Client Reviews

Client Reviews

You can't beat a clear view where story development is concerned. No better place to get that than with me. My calendar is open from March '27. All you need to do is drop me a line at clearviewediting@gmail.com or email two chapters in Word from your WIP, from which I will provide a free sample edit so you can better determine if my editing approach suits your requirements.

 

Client reviews are always appreciated. Here are a few to whet your appetite:

 

Kay Lynne Sattler – author of The Gliding Wanderer

As a first-time author, I was completely lost until a friend recommended Eamon. I was terrified to share my first draft, but from the very beginning he met my work with kindness, encouragement, and honest guidance. Nearly four years later, we have a novel.

The Gliding Wanderer simply would not exist without Eamon. His insight, patience, and remarkable talent as an editor helped shape this story into something I am incredibly proud of. If you’re looking for an editor who genuinely cares about both the work and the writer, Eamon is an exceptional choice. I recommend him wholeheartedly.

 

Jane Buckley (Oakleaf Press), author of the Stones Corner series

What can I say! You’d be a fool not to work with Eamon. 

No, seriously, I’ve just finished my fifth book - a 186,000-word non-fiction book with more than 150 photographs, and this gentleman has been an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish.

Articulate, thoughtful, incredibly meticulous, professional, a great communicator and, just as importantly, good fun. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he genuinely cared about getting every detail right.

I honestly couldn’t have done it without you, Eamon.

Thank you.

JB 

 

Jo Nestor – author of short and long fiction

When I approached two successful, published Irish writers for advice (people I know in person, not 'virtual' people), they said the same thing: 'Oh, you need Eamon Ó Cléirigh of Clear View Editing.'

Written during Lockdown, my masterpiece (hah!) ... I mean my manuscript, went in and out of the drawer as rejections mounted, and my hopes for it rose and fell accordingly.

The interesting thing is that, throughout, I believed in the story.

Last autumn, I applied for and received (thank you, thank you!) an Individual Artist's Bursary from my local County Council, & started working with Eamon in March of this year.

This has become the most uplifting and reassuring collaboration I could ever have wished for as a writer. Eamon's professional editorial support has brought me & my writing (my debut novel, lads!) to a place of genuine hope.

My advice to all emerging writers is:

Be brave, know when to ask for help, & go for it!  🤗

Clear View Editing: It's a 'highly recommend' from me.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ️ ️ ️ ️

 

Mary Heeran White, author of fiction and poetry

They say the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and I’m now in the process of submitting my second novel to Eamon following a very worthwhile and rewarding experience with my first.

My debut manuscript was full of potential but rough around the edges. Thankfully, Eamon had the ability to see the story beneath the surface - to guide and support and shape it into something truly workable without losing my voice in the process.

His professionalism made all the difference in shaping what began as a shaky draft into a novel I’m proud of.

 

Alex Secam, author of Destruction Unit

I highly recommend Clear-View Fiction Editing. I have had a great editing experience with Clear View for my current work in progress. I cannot fault the thorough and rigorous approach. I've already booked Eamon for my next project. I think he has more spaces available, if you query. Definitely worth contacting him to discuss.

 

Mairead de Bhal, SeaScribes writing group, Bray

From start to finish for our project, Eamon was sympathetic, knowledgeable, and encouraging. Part of a writing group working on our first anthology together, we were very lucky to find Eamon. He really upgraded our work beyond our expectations with his helpful and insightful suggestions, and allowing us to make a the final call. I would recommend him for any group-writing project or individual project, he gave far above his fee in helpful advice, including layout and pagination. Thank you, Eamon, and I know that many of us will be calling on him in the future.

 

Alice Sheridan - SeaScribes

Eamon, you are a rare species indeed, able to show how work can be improved without losing any of the soul of the work. Thanks a million for handling my stories with such sensitivity. Sometimes, we writers are so close to our characters we fail to view them objectively – you are a master at pointing out failings in this regard while improving the overall delivery of the story.

 

DC Speura, author of Veni, Vidi, Exitus and Carpe Noctem

I could wax lyrical and gush about how good Eamon is, but if you’ll forgive the seanchaí in me, I’ll tell you a story instead.

