Gary A Nilsen, MFA

contact for price

Zip code

Annual income

Entity type

Accounting needs

Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can.

Check them out

Introduction: Writing is a fundamental outlet for expression along with art and music. As such, it must be nurtured and perfected in order to achieve the utmost ability to resonate with a reader. I undertake book doctoring and critique because the written word is my passion, and I want to bring out the very best in my client's work. As a published author, I know the difficult road to getting your work out there. Also, I was thrilled to be named as the Best of 2015 and 2016 for Editing work here on Thumbtack. Creativity, the chance to witness old ideas expressed in new ways. There really are no original stories left to tell, what remains is to retell original stories so that it seems that they are.

Overview

Hired 5 times

1 employee

10 years in business

Payment methods

Ask this pro about their preferred payment method.

Featured Projects

5 photos

Reviews

4.8

4 reviews

5

75%

4

25%

3

0%

2

0%

1

0%

Feather (Judy Weir) S.

May 16, 2015

Last year I searched for an author who fit a specific criteria: male, flexible on payment, experience living in the Middle East, and interested in helping an author polish their manuscript. Gary Nilsen fit my needs perfectly. He accepted my request for his editorial services and we began working together. What pleased me the most was his honest feedback, and the rational for the suggested changes. Many areas of my manuscript needed to be improved, or deleted. He managed to be forthright and yet without impaling my ego. What was also important to me was receiving an opinion regarding the plot and character dynamics from a male perspective. And his experience working among Muslims in Saudi Arabia was an invaluable asset for my particular project.He's honest, intelligent, considerate, and his high standards ensures the client receives excellent value. I highly recommend Gary Nilsen.

Erik A.

Aug 10, 2015

·

Hired on Thumbtack

I am a first time author and this was my first experience with a professional editor. I could not have been more pleased with Gary's knowledge and professionalism. I felt as though Gary took a genuine interest in my project, first reading the manuscript then asking me what I had hoped to convey prior to his first edits. Unfortunately, my first draft was rougher than I could know, but Gary provided some amazingly insightful feedback including observations only an editor recognizes. Gary then did a great job of providing suggested improvements in a caring manner such that I came away inspired to do better versus having my spirit crushed. I wholeheartedly recommend Gary to other aspiring authors/writers and I'm looking forward to working with him further as my novel continues to evolve.

Editing

Leah E.

Jun 22, 2015

·

Hired on Thumbtack

I couldn't ask for anyone better to trust with something I've been working on my whole life. He not only worked with my budget but took me step by step on what he was doing with my book. I will be using Gary again when I have more work for him to do.

Editing

Geoffrey D.

Jan 6, 2016

·

Hired on Thumbtack

Gary was communicative, sympathetic to my project, seems to have relevant background knowledge and is a published author of fiction. I expect to enjoy working with him to improve my novel.

Editing

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I generally approach a project at the rate of $30 per hour, but will convert the quote to a fixed amount once I know the word count of a manuscript and have had the chance to review a sample of the writing.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I read their entire manuscript - twice. The first run through is to get an overall idea as to the voice, the plot structure, and the characterization. The second pass has me using up most of the ink in a red pen: some of it in praise and alot of it suggestions on how to improve and tighten their work.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In addition to my MFA in Fiction, I constantly read about the changing paradigm surrounding the publishing industry, the type of books that are being written and marketed, and reading, reading, reading...

Gary A Nilsen, MFA

FAQs

Related cost information

Popular in Astoria

You might also like

In other nearby areas