☿ Testimonials

I’ve heard horror stories about some writer-editor relationships. I’m fortunate and immensely grateful that the last three editors I’ve worked and grown with have been absolutely brilliant and felt/feel like family to me and the manuscripts.

Te’ V Smith– author of Exit Ticket

For months, I struggled with one of my short stories. It received positive feedback from numerous magazines, but the consensus was that the middle lost its tension. I brought the story to Hillary because I already trusted her as a writer. Hillary provided some of the most insightful feedback I’ve ever received on a piece. She cheered on the parts that were working, showing me where I could build. She pointed out parts that held back the narrative and offered  clear suggestions that honored my voice and enhanced the story’s strengths. She is as talented and trustworthy as an editor as she is a writer in her own right. I look forward to working with her again.

Virgie Townsend, author of Because We Were Christian Girls and editor

Hillary isn’t only an author doing her own thing. She’s a participating, contributing member of a thriving writing community. That says it all.

Deanna M. Rasch– author & editor

Hillary recently edited an essay of mine about a difficult subject, and I was astounded by her thoroughness, her thoughtfulness, her professionalism, and her compassion. She was more than a champion for my work; she understood exactly what I wanted to do and had clear-eyed advice on how to do it. I would work with her again on another project without hesitation.

Cheryl Pappas– author & editor

I hired Hillary to help me wrap up the final edits on my full-length poetry manuscript. I was in a place where I’d been working on it for so long I could hardly “see” it anymore. I knew it wasn’t quite the best it could be yet but couldn’t put my finger on why or how. Hillary’s literary insight, unwavering support, and attention to every detail helped me get past that roadblock and get it ready for publication.

Mary Harpin-author, creative writing instructor At Lighthouse Writers

Hillary is a thoughtful and thorough editor and teacher who you can trust to treat your work with the care it deserves. She has helped me move stories from rough first drafts into polished final pieces ready for publication — and even helped me find the right outlets to get those final pieces published. I have recommended her to anyone looking for an expert editor for their writing project, from budding first-time writers to experienced authors with multiple books under their belt. Look no further than Alchemy Author Services to guide writing from where it’s at to where you want it to be!

-Patricia McCrystal-author & founder of VIRAGO Creative Writing Circle

As a writer, Hillary Leftwich is diamond-hard and ruby-pure, made of the rarer, more beautiful rocks. In the several years I’ve known her, she’s shown consistent dedication to the literary arts, revolutionizing flash fiction with her vignettes, and discerning the tough knot of love at the root of the very worst things in her long-form stuff. She’ll prove a good steward.

-Zack Kopp- author & founder of Camp Elasticity Productions Co