I wanted a stone wall at the end of the garden, a proper dry stone wall, the kind you see winding through the Irish countryside. Having seen hundreds of them, I thought, how hard could it be? It took me a year, but my wall wasn’t half bad. Well… sort of. Some bits fell, there were gaps here and there, it leaned a little in places, and a few stones wobbled if you looked at them the wrong way. But it was my wall.

Then I met this guy, let’s call him Eamon for the sake of the story. Now, this fella knew walls. He’d built a few in his time. He looked at mine and said, “Nice wall. Good job.”

Then he paused and added, “You know, if we moved this stone over here, and put that one in its place, the wall might stand a little straighter.”

So I did. And lo and behold, it did look straighter.

Then he said, “How about we take this stone out, move it up top, and use this one to fill the hole?” So we did, and slowly but surely, the wall began to take proper shape.

We worked side by side for quite a while, straightforward suggestions, no judgment, just sound advice from someone who knows walls. And when we finally stepped back, I said, “Would you look at that? Hard to believe a few simple changes could make such a difference.”

It’s still my wall. I built it. People come to admire it now; it’s even made its way onto the internet, where people share kind words about it. It’ll stand for many years, I think. I’m proud of it.

But without Eamon’s help and quiet guidance, I know my wall would’ve crumbled long ago into a pile of stones.

So that’s my little tale of the wall.

Thank you, Eamon, for everything: DC Speura, author of Veni, Vidi, Exitus and Carpe Noctem

 

Ali Graham - Poetry and Short Fiction Writer

I discovered Clear-View Fiction Editing on social media, recommended by other writers. I made contact via email, and Eamon offered me a free sample edit, which is advertised on the website.

I received the sample edit and was gobsmacked. Eamon had taken what I had written and masterfully worked a kind-of-magic. I was now able to turn my story into a beautiful thing. After this, I sent Eamon the remaining seven short stories.

Each new edit I received filled me with excitement, nervousness, and joy. By the time I received the 3rd edit, I knew I was approaching the top of a mountain.

Unlike a workshop on writing fiction, where you expect to hone your skills, and come away having learnt something, maybe had one-to-one tutoring, I expected my short stories to just be edited and returned, but Eamon gave much more, and I have been left stunned by the process. I’ve learned so much in so little time.  My experience with Clear-View Fiction Editing has been a game changer!

I’ll be back.

 

David Duford - Long and Short Fiction Writer

I first contacted Eamon in 2016, after a recommendation from someone in my writing group. Up to that point, I was working full time and had been writing in my spare time. I was looking for an editor who could look at my recently "finished" first novella and guide me through a process I understood little about.

What I received was an education as to what the editing process is all about, and realizing my story wasn't nearly finished! After I received Eamon's thoughts on my first three chapters, I knew he was the man for the job. He approaches each piece on its own merits, offering suggestions and tweaks along the way, all with a refreshing sense of humor and humility. As he continually states, the final choice is up to the author, and all he is doing is offering differing perspectives to think over.

To many of you authors, what I've listed above might seem like what an editor is expected to do, yet what I am most impressed with is how Eamon goes above and beyond to challenge me. It is obvious he approaches his work from the perspective of one who enjoys reading. If he sees an opportunity for a story to improve, regardless of the work that entails, he is not afraid to put it right out there for consideration. Sometimes, after many drafts, it's hard to think about changing course, rewriting paragraphs and pages, but I have found his advice sound and logical in almost every case.

He has simply made me a better writer.

I would not hesitate to recommend Eamon and Clear-View Fiction Editing for your next project, whether you're a novice or a veteran. You'll be glad you retained his services.

 

Pat McDermott - multi-genre indie author of adventure and romance set in Ireland

Eamon and I became friends on FB years ago, and we occasionally meet for tea when I visit Sligo. After I wrote my last book, I thought I'd take my usual break from writing, but my writing group encouraged me to reveal more about a memorable character in the book. And so, I wrote a short story set in early medieval Ireland. Rather than spend ages going over it, and since I was curious about Eamon's editing skills, I asked if he could fit me into his busy schedule. To my delight, he could. I've written several books and worked with many editors over the years, and Eamon is among the best. He not only knows and loves his job, he's also encouraging and tactful with his comments and suggestions. My story is shining now. Thank you so much, Eamon!

 

Martha Higgins - author of Hiding From The Heart

It was a pleasure to work with Eamon, of Clear-View Fiction Editing. He is scrupulous in his attention to detail. His suggestions helped me to flesh out the story and strengthen my writing. He is professional and encouraging and I learned so much from the experience. I trust his advice and knowledge knowing that he is very diligent in his work. 

 

Tasha Sheipline – author of The Whispers series and County Clare

The editing phase of writing is not something many people look forward to doing. It is certainly a space where all of your self-doubt peaks. In honesty, I was very anxious about sending my work to an editor, knowing that it needed much work. Eamon made everything about this experience a learning opportunity. His knowledge of how a story needs to develop is extensive, and very reader centered. He has the wonderful ability to really make you think about your story from multiple angles. Not only is he considerate with his suggestions, but he brings such humor to the process, that you forget it’s even work. His advice is always spot on, Eamon is just that good. He won my trust right away. His guidance has strengthened me as a writer, and my polished manuscript is beyond what I could ever have imagined. I’m thrilled to work with him on my future projects.

Update: Book number three is officially in the capable hands of Eamon at Clear-View Fiction Editing. He has done far more for me as a writer than I can ever express. For authors considering the daunting task of finding an editor, I could not recommend anyone more highly.

 

Pauline Morgan - Novelist

Many thanks to Clear-View Fiction Editing for being the extra pair of eyes editing Secrets Under Spanish Skies and Christmas Time at Lily's Bar. Thank you, Eamon, for your time and patience in sorting my scribbles into readable material. Eamon's advice and input is like pure gold dust.

 

Jessie Winterspring - author of In Another Time

I had my upcoming book, a time-travel romance, edited by 3 editors before Eamon. I only contacted him looking for a final read through, and get some opinion from a man's perspective. What I found was a treasure that I wish to hide and brag about at the same time. 😆

He took my manuscript, which I thought was nearly done, and showed me that work was only about to begin. He caught so many flaws and embarrassing mistakes, which made me silently scream and bang my head. However, now that it's over, I feel more confident about my story. His gentle, yet firm guidance will make any writer improve a lot. I learned so much working with him and I can't recommend him enough.

 

LG Camellia - author of The Spy Arena

I cannot put in words how lucky and grateful I am that I came across Eamon on one of the Facebook Groups for Writers. For someone whose first language is not English, but I write in English, I thought that my novel will never see the light of day, until I found Eamon. He is absolutely the most dedicated, passionate, and committed editor out there!!! He took on my project, and created miracles with my messy manuscript. His eye for details, continuity of the story, reader engagement, etc, is just out of this world for me. Due to personal reasons, it took me 9 years to finish my novel, and it may be 10 years by the time I will see it in print; however, thanks to Eamon I am more confident than ever before that my novel will be published. I have no doubt now. After his edits, I am also going to pitch agents again. Don't hesitate, if you are looking for an editor, he is the man! I will be forever grateful for his incredible edits. 

 

Mary M. Trant - author of Life Between the Mountains and the Sea

As a first-time writer, I cannot put into words how lucky and grateful I am to have found Eamon the editor behind Clear-View Fiction Editing. It would be extremely difficult to find someone, who approaches his work with such kindness, passion and dedication to the craft, as he does. His eye for detail, reader engagement and all-round attention to detail are absolutely amazing. If you are looking for an editor, I highly recommend Eamon and I will be forever grateful for his incredible editing of my manuscript.

 

Birgitte Necessary - author and ballet dancer

I approached Eamon for editing help with a little trepidation. I wasn't familiar with his abilities, but I'd reached a place in the writing of my novel where I was desperate for help in sorting out my ideas, my direction, my concept, but more importantly my fear that the mess I sent him wasn't worthy of his time or mine.

