Hi, I’m Bill Gould. I’ve been editing books for authors for over 30 years, and I still work the same way I did at the start: one editor, one manuscript, and my full attention on your project.
I take on a limited number of projects at a time, so each one gets the care it deserves. When you work with me, you’re not handed off to a stranger. I read every word, I ask the questions that need asking, and I’ll tell you honestly what’s working and what isn’t. My goal is to make your book better while keeping it sounding like you.
I edit fiction and nonfiction across most genres, including memoir, fantasy, science fiction, romance, and general fiction. If you’re not sure what kind of editing your manuscript needs, a free sample edit is the easiest way to find out.
What authors say about working with me:
When I published my first book, I didn’t have an editor and now wish that I had. It’s so easy to skim over typos, poor phrasing, wrong words, mis-spelled words and any other issue that could take a book to a higher level and keep the reader reading. I found William on Facebook, and I am grateful to him for his guidance and patience. If it weren’t for him, I’d still be self-editing.
Mr. Gould to the rescue! When yet another reader pointed out yet another error that my previous editor had missed, this one a glaring homophone error of the worst kind, I went looking for help. Fortunately, Mr. Gould was there to save me. Not only did he do a brilliant job cleaning up my previously published work, but he also showed me what real editing looks like as we worked on my newest novel. Mr. Gould goes beyond punctuation and usage issues. He trims and fine tunes your manuscript until it shines. His methods are direct, but not pushy, and working with him will make you a better writer. I actually cannot recommend him enough!
I came to Mr. Gould after a season of failed editors; I had spent too much money with people who never should have been in the editing business. After being referred by a friend, I was hesitant to have yet another new editor, but Mr. Gould has been fantastic in every way! He always seems to know the right questions to ask and pushes me to always put my best work out there. He knows when I am off my game and doesn’t sugarcoat it when he knows I am capable of more, it’s one of my favorite qualities. No one wants to hear they are the best writer in the world, but having an editor who can help the writing be better while still keeping it in the author’s voice is so important. I am on my fifth book with William Gould as my editor, and I hope he will edit many more for me!
Honest feedback, realistic expectations
Publishing has plenty of pitfalls, and I’ve seen authors spend a lot of money on editing that didn’t help them. I’d rather give you candid feedback and a clear picture of what your manuscript needs, so you can make good decisions about your book.
A note on heavily revised manuscripts
Some manuscripts need more than editing. If a book requires substantial rewriting to read naturally, including many manuscripts written by authors working in a second language, I quote those projects separately. They involve considerably more work than a standard edit, and the rate reflects that.
Let’s see if we’re a good fit
Send me a sample and I’ll edit a few pages free of charge. It’s a chance for both of us to see whether we’re a good match, with no obligation either way.
If you’re also looking for formatting or self-publishing help, you’ll find those services at W. H. Gould Publishing.
To your publishing success,
William H. Gould
Editor, Eye Edit Books
