"You've been one of the most efficient and effective editors I've had the pleasure of working with. Your comments have been to the point, well-chosen, and accurate. You're a consummate pro at what you do."

– Gerald Elias, acclaimed author of short stories and novels, such as Murder at the Royal Albert.

"As I’m reading our work, I feel very grateful and happy to have met and connected with you,  making my stories come together as a well-written and engaging book, one  I could have never achieved on my own. Thank you so much for your outstanding and detailed work."

– Peter Mathews, author of 56 Years and 81 Days, a War Memoir

"I thought Dawn M. Barclay did a great job of cleaning up my writing. She was very responsive to my deadlines which was very important. I have already recommended her to one author and would definitely use her again."

– Nina Wachsman, Agatha-nominated author of The Gallery of Beauties series, published by Level Best Books.

"Dawn Barclay is a professional, knowledgeable, and collaborative editor. She provided a thoughtful and thorough critique of my full-length manuscript, as well as to a short story that later was cited as one of the year’s best in the 2022 Best Mystery and Suspense anthology. Rather than impose her own vision, Dawn helps writers achieve theirs, and she not only suggests modifications but explains the reasoning behind those proposed changes. I highly recommend her.''

– Lori Robbins, award-winning author of the On Pointe Mystery Series.

“Dawn M. Barclay (D.M. Barr) is one of my all-time favorite editors for two reasons: she’s all about making the work better, and she explains changes in terms a writer understands, because she is one. When I’m working with her, I know she’s going to be absolutely honest without being mean, and the final product will be as good as it can possibly be.”

– Kathleen Marple Kalb, Author of The Thanksgiving Ragamuffin in Justice for All: Murder New York Style 5 and the Ella Shane and Vermont Radio Mystery series.

"It’s every writer’s dream to have an editor say their book is perfect and not a word needs to be changed. That, however, probably hasn’t happened since Gutenberg invented the press. So the next best thing to hear from an editor is an honest assessment of your book and how to improve it. I have been exceptionally lucky in finding and employing Dawn Barclay as an editor. She’s smart, she’s an excellent writer herself, and along with correcting small errors, she’ll tell you what to do to make your work better."

– Elf Ahearn, Dawn Barclay fan and author of The Christmas Unicorn and A Rogue in Sheep's Clothing.

"Dawn's editing was both very useful and encouraging. Her honesty and practicality when it comes to edits left me feeling confident in the final product, and excited about the strength of my story. And on top of that, her responses were always prompt, and she's been nothing but kind and professional in dealing with my newbie questions! I would wholeheartedly recommend her editing services."

– Elle Hartford, contributing author in Justice for All and other anthologies.

"Writers never stop learning, and working with Dawn Barclay made me a better writer. If you're serious about writing, she is a terrific choice as an editor. When she accepted my manuscript, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I couldn't be happier with the outcome. As to be expected from a professional edit, I received constructive criticism, not praise. She focused on what matters most: improving the manuscript to make it the best it could be, with direct, honest feedback. But sometimes the truth hurts, so check your ego at the door and pay attention, because she clearly wants to help you. Dawn's been in the writing business for a long time, and as Michael Corleone said, "It's not personal, Sonny. It's strictly business." Her edits were straightforward and blunt, specifying the problematic areas and also explaining why they needed to be addressed. I highly recommend Dawn's editing services, and I would not hesitate to work with her again."

– Joseph Campbell

I had the pleasure of working with Dawn when she served as editor of the SinC anthology, Justice for All: Murder New York Style. Her knowledge of the genre, of grammar, and her attention to detail were impressive. She identified story continuity issues and recommended better phrasing that made a huge difference in transforming my story. Most importantly, she was respectful of my writing and made me feel like I had a partner in getting to the best final product. 

– Ellen Quint, co-author, The Fine Print of Retirement