“Virginia was instrumental in my negotiations with my American publisher on my first and second book deals. After receiving an initial offer, Virginia helped me understand the process and my position clearly. She showed me where I could push on the deal and gave me evidence to support my case. In both cases, I felt more secure and knowledgeable in my position and more confident moving into negotiation. And in both cases, Virginia helped me to secure a higher advance, more royalties and more control over the entire process. I couldn’t have done it without her specific industry knowledge and experience.” ~ Maryanne Moodie, author of On the Loom: A Modern Weaver’s Guide (Abrams) and Weave the Rainbow (forthcoming)
“Virginia’s editorial advice was priceless. She gave me an idea of how to shape the book and helped me solidify ideas to focus on for chapters. Once I’d rewritten my draft she then gave it a thorough cut and polish … which made the manuscript much more concise and engaging. She was very frank and non-judgemental with her feedback and helped me realise the general public might not be as interested in certain sections I’d written as I was.” – Brad Hutchins, author of Game Set Cash! (Black Ink, 2014)
“It has been said that ‘literary agent’ is a misnomer. In the present-day publishing world, agents do much more than just sell their clients’ books. This applies to Virginia. She was a great editor and confidante as I worked through early drafts of Becoming Westerly. She knew how to both push and encourage and bring out my best. I feel lucky to work with her.” – Jamie Brisick, author of Becoming Westerly (Allen & Unwin, 2015)
“Virginia has edited all of my novels and most of my nonfiction since 1997. I love working with her and I recommend her without hesitation.” – Lily Brett, award-winning writer and winner of France’s prestigious Prix Médicis étranger for Lola Bensky (2014)
“One of the most important hours I have ever spent talking about my writing.” – Virginia Peters, author of Have You Seen Simone? (Black Inc, 2014), about her work in progress
“Virginia has been an absolute joy to work with and she has delivered on her every promise. “ – Guy Hull, The Dogs that Made Australia (HarperCollins, 2018)
“Virginia’s detailed manuscript assessment gave me both the motivation and a framework to move forward in the final months of my writing.” – Television journalist and author Jane Hutcheon, China Baby Love (ABC Books, 2017)
“Virginia’s frank but gentle guidance was crucial in helping me to finish a manuscript that I could submit to publishers with confidence.” – Tracy Crisp, Surrogate (Wakefield Press, 2017)
“Thank you for all of your wise and considered and kind advice.” – Katrina Lawrence, Paris Dreaming (HarperCollins, 2017)
“Virginia’s editing was strong but necessary for publishers to appreciate how my manuscript could be turned into a published book.” – Dr Steven Lin, The Dental Diet (Hay House, 2018)