“Working with Eldes Tran on a book was one of the happiest and most enriching experiences of my 35 years of writing books! It’s rare indeed to encounter an editor so precise, so efficient, so thoughtful and so kind.
A writer sometimes seems to depend for almost everything on an editor. So to encounter one who’s such a joy to work with, who remains calm and friendly and clear in the midst of everything and who always gets back to one quickly, and trains as much attention on every word as an author might, feels like the greatest reward imaginable.”
—Pico Iyer (Japan/U.S.), travel essayist and author
“Working with Eldes was a dream come true! When I saw her profile I intuitively knew I could stop searching for an editor, however I wasn't expecting her to be this enthusiastic, this professional and this committed and comprehensive. She's creative, kind and direct at the same time. Other editors might just tell you what's not working, Eldes will help you figure out how to make it work. She's an editorial mastermind.
Eldes helped me transform my manuscript and it is now being read by two agents. If you're reading this and looking for an editor, don't look any further!”
—Hannah Jessika (South Africa), author of coming-of-age novel
“I was first attracted to Eldes’s services when I learnt she has international experience in editing, and importantly for me, experience in living in different cultures and communities. For me, it was important that my own book was edited by someone who understood where my voice was coming from.
It was a pleasure working with Eldes for both developmental and copy edits. Eldes took the time to consult with me about my aims for the book before we began. After that, all the suggestions she made were thoughtful, helpful, and insightful.”
—Melati Lum (Australia), author of middle-grade mystery series Ayesha Dean
“I’ve been witness to Eldes Tran’s editorial excellence as a colleague, but it came into even sharper focus when she edited three major works of my own fiction: a novel, novella, and short story collection. She approached each text holistically, ensuring that it was logically consistent and compelling, and offered insightful suggestions that I hadn’t previously considered, all of which made those books far better.
And then when it came to line editing, her keen eye allowed her to zero in on improving the language in terms of flow and impact. I am incredibly fortunate to have benefitted from her expertise, and give her the highest recommendation possible.”
—Jason Erik Lundberg (Singapore), author of A Fickle and Restless Weapon
and other speculative fiction
“I was struggling to find the right copy editor for an incredibly personal and important project – my grandmother’s story – when Eldes came recommended to me by a friend. After reviewing her profile, I instinctively knew I had found the right person. Eldes was professional, timely with her communication but more importantly, showed the care and attention that was needed for my manuscript. She was a delight to work with and I would highly recommend Eldes.”
—Di Lebowitz, author of A Hakka Woman
“Eldes Tran not only came highly recommended by fellow authors, but far exceeded all expectations. Her perspicacious reading and incisive dissection of my manuscript unearthed structural cracks and dents that escaped me, and I was able, with her guidance, to effectively transform it into a novel I can be proud of.
Given her approachability and empathy, Eldes is a joy to work with. Not only would I strongly recommend her editorial services, I myself would love to continue working with her on my future projects.”
—Sebastian Sim (Singapore), author of The Award Goes to Sally Bong! and other contemporary fiction
“Eldes is fantastic. She worked with me upfront to define my book’s target market, and then tailored her feedback to that target market with an eye towards making it as attractive and marketable as possible. She was prompt and went above and beyond to provide suggestions through two rounds of edits—developmental and line edits. Beyond that she was fun to work with, and I would highly recommend her!”
—Priya Doty (U.S.), author of contemporary women’s fiction
“It is no small accomplishment to take a collection of memoir-vignettes, and create a coherent and compelling, thought-provoking manuscript. That is exactly what you have done!
I have enjoyed responding to your insightful requests … and cannot thank you enough for your comments and suggestions!
Who knew that finding an expert editor, without regard for proximity, would result in such a marvelous non-fiction story?”
—Steve Zipkin (U.S.), who compiled his late wife’s writings into a memoir
“Always punctual and professional, Eldes provided solid editorial comments and suggestions and is open to hearing my reactions to them. I feel the carriage has two horses pulling it and will arrive at the destination in good shape and on time.”
—Peter Nordlinger (Canada), author of literary fiction set in China
“Wonderful working with Eldes! Enthusiastic, excellent feedback, very responsive and incredibly helpful—I can't say much more other than that she is a patient star and that you would be mad not to employ her services!”
—Ara Iskanderian (U.K.), author of Armenian history novella
“Eldes was friendly and accommodating to all my specific needs. She gave detailed and honest feedback and never hesitated to answer any questions I had in addition. I highly recommend working with her.”
—Isabella Serene (U.S.), author of YA contemporary fiction
“It was an amazing experience working with Eldes. She is a meticulous proofreader, and her thoughtful feedback and comments were valuable. I am writing my second novel and will definitely seek her service again.”
—Tashi Phunsok (U.S.), author of revenge thriller
“Eldes provided quality feedback and edits to my manuscript that brought it to the next level. Her professionalism on keeping with dates and providing consistent edits led to much growth in my manuscript and development as an author. Being Asian American, I felt that I could personally and professionally connect with Eldes in raising my voice as an author and the voices of my characters.
Wonderful experience!”
—Tony Yang (U.S.), author of children’s picture book about an Asian American boy and bullying
“Eldes is a valuable asset to the community! She helped me navigate my manuscript with empathy and patience. Eldes is thorough in her edits, flexible, communicative, detailed, professional, and a world class editor.
With her expertise, I was able to structure my novel with fluidity and pleased with the creative outcome from our collaboration. I'm eternally grateful for her guidance and highly recommend her services. Eldes will deliver and hit the target!”
—Kathleen Forté (U.S.), author of contemporary fiction based on her life
“The cooperation with Eldes has definitively added value to my manuscript and I would recommend her any time. Communication was easy, offer was detailed and service delivered as expected. After agreeing on a schedule, she delivered the work on time. The comments were pertinent and easy to follow.”