Testimonials

“Long ago and far away, I was a pretty good English/Language-Arts teacher. I used to tell my students it was their responsibility to ensure their essays were the best possible endeavor, given the deadline. The writing they put on the page was a reflection of their heart and soul, and anyone reading it would have a glimpse into who and what they are. What I didn’t say… but was probably apparent to some of them… was that we in the classroom were the only ones to read these writings.

Fast-forward a number of years and here I am about to reveal to the world not an essay but a novel, the first of four books. And that little manipulation I used on my students years ago was about to haunt me. The world would get a glimpse into my heart and soul.

When my publishing team told me they had found an editor for my first book, The Dark Stirs, I was excited—and perhaps a little scared. My book was going under the graphoscope of a stranger. Cheyenne Sampson would see every error, every awkward construction, every inconsistency and make it better. I felt good about it though, because I wanted to present the best possible endeavor to the world.

When I received the draft back and began to read through it, I was confused. There didn’t seem to be many changes. I just couldn’t see where she improved the text. I got about halfway and had to get out the submitted draft. I put them side by side on the screen.

I was amazed.

Let’s call them micro-changes. A lot of them. They were so subtle that even I couldn’t hear them when I read them. Reviewing those first couple chapters, I realized why I couldn’t see and hear them:

Because Cheyenne cared enough to ensure her changes didn’t change my style and voice. She cared about me, my heart and soul on the page.

So, thank you, Cheyenne, for caring about me. I look forward to your care on my future books and projects.”