no2.gifWelcome to Gary Anderson's

ABC Iowa Writing and Editing Services 

ABCLg


 The place where YOUR words come to shine!

     Welcome to ABC Iowa Writing and Editing Services. My name is Gary Anderson, and though I've been a fulltime writer, editor, manuscript analyst, ESL specialist, and ghostwriter for more than twenty years, I really consider myself to be in the dream business. 

   There's nothing I love more than helping authors from around the world pursue their writing dreams by making their manuscripts as strong as they can be. Well, maybe there is one thing that makes me happier...watching as that writer's dreams become a reality.


Why Do YOU Write?

    If you're like most writers, you write because there's something inside of you - a small voice that constantly reminds you that you have to write if you're going to realize your full potential. Putting your thoughts on paper or into your computer is something you must do, even if it doesn't make rational sense to anyone else. It's simply woven into the fabric of who you are as a human being, and you could no more give up your writing than you could sprout wings and fly!

     Deep down, in your heart of hearts, you know that writing is one of the things that makes you the unique, special person you are - no matter what subjects you feel compelled to write about. 

    Of course, following your bliss is one of the most beautiful things a person can do, but there are a number of factors that hold people back in the pursuit of their writing dreams - and I can help you overcome any of those factors.

    That's why I not only offer my clients many levels of editing or writing help - but I also offer a money-back guarantee. Who else is willing to offer that kind of commitment? I've worked with hundreds of authors over the past twenty years, and not one has ever asked for a refund. It's a record I'm proud of - and one I have no intention of tarnishing!


Editing

    If you could ask them, every successful writer would credit a large portion of their success to the help of a great editor. It doesn't matter how talented you are, an experienced editor will help make your writing better by checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, and all the other factors that go into creating well-crafted work. No matter what your skill level, it's always worthwhile to have a second set of eyes look over your manuscript.

In my own magazine column for Living With Energy in Iowa, which I've written monthly since 1996, I rely on Robert Dickelman, the magazine's editor, to make sure there are no errors in my work before it goes out to our 167,000 readers. Like every other writer, I'm too close to my words to catch everything, and Bob makes me look good every month, for which I'm always grateful.. 

    If you want your words to touch people on the deepest level, I'll polish them until they sparkle without sacrificing your unique voice.


Manuscript Analysis

    If you're looking for an expert opinion about how much work your manuscript may require to make it the best it can be, I've done more than 1,000 manuscript analyses over the years. I'll provide a personalized report that often runs twelve pages - at a fair price. In fact, a manuscript analysis only costs $150 for nonfiction or $175 for fiction.

   
"But wait," as they say on TV, "there's more!" 

    If you let me help revise, edit, or even ghost your manuscript, I'll credit half the cost of the manuscript analysis toward the rest of the project!

    We'll address your manuscript chapter by chapter, which few editors do (check around: you'll find that most editors want their money up front - then all you can do is pray that they know what they're doing until you get the manuscript back). We won't move on to the next chapter until you've approved the previous one.

     There are many advantages to this system, not the least of which is that we'll always be "on the same page," so to speak. You'll always know where we are in the process, and when we've finished the last chapter, we'll throw up our hands, give each other high-fives, and say, "Yippee! We have a BOOK!"

     The other unique thing about the chapter-by-chapter system is that we'll be in constant contact throughout the process. You'll be able to ask questions about any issues that arise up as we work our way through your manuscript. That education is often what authors appreciate most - and it doesn't cost any extra.

    When it comes to payments, you'll receive an exact quote (based on word count) and you can pay a third up front, another third at the halfway point, and the final third when the project has been completed. I prefer PayPal, which is a common payment method nowadays, and it's a simple process. (Of course, that doesn't mean you can't pay by check if you'd prefer.)

   I've been at this a long time and you'll find dozens of testimonials from satisfied clients here at ABCIowa.com. I love what I do, I'm enthusiastic about helping people reach for their dreams, and we'll have fun working together. After all, if pursuing a dream isn't fun, what's the point?

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"Wow! When we first connected I had no idea that your review would be so detailed.
I'm sitting here in awe of you."

