Fiction,
Academic,
and Business
Services

words edited per year

words written per year

fiction projects edited

academic projects edited

resumes completed

30 years’ of experience in the publishing industry, 25 years in professional editing, 20 years in academic editing, and 16 years in fiction editing.

Why Choose Goldenwest Editing?

Our editors at Goldenwest Editing have experience as both author and editor. As such, we do understand the issues a writer faces when handing over their hard work for someone else to comment on. We’ve been there and we know what it feels like. That said, we also understand the rigors a manuscript can go through before it is accepted for publication. If this is your first time working with an editor, it’s important to understand that when we edit a document, we do so with the understanding that you probably won’t be sitting next to every reader explaining any issues or clarifying vague concepts. Reducing your level of emotional attachment will help you through the editing process and make it seem less overwhelming. We are your ally in this process and we want you to succeed; however, our goal in editing is to make your work readable to your audience.

Professional Qualifications

30 years’ experience in the publishing industry, 25 years in professional editing, 20 years in academic editing, and 16 years in fiction editing.

Global Services

GWE offers editorial and writing services on a global level. We have a variety of regular clients that include fiction and creative nonfiction authors (both new and established), technology consultants, magazine publishers, NGOs, academic professionals, students, universities, casinos and other businesses.

Headquartered in Southern California

Our first goal is always to satisfy the clients’ needs completely, within budget and on deadline. We do that by establishing and diligently maintaining the level of relationship that keeps our clients returning. Client satisfaction with every project is our priority. Goldenwest Editing has always been headquartered in Southern California.

Communication Preferences

We are always happy to speak with our clients by phone to discuss needs, project progress and any concerns. However, given our global clientele and the fact that many of our clients are not native English speakers, we find that email is the best communication format as it allows for a trackable communication process and ensures that all decisions are in writing.

Process

After initial contact and discussion, usually by email, we will come to a mutual agreement on documents to be edited, timeframe and cost. We can prepare a contract outlining everything we will do and/or a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). We only accept documents as electronic files, preferably Microsoft Word. All documents are edited in Word using track changes. This allows our clients to review our work and accept/decline our edit suggestions. We also use the comment tool to point out areas that need clarification or to ask questions.

Payment Process

Our payment process varies based on client. For those from academic or civil institutions or larger publishers with an established vendor process, we will usually bill upon completion with payment made by wire transfer within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. For non-institutional and first-time clients, a non-refundable deposit of 50% is required before any work is started and the completed project will not be released until final payment is made. Work on resumes does not begin until full payment has been made. Our preferred method of payment is PayPal (credit card or e-check). For domestic checks sent by mail, work does not begin until funds have cleared. For those on a limited budget, payment plans are available and payment can be broken out into smaller increments based on the amount of work completed but the final project will not be released until full payment is made. There are no refunds on work completed and failure to comply with terms may result in a breach of contract. For more information or to obtain a price quote on your project, please contact us at: info (@) goldenwestediting.com. Pricing Disclaimer: Prices may change without notice, but once a manuscript has been submitted, assuming the scope of the project hasn’t changed, the rates remain in effect until the project is completed.

Good writing. Would definitely recommend and personally would use again. She ‘gets’ it.

Editor

UK Publisher

Oops – and I thought I could spell and use grammar correctly. Many thanks to GWE for helping me complete my grant application.

Phd Fellow

Individual

Wow! Fast service and good rates. Thanks for the new user discount.

EU Campaign Manager

Brussels, EU

My name is Leslie O’Brien and I grew up in a family of storytellers and teachers.

Starting with a great-grandmother in Sweden who was a novelist in the early 20th century up through the years to a father who was fond of telling stories, many of which couldn’t be shared in mixed company. Of the stories my father could tell around me, I remember sitting in rapt attention as he shared his version of the epic events of the Revolutionary War. I will confess to being disappointed when I did learn the truth as his accounts were always much more entertaining. When I received my first library card, my narrow world exploded and I worked my way through the entire children’s section before setting my sights on fantasy, mythology and legends.

That love of reading and language turned into a passion as I majored in English (creative and expository writing) in college, graduating with a bachelor’s degree before setting my sights on a job in the publishing industry. Starting out at an educational publisher, I eventually took a position in acquisitions for a New York publisher where I loved working with authors at different heights in their careers.

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I remember a derogatory statement that used to float around the office when I worked in publishing: “Those who can, teach. Those who can’t, go into publishing.” It became a running joke because many of the editors in acquisitions were once teachers. I wanted both. While I enjoyed many aspects of publishing; especially helping a manuscript become a book, I also enjoyed taking a hands-on role working with writers, which I didn’t often get to do in acquisitions. When I left that job, I knew I wanted the best of both worlds (teaching and publishing) and GWE was born.

Established in 1998, GWE first worked in such niche markets as organizational leadership, managed health care, information technology, and education. In 2002, GWE began transitioning into global areas including projects on colonial law as it pertained to Africa combined with an increase in work associated with ICTs. In 2004, GWE’s reach expanded again to include a stronger client base with NGOs in Africa, Asia and Europe. In 2010, GWE added in writing services for both the web and print. In addition to our private and small business clients, GWE now proudly assists academic and civil service institutions around the world and works on a range of projects from proofreading and editing to full-scale project development/management.

13 + 9 =

Leslie O’Brien

Goldenwest Editing
1998 - 2023