Let me tell you a short story about working with David the Magnificent, an extraordinary gentleman who went so far beyond my expectations with his editing I cannot imagine working with anyone else. I met David at the San Francisco Writing Conference when I signed up for a Consultation with an Editor after attending a class which he moderated with five other editors. Here's the part where he showed his commitment to writers and the craft - even before the session he asked if I was going to formally pitch the agents there. On the spot, at his suggestion, he reworked my pitch with me - and at the end of the day he stayed on to make sure I had it down. Back home, before I contracted with David, we spoke on the phone. I liked his no-nonsense style, his openness to subjects, and his wit. We had an exchange of ideas that was more like an intelligent dialectic than a simple conversation. I knew this was someone I could trust to take me and my writing seriously. When I got my manuscript back, sure it was marked up. A lot. It needed to be. I felt like a student again, but with a passionate mentor not just a teacher. And the exciting part for me continues to be that his remarks and suggestions have stimulated other revisions. By the way, when David suggests you read about direct point of view, do it! It will take your writing to a higher level. l He has helped me become a better writer - hopefully the kind of writer about whom he says, "You've just gotta read..." My first manuscript will go out this summer to all of the agents to whom I pitched. And that is absolutely thanks to David's directness and clarity. If this novel should get published, there is no doubt the next ones will go "under the knife" in the skillful and caring hands of David. I've taught my golden retriever to bow at my feet for a treat. Replace "dog" with me, "treat" with David. The accolades are so well deserved. Thank you, David. read more

Working on a writing project for over a year, I needed fresh perspective, provocative reflection and an objectivity that was getting harder and harder to find. I had worked through several editors over that year and kept looking. I found David on Craigslist. He presented on the phone as mindful, capable and personable. I got off the phone feeling optimistic, though still skeptical. We met in person to discuss my project in greater detail. David quickly grasped the project and my goals in its complexities and subtly. I left the manuscript with David that day feeling a ton lighter. When I got the manuscript back I was immediately at ease. David impressed me with his thoughts, reflections and edits. Working with David quickly became refreshing and exciting as the weight of the project immediately felt perceptively lighter and fresher. David came to wear many hats. Editor, coach, cheerleader and friend. After several years of working continually with David I recommend him without reservation. Communication is always clear. He produces his work on time and it has always exceeded expectations. David is honest, direct, says what he will do and does what he says. In short, David has become an invaluable asset to my writing. read more

I found David on Yelp, and I can testify that he lives up to his billing. I had just finished writing a book on our nightmarish healthcare system (The Midnight Stranglers), and needed an experienced hand who could guide me through the editing and self publishing process. David really helped me tighten up my prose, and he worked hard to keep me from blathering on and boring the audience. The payoff came after publication- I have received many compliments from readers on the quality of the writing. And I couldn't have done it without David! Equally important, I found that David was someone I could trust. There are a number of flakes in the self publishing world, but not David. When I told David I was on a tight timeline, he pulled out the stops to help me meet it. And he introduced me to other equally valuable and reliable self publishing resources that assembled a truly professional end product. If you need help navigating the hells of self publishing, David can be your Virgil. BTW - he also has a great sense of humor! read more

I interviewed three editors before finding David and it was obvious he was the choice I needed. David gave my novel a brilliant, honest and informed edit that has not only greatly improved the work but provided a good lesson in the strategies of plot, character and point of view. David is a natural born teacher and holds nothing back. He is erudite, experienced and brings a deep appreciation for good writing, whatever the genre or style, to the task of "moving words so your words move others." David's notes are clear and to the point. And his discussion with me was deeply helpful in reshaping some of my story's critical transitions. I have other novels waiting in the wings and will use David again. I've never had an editor who can grasp with such facility both the nuts and bolts structure of language and grammar and the larger, developmental issues that arise in the construction of any written work, whether fiction or non-fiction. David is a gem. You'll be lucky to have him as an editor. read more

David gets it. Though I know I need an editor, I have resisted getting one because I know more about writing than many editors. Besides, I don't just need an editor who knows about writing, I need one who knows about life, who brings a perspective that can see into my writing and understand where I am going with it. I need an editor I can sit down with, and come away feeling like he gets me, he gets the writing, and that by listening to me and speaking a few words back from that "getting it" place, he has opened the door for me to understand something about my project that I did not know before--something that informs my writing from that point forward. Such an editor is hard to find. David is that editor. read more

Working with David has been one of the best writing and editing experiences of my life. He has a well-tuned ear for the voice of the piece, a sharp eye for style and clarity, and a compassionate heart that wants the best for the work and myself. David gently nudged and supported me in stretching past my habitual comfort zone to bring my passion into the work more fully and the finished pieces shine all the more brightly because of it. Editing can be a painful process for any writer, but with David's support it becomes a process of seeking clarity and truth both in the writing and in oneself. Treat yourself well - give yourself the joy and pleasure of working with David as an editor! read more

David C. Carr is an excellent editor - ruthless but in a caring way. If you submit work to him you'll see your writing and the way you organize it improve. What I have come to appreciate about David - I've worked with him for about five years - is that he is a good listener and through conversation about the piece in question, is able to deftly tease out the writer's aim and unconscious purpose both of which color the finished project. He occasionally speaks at the Mechanics' institute (www.milibrary.org) where we have monthly writers' brown bag lunches and his generous guiding spirit helps everyone, informally, with their work. read more

Met David Colin Carr at the 2012 San Francisco Writers Conference. We got to know each other at the conference and shared some insights on writing and editing. I liked his perspective and passion for editing. I sent him several pages of my book that I wanted revised. His observations and recommendations were spot on perfect. He tells it like it is so don't expect a free pass yet he does this with an honoring of the writers work. Easy to communicate with and a quirky sense of humor as well as an experienced appreciation of the written word makes David the ideal choice for an editor. M Fox read more

David has helped save me from the pitts of dissertation-writing despair--I had all but given up on finishing my PhD. David offered professional advice on and much-needed honesty about the weaknesses and strengths of my writing He offered me tools to overcome some bad habits, mainly my lack of organization and hostility to outlining. Thus David has been more than a copy-editor for me, he has been a mentor who cares about improving my writing skills. He is frank and direct, but extremely kind and giving (with a great sense of humor). He comes with the highest recommendations. read more

I am a first time novelist and without David I wouldn't be as far as I am today - a 325 page novel. David has been my sounding board, my editor and a person to turn to when I am most frustrated. He always has a word of encouragement, a thoughtful analysis of the situation and he's never without helpful suggestions on getting me back to writing my book. David is currently helping me edit my book - without judgment and with exceptional expertise. He makes editing fun and I must admit, the one thing I will miss the most when my book is published...the collaboration with David. read more

I am an old man who was inspired to write a story that was really a memoir. It was to be a one time endeavor. I had another editor to begin with and retained her for the whole project. When I was finished, it was suggested that I try David. What can I say? Professionalism, humor, (I gotta have humor!) straight forward, no weasel words, just top notch work. My book is much improved and now I'm thinking about writing a fiction piece. Won't do it without David though! Roger G. read more

Writing a book can be a deeply personal journey, so that editing is not only care for the work but care for the soul of the writer. In addition to his technical expertise, David brought to the task an ability to reach to the heart of the work and the author. This connection was vital when pieces of what I initially regarded as my best efforts had to be reworked or even discarded. I felt well cared for, indeed, and will request his services when my next project is underway. read more

Cathy T David was a pleasure to work with. He is available not only for his editing expertice but to encourges me to dig deeper, explain my thoughts clearer and at the same time remain a trusted alli. He has the courage to only accept what he considers my best. He has workrd with me on vastly different projects and the depth of his emotional and spirt knowledge has helped bring me to the the end product I invisioned. read more

Having David's editing expertise was tremendous. He gave me a lot of helpful feedback as well as support, so when my book was published I felt confident about it. He is also completely professional, and just a really great person to know. When my next manuscript is ready, I look forward to working with David again. read more