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

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

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

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

    Being sensitive and caring, as well as very good at what I do, is why I not only offer my clients many levels of editing or writing help - but I also offer a money-back guarantee. Who else in the editing business is willing to offer that kind of commitment? Over the years, I've worked with hundreds of authors (see my Resume page for a comprehensive list), and not one of them has ever asked for a refund. It's a record I'm proud of - and one I have no intention of tarnishing!

    If you ask, every successful writer will credit a large portion of their success to the help they received from a great editor. An experienced editor will make your writing better by checking spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, and all the other factors that go into creating a 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 "Out Back" magazine column, which has appeared monthly in Living With Energy in Iowa 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 nearly a quarter million readers around the world. Like every other writer, I'm too close to my words to catch everything, and Bob has consistently made me look good every month for more than a decade, and I've always been grateful for his editing expertise. 

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

   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 $250 for fiction.

    If you let me help revise, edit, or even ghost your manuscript after receiving my manuscript analysis, I'll credit half the cost of the 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, and after you've approved the last chapter, we'll throw up our hands, give each other virtual high-fives, and say, "Yippee! We have a BOOK!"

     We'll also be in constant contact throughout the process. You'll be able to ask questions as we work our way through your manuscript, and that education is often what authors appreciate most about the way I work - and it doesn't cost any extra.

   When it comes to payments, you'll receive an exact quote (based on the 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. One thing I am is flexible!)

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?

   As the world gets smaller, individuals and businesses around the globe are realizing that communicating in perfect English is imperative to success. To be competitive in today's global 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 presented in perfect English. I've helped people in thirty-five countries revise their prose, and it's one of the most rewarding things I do. If you want your words transformed into powerful, persuasive English, I'd love to help!

    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 a little sad 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.

    For more than twenty years I've specialized in spiritual material as a writer, editor, and ghostwriter, but I've also worked in a wide variety of other genres, including business, sports, humor, and children's books. Regardless of genre, I'll give you my best - that's a promise. 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 clients on the Client Praise page or the Resume page, but they're also sprinkled throughout the site. Fully 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 tell your friends.

      If you've done your homework, you know there are lots of sharks in the water, just waiting for a chance to swallow new writers. If you're serious about reaching for 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!

Praise from Editing Clients: