend her enough. I promise you, you’ll be glad you decided to use an editor, and you’ll be glad you decided to use Candace Johnson.”

                                                                       —Jeff R. McGowan, author of Confessions of a Cloak Artist

“Candace Johnson is a professional in every aspect. She is friendly, efficient, and genuinely cares about an author’s work. She can handle any kind of material and keeps up with the latest styles and trends in grammar and punctuation. She has a gift for catching all a writer’s mistakes and correcting them without changing the voice. She’s also a tremendous support from start to finish and beyond. I’ve been fortunate to have Candace work with me on all my four books. She has become an essential part of my publishing process and I will not be releasing a book without her impeccable polish.”

Christa Wojciechowski, author of The Sick Series

“It has been a pleasure from start to finish working with Candace on my science fiction novel. She is approachable, professional and extremely knowledge at what she does. As a new writer, I wanted someone who could guide me through the editing process, and with Candace, the whole experience felt effortless. The editing feedback is simple to follow with clear explanations or questions. You quickly realize that Candace is as passionate about your work as you are, and I consider myself very fortunate to have benefited from her expert advice on editing and so much more.”
G. L. Cromarty, author of Divided Serenity

 

completed“Even the most polished writer is going to make mistakes and use ideas that felt great at the time but aren’t. Candace Johnson will catch them, thus saving you from years of regret and asking yourself, ‘Uh. How did I let that through?’

“If you’re a writer with a manuscript that needs editing, Candace Johnson is the best friend you never knew you had.”
Alex Vorkov, author of Awkward Stage

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“The minute you hire Candace to help polish your manuscript, you have taken a giant step closer to success. I knew right away that my story was as important to Candace as it was to me. She protected it fiercely, and during a process fraught with emotion (mine!) she was a calming, thoughtful, professional, sensitive, honest, and generous. I will never forget the day I asked her a question that she couldn’t answer. Instead of pretending that she knew and giving me false information, she said, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out and get right back to you.” That’s when she turned to her close-knit editor posse of 100+ professionals to dig for the right explanation. I had immense respect and gratitude that her integrity as an editor was more important than ego. And Candace’s support doesn’t end when the manuscript goes to print. She continues to cheer you on every step of the way.”

Eva Lesko Natiello, author of the NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestseller The Memory Box

 

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“If you were to compare my first draft and my final book manuscript, you would appreciate how Candace’s talents were essential to my final book. I cannot praise her enough for her understanding of what my book was about, her often massive re-organization, her copy editing, and the questions and comments that clarified and deepened my ideas and writing. I would not attempt to put together another book without securing Candace’s services. Why? I know through the months of her support that she can bring out the very best expression and fullness of my writing and ideas. Candace, you are a gifted angel sent to me from Heaven.”

Anne Uemura, PhD, author of Listen to the Cries of Your Heart

511D7fEl4kL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_“After many frustrating months and several disappointing rejections, my agent said I needed help. She told me to call Candace, and I’m so glad I did. Candace helped me to say what I was trying to say. I needed to take scientific concepts and make them simple to understand and relatable. With Candace’s masterful editing, I was finally able to land that book deal.”

Dawn Maslar, author of Men Chase, Women Choose

“I cannot praise highly enough the role and hand that Candace took in this endeavor. Granted, I did the researching and the writing, which was challenging because I was not used to writing what was essentially a marketing-and-sales document. But Candace was an expert guide, pointing out what was needed, making specific suggestions, occasionally rewriting sentences herself to match what was called for, and making such detailed “catches” about such copyediting necessities as spacing, bulleted lists, and so on that I was really very impressed (and I am an editor, as well). So I praise her for her clarity and competence, and ability to point the way.

“This probably would have been enough, had this been all there was to it. But there was more. Candace was kind, compassionate, and cooperative throughout. She never judged, only said what would help the book proposal do what it’s meant to do; she became a cheerleader for the author’s success and my own, and she celebrated with us when at last the (superb) book proposal was done.” Read full testimonial.

—Naomi Rose, book developer and editor, Oakland, CA

“I will be forever grateful to Patricia O’Gorman, PhD (Girly Thoughts, The Resiliant Woman, and others) for introducing me to Candace. As a newcomer to the world of book publishing, I felt bewildered and intimidated. Candace has patiently and generously helped me as I stumble and learn. She is a wonderful coach, educator, hand holder, and friendly soul. Soon after we met, I called her a Spiritual Literary Midwife because of her graciousness as she helps authors give birth to wonderful books. Little did I know she would help me give birth to something more important: My voice.”