Liz Guevera, Separated by Dreams 

ESL (English as a Second Language) Editing

    As the world gets smaller, individuals and businesses around the globe are realizing that communicating in perfect English is imperative. To be competitive in the world marketplace, it's critical to impress clients by making sure everything they see, whether it's sales brochures, websites, manuals, or even everyday correspondence, is written in perfect English. 

    I've helped people in seventeen countries revise their prose into perfect American English, and it's one of the most rewarding things I do. If you want your words transformed into powerful, persuasive English, I can help!

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"Every time you send your revisions, they sound like my own writing. 
It's the way I would have written it the first time if my English was better!"
Helen Chen, Jin-Ling's Two Left Feet


Ghostwriting

    Many people have a story they'd love to share with the world, but they don't have a writing background or the confidence to do the writing themselves. That's where a ghostwriter can help. 

    The concept of ghostwriting may seem intimidating, but it shouldn't be. In fact, the entire process is generally so much fun that it's not uncommon for writers to be sorry as their project comes to an end - and that makes me feel good!

    I've ghosted more than thirty books for writers in a number of countries, so no matter how much help you may need to tell your story in an effective and powerful way, I can help.


How can I help YOU reach for your dream?

    For more than twenty years I've specialized in spiritual material as a writer, editor, and ghostwriter, but I've also worked on manuscripts in a wide variety of other genres, including business, sports, humor, and children's books. Regardless of genre: I'll give you my best - and give you more than you expected. 

     The only thing that really counts in this world is our integrity, and I take great pride in what I do.

     You'll find comments from satisfied clients on the Client Praise page or the Resume page, but they're also sprinkled throughout the site. Feel free to contact any of them. After all - 95% of my business comes from referrals and repeat clients. It's like finding a good mechanic - when you find one who does good work at a reasonable price, you want to tell your friends.

     If you're serious about going after your writing dreams, I'll give you professional help in an Iowa-friendly way - honest, straightforward, and with a total commitment to making your words all they can be!

     Whether you're looking for editing, a manuscript analysis, writing, ESL help, or ghostwriting, click the "Give Us a Holler" button below and let's talk!   

The time to reach for your writing dreams is NOW - 
and you've got a friend in the Heartland!

Praise from Editing Clients:

     "This experience has been more than pleasurable. I couldn't ask for more out of an editor. Like most aspiring authors, I have big plans for my project, but there were a couple parts of my manuscript that made me wince when I thought about them. I hoped they'd be buffed out in editing, and they certainly were. I have more confidence in my work now and can proudly represent it wherever I go. Thanks."
Leighton Campbell, The Other Way: A Guide to a Financially Successful Graduation

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"When I was managing editor of Hampton Roads, Gary Anderson was one of my most dependable editors. He returned work promptly, often before deadline. He has a gift for seeing how a book can be best organized, but more important, he brings respect for each author and each project.
That doesn't mean he won't tell you the truth!
You'll get an honest appraisal of how your book can best be prepared."

Rebecca Williamson, former managing editor, Hampton Roads Press

     
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"Gary's my rock! He's a great guy to work with and I've been universally pleased with his work. He's edited more than thirty books for us to date and our authors
 have been very complimentary about his work."

Mark Spratt, Cork Hill Press

 

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"Thank you so much for all you have done for my dream!"
Carolyn Flaherty, The Great Grandpoo

 

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“Thanks for your help with my book, Gary. You're a wizard!”

Bill Adams, What Does It All Mean?

 

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“I want you to know that I feel I have found the right editor for my work.”

Matt Stanley, The Leadership Myth

 


Praise from Writing Clients:

 "Gary, working with you has really been one of the best feelings I've ever had in my life,
and you, my friend, are the biggest reason for making my writing dreams come true.
Thank you many times over."

Curtis Cowan, You're the Doctor - Fix the Problem!
 
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"Gary polished my article and increased my sales in one day! After hiring another so-called 'expert' to add pizzazz, I was thrilled because Gary's changes made such a huge sales difference." 
Jeanette Fisher, www.joytothehome.com

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"I've just read your rewrite and it's brilliant! It's still my story, but you've made it something that captures and holds the reader's interest. I can't thank you enough."
R. D. Fox, The Breakers

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"You are amazing! You made my story come to life!"
Lorna Stremcha

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"Thanks again for your hard work and professionalism!"
Grael Norton, Wheatmark


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They're your words - together let's make them shine!

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