Testimonials
“Lidija is extremely thoughtful and thorough. It is rare to meet someone who reads as closely as she does, and who retains so much detail. At times it felt she understood my book and characters as well, or better than I did! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her, her insights were spot on and she helped me see things I couldn't, and she helped me find a way forward without feeling overwhelmed. She has a true gift for editing and bringing out the best in a writer, and equally important, she is wonderful and kind (while also being direct about what needs improving) and an absolute pleasure to work with! I can't recommend her enough.”
— Amy Neff, author
“I connected with Lidija in the middle of querying my manuscript after a handful of full requests ended in rejections. I knew I needed something to take my story to the next level—Lidija was that something! Her detailed and thoughtful insights forced me to go deeper in all sorts of ways. Her enthusiasm and compassion reminded me I was on the right track even in the face of so many query rejections. After implementing Lidija’s feedback and specific suggestions, I began querying my manuscript again and soon had double the number of full requests! In a few months, I received my first offer of representation. My book will be published by Lake Union Publishing in spring 2023, and I couldn’t have reached this huge milestone without Lidija’s wisdom and keen editorial eye. Thank you, Lidija!”
— LAUREN PARVIZI, author, USA
With Lidija's guidance, I was able to develop a solid blueprint for my next novel. She helped me identify plot and structure issues and brainstormed solutions with me. She is professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and as an added bonus, lightning quick to come up with story and structure comps. I enjoyed working with her, and, more importantly, learned a lot about how to plan a novel.
— DIANE BARNES, author, USA
“Even after publishing several award-winning books, I knew I needed fresh, smart, sensitive eyes on my new manuscript. It’s easy to become myopic, but not easy to find the right person who can help you see what’s missing, hidden, assumed, or overwrought in a story that you’re simply too close to.
I’m so grateful that I found Lidija! I needed a partner whose insight, intelligence, and willingness to listen could provide just the right kind of synergism to help me lift my story to the next level. Lidija was all of that for me, and more! Together, we found solutions that I couldn’t have seen on my own. Her thoroughness, responsiveness, and generosity far exceeded my expectations.
I recommend Lidija without reservation for both the experienced and the beginning writer, and look forward to calling on her again.”
—BARBARA LINN PROBST, published author, winner of the Sarton Award for Contemporary Women’s Fiction and Silver Medalist for the Nautilus Award, and many other awards and accolades
"Using Lidija as a book coach was the best decision I ever made for my writing! I have used SEVERAL book coaches and editors in the past to help me develop/edit my book projects. However, I never felt like they quite connected to my writing or my development needs as a writer. In addition, the feedback was always so overwhelming and didn’t resonate.
Not only was Lidija’s feedback thorough, organized, and right on point, it was constructive and offered possible SOLUTIONS to address each problem she uncovered. The comments throughout the manuscript were so helpful! The phone call was even better because we brainstormed various “fixes” to address the problems without making huge rewrites or reinventing the wheel. By the time I got off the phone, I didn’t feel overwhelmed at about what I had decided to fix, I was excited to jump back in! I have never felt that way after revisions. I will DEFINITELY be using Lidija again and again and again!”
— Shelli R. Johannes, traditionally published author, Georgia, USA
“Lidija has a knack for getting to the heart of a story, and she will work to flesh out the motivations of your characters until you’re both satisfied. Learning to navigate the Inside Outline was painless, even for a lifelong pantser like me. After working with Lidija, I am confident that I’m finally on the right track with my current project and that the first draft will be in great shape when I finish. I will definitely be working with her again and will recommend her to everyone I know!”
— Kimberly Derting, traditionally published author, Washington, USA
“After reading Lidija’s comments on my pages my first impression was super positive. She pointed out what worked along with actionable suggestions for improvement. On my second read through, I found more golden advice, but it was only when implementing that I discovered the full value. This went way beyond surface prettying of words, Lidija’s directions on reassessing motives and laying scaffolding reinforced the underlying theme. It was magical seeing my words reflect the deeper meaning.”
— Michele Douglas, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
“Lidija Hilje is an amazing book coach! Her feedback on my first three chapters is invaluable. She opened my eyes to a lot of things I can improve. She has a sharp eye for nuance and is generous with her critiques. By that I mean, she spends a lot of time, is thorough, insightful and caring. If you ever get the chance to work with her, lucky you!”
— Mary Incontro, New Jersey, USA
“You've given my chapters a thorough review and provided me with a well-thought-out evaluation. I have no doubt my first three chapters will be improved by them. I also appreciate the softness of the tone in which they were delivered. Your future clients will undoubtedly be in good hands.”
— Jennette Fox, writer, USA
“I can't not emphasize how impressed I am with this manuscript assessment. I worked with a developmental editor before, but never received such an in-depth evaluation partnered with excellent actionable suggestions to fix the issues.”
— Jennifer Jabaley, traditionally published author, USA
Lidija Hilje is awesome!!! She did a full manuscript evaluation for me and it was so helpful. Her ability to see the macro and micro is astonishing. She was able to capture the big picture of my entire story premise and character arcs, while also homing in on the smallest details. She also did line-by-line comments on my manuscript, which are going to help me immensely. Our feedback conversation was comprehensive and insightful. Her belief in my story, my manuscript, and me as a writer came through even as she offered advice on what needed to be changed and improved to strengthen the manuscript. She gave me tips, strategies, and insight on how to make the changes and get the manuscript ready for publication. I am looking forward to diving into revisions and know that my manuscript is going to be so much stronger because of her feedback.
— Lisa Montanaro, published author, California, USA
“Lidija is the friend I've never met (positive, encouraging, inspirational, sensitive) AND the one who doesn't let me get away with anything (keeps me motivated, makes me believe in myself, gives me just enough of a push to get the wheels turning on their own). She's helped me take a dumb idea and turn it into something special, and kept me from giving up along the way. My thanks is not nearly enough.”
— Jae Hodges, published author, Florida, USA
“I just finished my three chapter coaching session with Lidija Hilje and wow! She provided written feedback not only on specifics of the excerpt but also on the overall direction and themes of the manuscript. Additionally we had a 30 minute call where she addressed my questions (which I had so many) and brainstormed the "why" of my book. I have a new understanding of what was missing and a clear path on how to proceed.”
— Priya Gill, writer, Texas, USA
“I came to Lidija because I wanted a second set of eyes on my query letter. I thought my query was strong, and honestly thought she’d just give me the green light and some tips on where to put the personalization. But to my delight she broke down each section and helped me massage it from strong to stronger. In the end, we made my query SHINE. I am so proud to send it out into the world to attract an agent, and can’t thank Lidija enough for being a part of that!”
— Abby Mathews, writer and podcaster, Florida, USA