Eamon returned his detailed notes with kindness, directness, and a wordsmithing skill that floored me. He was as unfamiliar with me and my work as I'd been of him, yet he was able to drill right down to the core of what I was writing and show me the strength of it, and step me through the problems that needed sorting. And sorting we did. And are still doing, because I've become rather addicted to his brilliance, and convinced I can't finish this work without him.

For the first time in almost a year, I feel excited again about my story, my characters, and my own ability, and that's largely due to Eamon and his knowledgeable and guiding editorial hand.

If you're on the fence about hiring Eamon, let me be the one to push you off. Do it. Do it now. Your story is waiting.

 

Phillipa Vincent-Connolly - author of The Timeless Falcon series

Eamon is a wonder with words! What helps is no matter what level your writing is at, he critiques, edits and completely changes for the better, any manuscript he works on, with humour, genuine interest, and a passion for what he does. You can rest assured that your work will be developed into its very best state ready for publication. Eamon has worked with me on three manuscripts now, and I love his thought process when he comments on my work.

 

Tom Equels - author of The Horseman's Tale

I want to extend a big thank you to Eamon. He is a wonderful editor. Much of my 'horse' novel takes place in Ireland, so I wanted an Irish editor. Eamon was highly recommended to me, and his insights were extraordinary. He was true to his schedule, highly competent, professional, and I felt I got tremendous value. I am pleased to say the finished novel is powerful, compelling, pertinent and engaging.

MY RATING: 5 STARS!!!

 

David Barreto

I had the pleasure of working with Eamon during the production of my first historical non-fiction book which should be released at the end of this year. I knew that non-fiction and my genre in general weren’t his typical commission, but nonetheless, I received a professional and exceptional service. Since finding a publisher, I have worked with great editors but it all started with Eamon. He guided me through the most important stages of the production of my manuscript. His knowledge and patience were much appreciated. I can truly say that the success of any manuscript that passes through Eamon’s hands is due to his talent as an editor and writer as much as the author’s. I will definitely be seeking his services again.

 

Victoria Wolfe - novelist

Just wanted to say that Eamon is definitely one of the best editors out there!! I’m onto my second book with him already, with my first getting to that next phase – to be published. Let’s say it was in pieces, and he put all them together and gave me a book!! He is very thoughtful and thinks of so many different things to add. Honestly, Georgiana and Daughter of the Forest wouldn’t be the same without you, Eamon. 😝👌 And thankfully he gets my bits of humour I try get in there. 😂

5 Starsss all the way!!!!

 

Antoinette Edwards - author of the memoir: Bitter Sip of Wine

I highly recommend Eamon Ó Cléirigh of Clear-View Fiction Editing. Eamon's outstanding expertise has helped me to transform my memoir into a publishable book. His editing format was well organized, making it easy to follow as he guided me firmly into the rewrite. His emotional empathy and psychological understanding of the character in my story helped me to go deeper, to add more insight for the reader to grasp. Eamon is stellar in professionalism and wonderful to work with. I enjoyed his humorous side notes and insightful comments. His positive input on my writing abilities has made me more confident in my quest as a writer. I'm looking forward to working with Eamon again as I proceed to write the sequel to my book. Thank you, Eamon!

 

Joanna Foley - author of novels, short stories, and poetry

I had the luck of being referred to Eamon by a writing friend of mine. My first novel (not yet published) was finished, but no matter what I tried to add or remove, it was more than lacking in the ability to be read in a concise way – it was all over the field!

The thought of hiring an editor was a scary one for an anxious fusspot such as myself, and yet when my email dinged with a prompt response, I felt rather at home with the friendly and casual tone of the exchange. It was clear to understand what Eamon would be doing in his role as editor and I felt like I was speaking to a professional.

He did a sample edit for free, so that I could see if his editing style was right for me, and of course my testimonial here must prove that I was elated. Eamon gave much advice to improve various aspects of my storytelling in a concise and constructive way. Grammar, punctuation, and formatting were abilities I was not adept with, yet with great attention to every detail, these were all placed where they belonged – I learned a lot from Eamon through his thorough and insightful notes.

As more work was done, the edits felt almost like I was chatting with a dear friend, and I felt like I got to know Eamon and his little dog Cú, as if they were both cheering me along from their side of the internet like the most loyal of personal cheerleaders!