Bick Wanck MD, author of Mind Easing (to be published by HCI Books in 2019)
founder, Bick Wanck MD and Associates
founding member, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry

“Candace Johnson is simply remarkable—her work product is superb and her input invaluable. Years ago 51BPWwhpqcL._SX367_BO1,204,203,200_a New York literary agent recommended I contact her and I have had the pleasure of working with her on numerous projects ever since. Candace has “saved me” too many times to count—blogs, proposals, books, articles, white papers, letters, talks, presentations and a variety of complex assignments—needed yesterday, of course—are all handled with the utmost professionalism and grace. Candace is consistently prompt, creative, accurate, responsive, organized and helpful beyond words (no pun intended). I highly recommend Candace and thoroughly enjoy working with her.”

—Terry Cralle, RN, coauthor of Sleeping Your Way to the Top and Snoozby and the Great Bedtime Battle

Getting Over Growing Older

“Lucky is the writer who has Candace Johnson as an editor. And I am one of those lucky writers. Besides her professional attitude and timely manner of working, I was grateful, above all, that she never lost her enthusiasm for my book. It helped me overcome the moments when doubts or insecurity came my way. I know that without her my book would not be the same, or even exist.

“I remember when we first spoke on the telephone, her friendly voice and her no problem attitude made me feel comfortable and reassured me that I would not be alone on this journey. Herzlichen Dank.”

Brigitte Nioche, author of Getting Over Growing Older

a halo of mushrooms“Candace provides a sure hand with a light touch that allows your voice to sing while being grounded within a strong structure. Her knowledge of the mechanics of language and her feel for its sweep is something a writer needs.”

Andrew Hiller, author of A Halo of Mushrooms

 

Happy Gut“I knew from the minute I spoke to Candace that she was the editor I wanted to work with.  Her easy manner and ability to connect with your voice were the selling points for me. I had written a foundation for the proposal, but Candace took it and filled it in like a barren landscape that needed painting and depth. Working hand in hand with her was a joy. It really made the writing seem so easy. With her keen eye for where the text needed more description or content, she helped me shape a book proposal that not only got the eye of one publisher, but four interviews.  And in the process, she astutely kept my voice in the writing. Starting off with a proposal in the raw, she helped me shape a proposal that put me in the best position possible to select the publisher I wanted. I am so appreciative of my agent, Stephany Evans, at Fine Print Literary Management, for not only showing me the importance and key role an editor plays in the preparation of a book proposal, but also for connecting me with Candace. Her response time was always excellent, and I’m hoping she won’t get too busy for me. I look forward to working together on the manuscript.”

—Vincent Pedre, MD, author of Happy Gut

 

“I was very fortunate to find Candace when I needed a professional editor for my first indie-published novel, Far Away and Ever farawayeverafter-kindleamazon-frontAfter. I had zero experience with sharing my work and receiving feedback, so it was with great apprehension that I turned my baby over to her. Candace is a skilled editor, yet she buffers the red pen with support and constructive suggestions. With her help, I was able to tighten my writing and let my story shine. I am looking forward to working with her for book #2! I wouldn’t dream of publishing it without her.”

Cheryl Fassett, author of Far Away and Ever After

25 Book Cover“It was truly a blessing to have Candace as my editor for my first book, 25 Inspirational Lessons I Learned from My Children.  As a first time author, I nervously interviewed several editors. I remember during our first phone conversation Candace was able to put me at ease quickly and promised to be fair and honest with me.  She was able to verbalize my thoughts and assure me of the steps we would take during the editorial process.  As I am in Ireland, it was important to find someone I could work with long distance, was accessible, and was able to give me suggestions to improve the book whilst respecting my voice as the author.   Throughout the editing process she was professional, friendly, encouraging, and exceeded my expectations.  She understood how personal the book was to me and my trepidation of taking the next step towards publication. I can honestly say as a first time author, Candace was instrumental in giving me the confidence to move forward and literally make a dream of mine come true.  Based on this experience, I have plans for a second book and hope to work with her again.”

—Michelle Downey, author of 25 Inspirational Lessons I Learned from My Children

Or Not to Be front cover galley“When I found Candace Johnson, I was inches away from publication of Or Not to Be, yet still hesitant (aka petrified) to take the last step. She helped to make me finally brave enough to share this story with the world. Candace was a patient, punctual, professional perfectionist who went above and beyond my hopes and expectations to polish up my manuscript for publication.”

