"From the moment I heard her speak, I knew Marcela was honest, forthright and genuine. After seeking her assistance in the editing of my first manuscript, I found she was all of that and much more. She was smart, fun, articulate, and very knowledgeable about the mechanics of writing, as well as the publishing business itself. The best part was the advice she imparted to me was not only sage, but also correct. I would not hesitate to seek Marcela’s advice in the future."--Pat Suprenant

 

“Marcela Landres came into my life via Gemini Ink, and I am beyond thankful that we connected. She is honest, tactful, respectful, and resourceful; my writer IQ has gone up exponentially because of Marcela. She is the best line-editor I have ever worked with, and the wealth of knowledge she has in relation to platform building and enhancing growth as a writer is profound. She knows the market, knows the publishing industry, and knows what directions a writer should go for the betterment of craft and publicity. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but Marcela has made me realize what I need in my progression as a writer: partners. Marcela is a true partner who gives solid and insightful feedback. My writing projects have been (and always will be) relinquished to Marcela Landres because the depth of her expertise has only proven to be beneficial to me and my writing.”--Carie Novikoff

 

 

“An author and friend first told me about Marcela Landres early this the summer. The smiling girl on the cover of How Editors Think: The Real Reason They Rejected You won me over and so did the information her e-book disseminated. Without hesitation, I approached her and she agreed to critique my manuscript. Marcela's critique merged relevant information about the publishing world with constructive criticism about my story. Her recommendations and ideas on how to build my platform, the authors whose writing will illustrate how to strengthen parts of my story, her tough love ‘on the money’ critical eye for the best way to prepare my manuscript for possible publication inspired me and filled me with determination to succeed. Marcela is a coach, teacher, editor, and friend of the writer at a time when the publishing world has become so materialized. Her consultation is packed with the information you might find in a college-level course. She gave me the tools. Now it’s up to me to make things happen. Thank you, dear Marcela.”--Cornelia Levy

 

“When I finished my first novel manuscript, I knew three things: the manuscript was too lengthy, I needed fresh perspective, and I was unsure what my next step should be. Part surgeon, part guidance counselor, part architect, Marcela Landres helped with all three. She used her editing pencil as a scalpel, analyzed my strengths and weaknesses, and helped me structure a plan to move forward with my writing. Gracias, Marcela!”--Ari Gonzalez Asendorf

 

“Marcela offers not just the experience, expertise, and advice that only a former publishing house acquisitions editor can provide, but also an unequaled enthusiasm not often found in the publishing world. Working with Marcela educated me on the submissions process, a writer's business platform, and what it took to be a published writer. Her developmental edits gave me insights on my writing strengths and her follow-up consultation call emphasized the areas where I could improve. During the call, Marcela provided a sounding board for my new story ideas and helped pin down the most marketable of the bunch. I trust Marcela's work and so would anyone who utilizes her services.”--Refugio Jones

 

“A beginning writer’s first concern is to write the story that has been buried in the subconscious forever. But when the writer reaches that magic moment when she thinks it’s finished, a revelation takes place: what the writer has done is the tip of the iceberg. At this point the writer needs, desperately, a guide. Such a guide is Marcela Landres, a lovely, articulate, savvy New Yorker. I can verify that she gives the new writer the overview that’s needed, and then the details of specific situations that might arise. Writers may discover that what they thought was a finished work is not; they may find that a crucial revision of the manuscript will make it much more viable for publication. I would urge writers who are at the stage of seeking publishing information to turn to Marcela Landres for guidance.”--Irene McKenna

 

“As a profile producer for NBC Sports, Access Hollywood and other news and entertainment outlets I became pretty good at grinding out famous profiles. In fact, it earned me an Emmy Award. But when I set out to create my first novel and conjure characters and plot from thin air, writing suddenly wasn’t so easy.

     Enter Marcela Landres. From the small details of line editing to the larger picture of plot and character development, she was the kind but critical eye I was looking for. More importantly, she passed along what I can only call ‘insider information’ about the book business itself and the importance of developing a platform. By this, she means something of interest about you other than your fantastic book, something that will make publishers believe you can sell what you write. I had not thought about that and probably you haven't either. But with all the competition out there, it makes perfect sense.

     The smile in her voice and the delight she will take in editing your work will be the unexpected bonus.”--Steve Potter

 

“I was about to shoot myself in the foot by submitting to prospective agents a manuscript needing revisions, a self-defeating query letter, and a confusing synopsis. Fortunately a whiff of uncharacteristic cautiousness prompted me to send the materials to Marcela--one of the soundest moves I've made. Her editing of the start of the manuscript was spot-on and provided a direction for editing the rest on my own; I wound up cutting 15,000 words, or 12%, of the novel. A greatly simplified synopsis fell in place, and my new query letter looks nothing at all like the original. Her tips about building a platform are compelling and not especially onerous. Our phone conference was productive and enjoyable. Marcela has put together a well-organized, robust consulting program that I heartily recommend.”--Burt Michaels

 

“Anyone thinking of taking a novel into the public market must consult Marcela first. I know it’s an expense, and money’s tight--it’s always tight--but Marcela did more for me than correct grammar and straighten ideas. She pointed out the lack of progression and character development in my novel. She suggested CD’s and books I’m only beginning to use. She gave me real directions on how to start a writing career. I used one CD she recommended and realized my book was only a third finished. My friends couldn’t do that. If it’s a matter of time, make time to work with Marcela. If it’s a matter of money, she’s worth every dime. I feel as if I received honest mentoring from someone in the publishing business and made a friend at the same time. If you choose not to work with her, that’s OK too; the publishing market is hard enough already and I really don’t need the competition.”--Luis Alvarenga