Now, with my writing refined and polished, I am nearing the next stage of my writing voyage. I know that Eamon will always be just a message away with any questions I might have or advice that I may need. Eamon is not alone a mender of words, but a comforting presence through battles uphill and down.

I would recommend Clear-View Editing to anyone, be it a short story, memoir, or novel...here you will find that you are in expert hands.

 

Bobby Burke - writer

I would just like to thank Eamon from Clear-View Fiction Editing for all the work he put into my short story recently. He helped guide the narrative and raise the level of not only the write, but also this writer.

Eamon edits your work in a manner that strengthens your draft and also educates you to the whys with little nuggets of wisdom along the way.

Cannot thank him enough, and cannot recommend him enough. If you have a manuscript sitting or something you are working on, tidy it up to your best level and contact Eamon at Clear-View Fiction Editing. You will not be disappointed.

 

Vivienne McPhail

Eamon's honesty, encouragement, and keen eye has helped improve my writing and my confidence. He is a master of his craft and a pleasure to deal with. I'm grateful to have found him and look forward to future projects under his guidance.

 

Melissa Saint-Hilaire 

I can't say enough good things about Clear-View Editing! Eamon raises the bar. He's funny and kind in his suggestions and always on point. He has single-handedly made me a better writer. I highly recommend him!

 

Casey King - crime novelist

Within weeks of Eamon working his magic on the final edits of my novel, I received several requests for full manuscripts, and I’m now signed with an agent. He helped me to pull the best from my book and have it reach its full potential. I would highly recommend Eamon and Clear-View Fiction Editing, as his skills are second to none.

 

Mary Bradford - multi-genre novelist

I've known Eamon for a number of years and when I need advice and editing for my, he is my go-to-man. He is someone who is thorough, professional, and above all else brilliant in working with you to bring out the best in your writing. Eamon is approachable on all aspects of writing and I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone who is seeking an editor, they will not be disappointed.

 

Ray Ronan - author of To Die For and The Invisible Player

Working with Eamon as an editor is a trans-formative experience for both book and author... Having passed through other editors, it wasn't until I worked with Eamon that I really saw the value in my book and was proud to have it up there and published. I now felt I had something as professional as anything traditionally published. I'd highly recommend working with Clear-View. If you don't believe me, go read my book, To Die For... There. Review and pitch in one. If there are any errors in this review, that's all down to me. Eamon had nothing to do with it. 🙂

 

Attracta Fahy - Poet and writer

I engaged Eamon in Clear-View Fiction Editing to support me with a personal project, which was a very complex and convoluted process. I found Eamon's approach to be professional, proficient, and extremely competent in the overall editing, structure, and proofreading of this work. Eamon's clarity in his work, attention to detail, insight and knowledge in his craft was invaluable.

I worked with Eamon while undertaking a Master’s Degree in Writing. His precise expertise and advice was a huge contributory factor in my overall achievement of an Honours Degree.

One quality that stands out is Eamon's honesty, and his advice in outlining realistic suggestions. Eamon is reasonable in price, offering very good value for work. Eamon is also easy to work with, he has a particular respect for the essence of what is being expressed in the writing itself. I have no hesitation in recommending him for any project.

My Facebook page: Clear-View Fiction Editing | Facebook

My website, soon to be updated: Clearview Fiction Editing

 

Once There’s Time

It has been a while since my last post, mostly because I’ve been so busy with work – which I never complain about – but also because I’ve been spending time on a rewrite of my WIP, and putting it through the Beta-reading process, ten of whom have returned their feedback, which I’m currently processing. That in itself is exhilarating. I always advise clients to exploit the Beta phase to its fullest, seeing it as something of an essential aspect of the developmental process, and I’m seeing that happen for myself now, fully appreciating the benefits of their varied opinions on a story that is very close to my heart.