—Laura Lanni, author of Or Not to Be

 

As Far Heart Can See“I had the gift of having Candace Johnson serve as the editor for my book of stories, As Far As the Heart Can See. Candace is that rare editor who is equal parts care and excellence, a talented writer herself. I highly recommend Candace. She is a blessing.”

—Mark Nepo, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening 

 

GirlyThoughtsDetoxCover-2FC_The_Resilient_Woman

“As a psychologist, I’ve been trained to work collaboratively with a team. When I began to write, I looked for the same type of relationship and found this with Candace as my editor on my two most recent books. She is not only an excellent editor, but she also functions as part-time psychic who understands what I’m trying to say even when it’s not fully clear to me, my therapist as the pressure builds with deadlines, and a full-time optimist. And she manages to do all perfectly. Would I recommend Candace? You bet. She is not only skilled but such a pleasure to work with, and she makes it all fun!”

—Patricia O’Gorman, PhD., author of The 10-Day Girly Thoughts Detox PlanTheResilient Woman and coauthor of Healing Trauma Through Self-Parenting

 

“I consider myself among the most fortunate of writers to have had Candace Johnson as the editor of my first book. Not only is she enthusiastic, accommodating, and prompt, but also exceptionally skilled at the craft of writing. She edited with a consistently deft touch, not only drawing my attention gently but unerringly to passages that weren’t as clear as they needed to be, but also asking exactly the right questions about them—questions that forced me to figure out how to fix them myself. Most importantly, she knew what to leave alone. Candace not only supported my vision but shared it, proved herself my staunch advocate in dealing with my publisher, and concerned herself with every aspect of the process that gradually transformed my manuscript into a book. In sum, she cared as much about my book as I did. I can’t imagine I could have had a better experience, and I hope I have the opportunity to work with her again.”

—Alex Lickerman, MD, author of The Undefeated Mind: On the Science of Constructing an Indestructible Self

Kristen_Otte_Book2-Front_CoverI had the opportunity to work with Candace Johnson for my second installment of The Adventures of Zelda series. I hired her as the proofreader before I hit publish, and I am grateful for her careful attention to detail. Beyond her knowledge of the craft, she truly cares about the projects and helps promote and market the books she edits. I look forward to working with Candace again in the future!

—Kristen Otte, author of The Adventures of Zelda: The Second Saga

 

61SnYhRVM9L._SX384_BO1,204,203,200_It was pleasure working with a professional like Candace Johnson. She was always very responsive during the entire publishing phase of my book. I was thrilled when Candace answered all my questions overnight and did corrections in 24 hours for my book All About Diamonds! I highly recommend Candace Johnson to anyone, she is simply the best!

Lana Frank, author of All About Diamonds

 

 

How To Save Your Daughters Life“Candace was the editor for my book, How to Save Your Daughter’s Life, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to do the job! Truly, Candace did fabulous work on the book. It went to print with a clean and error-free copy, and best of all, Candace managed to never lose my voice in her edits. Candace is a pleasure to work with and is someone I will be working with again when I need future books edited for publication.”

—Pat Brown, investigative criminal profiler and author of How to Save Your Daughter’s Life

 

MaureenFC“Before I had the publisher hit ‘print’ for my first book, I made sure I went to Candace Johnson to read over my manuscript. She is someone who I trust with all my writing projects. Not only is Candace a solid editor, she’s a great coach too. I have confidence in her and her expert advice. Thanks to Candace, I’m able to be a better storyteller. I would hire her immediately and refer other writers to her too.”

—Maureen Francisco, author of It Takes Moxie: Off the Boat, or Out of School, to Making Your Way in America

“When I started out as a novice, self-published author, my memoir was in great need of an expert editor.  Candace Johnson was that very expert. With her experience and insight, Candace molded my book into a living, breathing work of art, allowing my message to be conveyed and my voice to be heard.  She went above and beyond the scope of any ordinary editor.  Candace personally invested herself in my book and took a keen interest to ensuring that the book would be the best it could be.”

—Melissa Binstock, author of Nourishment: Feeding My Starving Soul When My Mind and Body Betrayed Me 

“After two years and five rewrites, my first novel was my very best work—and then Candace made it so much better. Her expertise in editing trimmed away what was unnecessary and rejuvenated what was left, exposing the ‘masterpiece’ I knew was there and was so proud to call my own.

