Business Ink
Telling Your Story
Gail Fallen – Editor, Writing Coach, Proofreader, and Author Whisperer
Many of my earliest memories revolve around my parents begging me to "get your nose out of a book and go outside and play!"
Ever the obedient child (ahem!), I'd simply take my book outside with me!
That early and enduring love for books sparked my lifelong passion for writing. In fact, my mom always told me that I had a book in me. Little did she (or I) realize I would have a hand in so many books! From fiction to nonfiction to children's books, I work with a wide variety of authors to help make their words shine!
So the question is, how can I help you?
About Me
I grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (And, yes, I did get out often, but a book was never too far out of reach!) After earning my degree in journalism and public relations from West Virginia University, I worked for a large coal company as a communications specialist, where my duties included explaining to reporters why it was such a bad idea to cross a picket line. I moved to Colorado, where I served as news information director at Colorado School of Mines for eleven years. After creating my editing business in the early ’90s, I continued to explore other avenues for lifelong learning: first as a network television producer (and on-location scriptwriter when things went haywire) for Encounters with the Unexplained, then as a morning radio talk show host for nearly sixteen years. All the while, I indulged my love for editing.
Not long ago, I decided that two jobs were one job too many.
So I followed my nose (please pardon the pun) and made editing my sole focus.
The bottom line? Whatever the medium, spoken or written, it's always been about words . . . about communicating ideas. I look forward to helping you best express yours!
My editorial services include
Developmental editing
Copy editing and proofreading
Lots of encouragement and support
As a writer myself, I know that the process can be as challenging as it is exhilarating. I always tell "my" authors to stay in the creative space and just write; I'll take care of the nuts and bolts when it comes to editorial styling (I'm CMOS, APA, AMA, and MLA proficient), spelling, grammar, and that pesky Oxford comma!
On the personal front, my husband, Keith, and I are blessed to call Loveland, Colorado, home. Of course, our Shih Tzu, Rudy, rules the roost! And when I do get my nose out of a book, Keith and I enjoy skiing, boating, wakesurfing, scuba diving, and golf.
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So How Does This All Work?
Welcome in advance to my "edit cave"!
The entire process begins with an introductory email exchange followed by a getting-to-know-you Zoom meeting. I learn a little about you and you learn a little more about me. We talk about the editorial service(s) you're looking for (everything from a developmental edit to a copy edit and proofread). Once we decide to explore a collaboration on your book, I'll then ask you to send me your manuscript. This allows me to spot-check your work by sampling the manuscript from beginning to end. Based on that (and word count), I'll send you a quote for the requested service(s). I'll also provide you projected deadlines for each phase of the edit and an explanation of how the editing process will work, start to finish. (I'm big on "track changes." If you're not familiar with that function in Word, no worries: I'll teach you! It's actually pretty easy!)
Once that's all squared away, we're off and running, polishing the narrative to help create the book of your dreams!
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Here's What Some of My Clients Say
"As a new author in the publishing world, Gail immediately made me feel comfortable with the editing process. Gail's editorial style is one full of a good sense of humor, encouraging amounts of praise, and a sharp eye for attention to detail. Gail is a consummate professional and a knowledgeable expert in her field. She polished my words in such a way that strengthened my story resulting in my debut book becoming a bestseller on Amazon. I highly recommend Gail's services and if I write another book, she will be the first call I make!"
—Meg Geisewite, author, Intoxicating Lies
"Gail is a talented editor with a keen eye toward both tone and detail. She did a masterful job editing my first book. Without substituting her voice for my own, she was able to greatly improve my manuscript. Perhaps just as important, her good humor and easy-going manner made her a pleasure to work with.
I have a second book bouncing around in my mind. When it's time to hire an editor, Gail will be my first call."
—Michael Russell, author, Mediation Matters
"I knew I wanted not only a professional editor who had lots of experience but also one who would be excited about my memoir and share my vision for it. After Gail evaluated my manuscript, her enthusiasm and passion for helping me share my story made it evident she was a perfect fit. Gail is talented, experienced, personable, and a joy to work with. She went above and beyond in helping me to express myself clearly and concisely and was always there when I was struggling for that perfect word or phrase. When I was tired and frustrated, Gail lifted me up and gave me the confidence to keep going. Together we turned the ‘final copy’ into the beautiful book it was meant to be. Gail Fallen is more than an editor to me; she has become a dear friend."
—Donna Berger, author, Living through Loss
"As a first-time author, I was referred to Gail as the 'go-to' editor for my book. As professional as she is personable, she meticulously helped me craft my book into what I dreamed it could be! I cannot recommend her enough!"
—James Walker, author, Bent
"I wrote a book that was many years in the making. It was good, but Gail made it great! We worked together day and night to make it right.
I have some serious health issues, but it didn't matter! Even while I was in the hospital, Gail and I worked . . . often into the wee hours of the morning!
A lesser soul would have let mistakes slide. A lesser soul would not have fought through with me to make it the beautiful book it is!
Gail and I share the same middle name, and we now consider ourselves sisters from another mother.
To be honest, I stopped counting the back-and-forth edits and rewrites at ninety! Who does that?
Gail, that's who.
If you are blessed enough to have Gail edit your book, she will make it as important to her as it is to you!
That, my friends, is a rare gift indeed!"
—Ramona Tuma, author, Prisoner of Hope, Captured by Grace
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