This novel, Runaround, is the first of three standalones I’m hoping to put out into the world, starting this year, all going well. I wrote it in what feels like another lifetime, and it encapsulates my impressions of how things were in my late teens, back in the early eighties. It was a time before real-life swept me up and took me to another world full of responsibility, realisation, and duty. I always wrote, through school and my early working life, tinkering with poetry, stories, and even the odd play, but when I ventured into long fiction, that allowed me to take a deeper dive into ideas that had lingered in my head for an age. At one stage, I found myself with time on my hands, and I took full advantage of it to write Runaround’s first draft – a thoroughly invigorating experience. But then life, as it does, kicked into gear again, and the manuscript sat snoozing in the proverbial drawer for many years. It was only after I’d written the other two novels that I took it out and figured it merited at least a rewrite to see if it had real legs.

From Beta feedback, it looks like it does, which I’m delighted about. While it’s pure fiction, elements of it reflect the younger me, and each time I work on it, it’s like being back with friends of old. And social media, for all its ills, has allowed me to remain connected with some of those I may have used as templates for certain characters. It’s quite amusing to see the mature adults these old friends and foes turned into. Some, unfortunately, are no longer with us, but they lived their lives to the full, even those who left us quite young.

Once the Beta phase is complete, I’ll send it to an editor colleague who will put it through its paces, then the final rewrite will see it ready for blast off. In the meantime, my cover will be designed, and I have my eye on a new Irish Indie publisher I plan to approach in the near future to see if we will match up. I’m nervous about my darling finally making its way out there, but I’m also excited. My professional work is my work, so to speak, and self-publishing my novels can be seen as something of a vanity project, with me being content in myself to see them out in the vastness of the literary world, being read, and possibly even enjoyed. That, for me, would be more than enough. And then there’s the next novel. Yep, once there’s time, the pages can be filled.

 

The Essence of Memory

Rewind – a Collection, is an anthology of prose and poetry spanning many styles and genres that has already proven a hit with its many readers, as noted by a slew of positive reviews on Amazon, where it is continuing to enjoy bestseller status in a number of categories, including Poetry and Short Stories.

The anthology’s contributors are members of Indie Authors Ireland, an online group set up on Facebook in 2023 by West Cork-based author Claire O’Conner, whose energy and determination sowed a seed that has germinated to create a dynamic group of like-minded creatives, and brought this eclectic collection of poetry, fiction, memoir, and essays to the world.

Claire put the anthology idea out to the group, and it wasn’t long before dozens of writers were coming out of the proverbial woodwork. A committee was put together, a theme was chosen – memory – and the process of submitting, editing, proofreading, cover design, and formatting got underway. Everyone gladly gave of their time, including professionals, and it soon became evident that while this first anthology would be nothing less than a learning process for many, it would also be a top-quality production.

From the start, everyone agreed that all proceeds would go to a deserving charity, and it wasn’t long before As I Am, Ireland’s autism charity, rose to the top of the initial list. Needless to say, we were delighted when Adam Harris, founder and CEO of As I Am, agreed to write the foreword.

Personally, I’m delighted to have one of my short stories included in the collection. While I’ve had work published elsewhere, this is special – maybe because I got to meet many of the contributors at our last convention in Ballinasloe, Galway. There’s nothing like having a chat – even a short one – to cement a connection. Also, being part of the anthology’s editorial team, I developed further connections with many of the writers involved. As an editor, it really is a wonderful privilege to see a writer’s work develop and take shape as it progresses to the publishing stage. I’m so lucky to have been in a position to experience that with Rewind.

If you buy this collection – available on Amazon Kindle and as a paperback – you will not fail to be impressed by the variety and depth as you dip into it. And that’s the beauty of Rewind – there is so much inside its covers. It is perfect to take to bed, where you can relish that half hour before sleep to savour a poem, or work through the layers of a tight short story, or, if you prefer, live through real-life recollections that will have you laughing, crying, and sometimes putting the book down to reflect on a piece that resonates so deeply, you find yourself back in another time, maybe when you were younger and freer, or with a loved one who impacted your life.

Even if you leave it on your coffee table, or on a shelf, its beautiful cover will pull anyone’s focus to it, with that ornamental steampunk clock epitomising old-time memories, which represents the collection’s inclusive theme: Memory. I have no doubt in my mind that readers of Rewind will remember it for years to come. Enjoy!