“Candace works with what you give her and performs her magic so the reader will never know she was there. What she gives you back is something that always reads like you wrote it. And that’s what I like about her. She works diligently and efficiently, and she returns emails and phone calls promptly. The quality of her work is outstanding and brilliant.”

—Jamie Smolen, MD, author of Hooked: A Novel of Teenage Pain Pill Addiction, Hope, and Recovery

“I am delighted to give Candace Johnson my highest recommendation. She is an extraordinary editor, and wonderful person to boot. Candace edited my book, Growing Happy Kids, and I learned so much from her. I will always be grateful for this experience and her willingness to not only edit but hone my abilities as a writer. Thank you again, Candace.”

—Maureen Healy, author of Growing Happy Kids: How to Foster Inner Confidence, Success, and Happiness

 

For the past year, Candace Johnson has been an integral part of my life as I worked with her to complete a biography I’ve written about my only child, Lauren Terrazzano, who lost her battle with the dread disease of cancer.  Candace was my editor, and her knowledge, experience, and the structure she provided for my labor of love, in remembrance of my courageous daughter Lauren, truly helped me express the words bottled up within onto the pages of my book. Candace, be assured that my sincere appreciation is not bottled up within!  Thanks for everything!”

—Frank Terrazzano, author Life, with Cancer

 

“I’m just completing my first book, so to say that I’m a rookie with the publishing process is a massive understatement. Candace Johnson took me under her wing and patiently led me through the process. No question or request was too big or too small for her. When I called her, she actually answered the phone! Or if I left her a message, she returned my call within a very few minutes. She’s a seasoned professional who knows how to get things done, and she goes above and beyond to accomplish it. In addition to all of that, she’s a super lady to work with.  I’m looking forward to our next project.”

—LaDonna Gatlin, CSP, CPAE, author of The Song in You

“Working with you was one of the bright spots of this entire project.  I believe this book . . . will continue to shape lives for years to come.  From all those people you’ll never meet who will be affected by your efforts, let me say thanks!”

—Mike Marino, PhD, coauthor of The Song in You

“My experience working with Candace on The ACoA Trauma Syndrome was great. She is the consummate professional, has an eye for authenticity, is a stickler for detail, allows you to have your own, unique voice, and has an excellent eye toward organization. All of this and she is a sweetheart to work with in the bargain. She has worked in the front lines of book publishing and manuscript acquisition and knows what it takes to get a book to publication from soup to nuts.”

—Tian Dayton, PhD, author of The ACoA Trauma Syndrome: The Impact of Childhood Pain on Adult Relationships

“Candace Johnson is a pleasure to work with and has great experience and insider knowledge of the publishing industry.”

—Jill Marsal, agent, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency

“I had the opportunity to work with Candace on a project in 2011 when she was an acquisitions editor at HCI. The experience of working with her was so great. She is an insightful editor with an ability to not simply improve the flow of a manuscript, but with a talent for transforming it into a truly compelling work. I found her style to be warm, supportive, and very responsive, something I appreciated as much as her editorial skills. I recommend Candace to those looking for sharp editorial help delivered in a friendly and professional way.”

—Kristina Holmes, president and literary agent, The Holmes Agency

“Candace Johnson is one of those special editors who really listens to what her clients bring to the table and helps their work shine. She is authentic and cares about preserving her authors’ intentions and voice, and her understanding of the publishing industry runs deep. When it comes to books, she’s done it all! I’d recommend any writer I work with to hire Candace as an editor. She’s top notch.”

—Brooke Warner, founder, Warner Coaching Inc., publisher, She Writes Press

8 thoughts on “What Clients Have to Say About Working with Me”

  1. Very recently, I was able to land an agent and publisher for my upcoming book on addiction. It may sound like a cliché, but I could not have done it without Candace.

    A well-published friend recommended Candace to me, and she took me on sight-unseen. Candace knows her stuff with the language and with publishing; she also provided support when needed and a nudge when appropriate. Her feedback was usually spot-on and improved the text every time she reviewed it.

    When it came time to submit proposals to agencies, Candace suggested that we send the Proposal to an agent she thought would be interested along with queries to a number of others. Within a very short time I had an agent and, fortuitously, a book deal came through with the publisher I was hoping for.

    I could not be more grateful to Candace for her hard work and support. I highly recommend her.

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