“Gail put her heart and soul into my project. She took a large chunk of writing and turned it into an exciting publishable manuscript. She was always punctual with each round of edits and highly professional. She even gave me ideas for my book that weren’t part of her contract. Along with Gail’s strong work ethic and dedication to my manuscript, she was also fun to work with. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”

-Nicole Evans, attorney and author, Lesbians and the Law

“Working with Gail, I experienced what it was like as a writer to be held and supported while also being challenged to make my writing more accessible to a wider audience. What is even more important in an editor, Gail never gave up on my work, even when my idiosyncratic syntax or lack of experience writing scene would have made it easy for her to do so. Gail is a wonderful writer and thought partner to collaborate with on any writing project!”

-Jo Christian, author, My Mountain, My God: A Nonbinary Becoming

Client Testimonials

“Gail has been a valuable asset to the authors I project manage. Her book editing skills are thoughtful, insightful, and clearly show her years of experience and expertise. I have had the privilege of working with Gail as she performed developmental and copy edits on several author projects. Gail's edits are not only demonstrative of her technical abilities, but her approach to working directly with authors proves her to be a communicative and approachable guide for authors looking for direction in their manuscripts.”

-Bailly Morse, Former Project Manager, Publish Your Purpose Press

“I have had the distinct pleasure of overseeing Gail Marlene Schwartz in her role as fiction editor for Cobalt Review for more than two years. During this time, she has helped our small press identify many great works of fiction from both established and emerging authors, and she greatly strengthened our relationship with submitters.

Ms. Schwartz stepped into a role that had only been held by a founding editor, which is no small challenge under any circumstances. This was also during a time when we were rethinking the format, schedule, and role of our online journal within the larger Cobalt Press organization. Ms. Schwartz actively contributed to our rebranding and strategy efforts, consistently demonstrating a high level of professionalism and care, beginning with the creation of unique submission guidelines and continuing in her communications with Cobalt staff and contributors.

In the eleven years since launching Cobalt, I have never seen so many compliments for an editor’s work as I’ve seen for Ms. Schwartz. It is not uncommon for us to receive responses to rejection letters, thanking Ms. Schwartz for her careful review and thoughtful feedback on the author’s work, even when choosing not to accept and publish it. The literary community needs more editors with such appreciation for an author’s time and commitment to their craft.

Ms. Schwartz is uniquely qualified for any writing or editing venture, and I could not give a stronger recommendation. It is my belief that she would be an asset in any capacity.”

-Andrew Keating, Editor in Chief, Cobalt Review

"I have a new file folder called 'Writing with Gail,' and since Gail became my writing coach, that folder has seen more activity in a month and a half than any other folder on my computer. Her approach is inviting and sincere, and her offer to take my writing process at my own speed and in my own direction was very helpful in creating a feeling of ownership. She provides structured formats for our meetings which helps my writing mind get focused, and at every organizational point asks for and integrates my feedback and suggestions. She also helped set up an extremely useful shared digital writing area organizing all these aspects. Her excitement about writing is infectious, and because she is such an accomplished writer, editor, and teacher, the entire process is loaded with authenticity, stimulating me not only to want to write but also to publish. Having Gail as a coach makes my writing process the agonizingly joyful activity it should be and the world a more interesting place.  

-Patricia Reynolds, memoir writer