About one month ago I researched potential freelance editors to help me with my manuscript. I'd pretty much hit a wall of limitations - with myself and my trusted readers. I was also languishing in the land of burnout.

Believe it or not, I have the same caliber blockbuster (heh, heh) that all you writers have, but my manuscript still needs a critical eye. Ray, the gentleman I've chosen to work with, offers new clients a 15-page demo as a means of demonstrating his skills, insights and style. My eyes perked up when I saw free. Ray and I exchanged introductory emails and then I entrusted him with the opening pages of my novel.

When he returned the document, I was stunned with his extensive thoroughness. Ray doesn't mess around - he's a pro. At first glance, as I scrolled down, my eyes quickly tiptoed across the pages - like Daffy Duck tiptoeing across a bed of nails. Ouch, Ouch, Ouch, my eyes whimpered. Ouch, Ouch Ouch.

Com'on, I know ya'll have been there - think you're gonna get an A+ with a smiley face and gold star.

During the ensuing days a lot of energy forces were at work in my head. After my heart settled back to a healthy rhythm (from anxiety), I reread Ray's critique and the zillions of margin notes. Hmmmm, I pondered as I stroked my chin. By Jove! I think he has something here and here, and there and there.

I dashed to my office and brought up the file with my manuscript and started implementing about 99% of Ray's suggestions. Some were teeny-tiny changes like simple deletions, while other changes required massive rearrangements of paragraphs, placing them better.

I'm so tickled with the metamorphosis Ray mentored that I've decided to engage his services, which surprises me because of my severe case of burnout. But with little effort, my manuscript is now smoother and more logical and lively. Holy Schnikies! It's damn good!

By the way, Ray's pricing is very fair, but interestingly, he charges by the word. I thought, good grief, my word count changes faster than a Wall Street tickertape! He'll figure it out - he's good.

Check him out at www.editorrr.com