Testimonial:

When I approached Gopher Publishers, as a first-time author with a partly completed book, I had no idea what to expect from a "Commissioning Editor"! What I received from Judith was a delightful mixture of genuine interest, encouragement (lots!), honesty and skilful insights that served to help me improve on what I had already achieved.

We have enjoyed an excellent series of informal, light-hearted but thoroughly professional meetings which have not only moved the book to publication but also provided an opportunity for personal development.

Jeremy Clare, author of Whatever Next....?
Gopher Publications

Testimonial:

You're fantastic! Many, many thanks for getting this to me so quickly, and even more for sending along an explanation of the changes you've made. In my hundred or so years of dealing with US publishers, not one has come close to that kind of "joint venture" approach.

The last page just emerged from the printer, and I can't wait to read it line by line. By the looks of your notes, I'll be surprised if there are any changes that don't improve the text. I've always contended that any writer -- even the best of them -- needs a good editor, and it is quite a bonus to have found one for this particular book. Many thanks for all your hard work and obvious in-depth attention.

E-mail from Susan Poole to Context-uk on completion of her first work of fiction The Town to be published by Gopher Publishers (UK) in the autumn of 2001

Testimonial:

Three years after the Death of my wife in 1998, I began writing the story of her struggle with cervical cancer, a case of medical negligence. After years of constant hard work I was still not happy with it; despite suggestions from various professionals I was adamant that my version was best. But I knew in my heart there was still something missing.

Luckily, good fortune shines on those who are patient and persistent. After a period of reflection and waiting, I contacted my previous editor and he advised that I should contact Judith Hampson of Context-uk.com. I submitted my MS to her, explaining its long history and my disappointment to date. I explained how I had researched and studied medical records over three years, cataloging medical jargon and detailing a chronology of events, covering three decades. I'd got rather bogged down in it all - and so did the reader. This did not phase Judith, since she has a biological background.

She willingly stepped into the breach and began to restructure and reshape the text of my MS with incredible accuracy, imagination and flair, yet keeping the main content of the story just as I wanted it. She also managed to juggle an enormous workload of other editing in order to meet my very tight deadline with the self-publishing company.

Judith's way of working seems unique. She familiarises herself with the author and his/her writing style before starting on the script. It is very comforting to know that your editor is compatible with your way of thinking, as well as with your style of writing. I have not wanted to change a word of the re-write. It's brilliant.

A word of advice though: Judith is certainly no push over, she pulls no punches about what she thinks of manuscripts. But listening to her professional opinion and advice, will guarantee you one thing... the difference between failure and success.

Hampson is truly a magnificent Editor, in my view, her guidance and professionalism make her the best.

The Woman Who Wouldn't Die, published October 2001 . The book can be ordered from DonLucey1180@aol.com.