“I’ve just completed the editing process with Rod on my debut novella ‘The Curse of Six’
releasing on RDG BOOKS PRESS on Sep 30th, 2025.
And it’s been a comfortable and smooth experience from the initial developmental editing through to the final edits.
Rod’s advice has been professional throughout, always with the good of the story in mind.
His process of breaking the book down into a number of parts and focusing on one part at a time before moving onto the next makes total sense. Really helping you to keep on top of the continuity of the story.
Rod creates the real feel of a partnership, stressing the importance of working together as a team to make this book the very best we could.”
Mark T. Bates, author of “The Curse of Six”
"Rod is an excellent editor who truly cares about your book and is committed to helping you make it the best it can be. I especially appreciated the ongoing collaboration throughout the entire process. He doesn’t just take your manuscript and return it with notes—he works with you every step of the way. This level of communication gives an author real confidence and peace of mind about what’s happening with the book.
Rod provides developmental editing as part of his full-service package; this is incredibly helpful, whether he suggests removing a scene or expanding certain parts for clarity. Rod is always kind, professional, and encouraging, and his feedback is both constructive and thoughtful.
I would highly recommend Rod Gilley as an editor."
Helen G. Huntley, author of "Desperate Shadows"
“We chose RDG BOOKS as a shot in the dark for editing our co-written book, Concubi Dreams. Since the book was co-written and we were inexperienced writers, we knew we needed a developmental editor. We were initially skeptical due to the cost of full-service editing and the timeline presented. The price seemed too low, and the timeline seemed longer than we were used to. We were wrong about being skeptical. This was an extensive editing process. It took slightly longer than the proposed timeline, but we were impressed with the results. We learned several valuable lessons about writing fiction and had a very well-polished manuscript that we are proud to say we wrote. Rod didn’t rewrite our book but pointed out areas that needed work and had us rewrite them. The words written were the words of the authors. This is why the editing process took a little longer than it had in the past. The final product was astounding. We were in disbelief at what we had created with the help of Rod, who guided us through the process. If you choose RDG BOOKS, the final draft will be your own words, and you will be impressed. In a community full of scammers, drama-creators, and backstabbers, Rod truly is a good man who will treat you well as a fellow professional. You can’t trust everyone in this industry, but you can trust Rod with your work. You will be happy with RDG BOOKS’ editing services.”
Leslie Kurt & C. Marie, co-authors of “Concubi Dreams”
“I was very fortunate to be referred to editor Rod Gilley by Running Wild Press, to shape my manuscript, The Sea-Cure, a novel of literary historical fiction. His approach, developmental with a large view toward character and plot, then careful line editing, helped me to create the novel as I felt it was meant to be. His supportive critique always urged me to improve, cut where necessary and enhance areas of the novel that needed expansion. How wonderful to have a guide through the editing process, whose balanced method integrated both tremendous encouragement that we writers always need in our solitary work, and a perceptive eye toward the story that asks to be told. He truly respects the author and her/his work. I heartily recommend him to any writer seeking help with their manuscript.”
Regina O'Melveny, author of "The Sea Cure"
“Rod Gilley is personable to his clients and diligent in his editing skills. He has managed to breathe life into my stories—from finding plot holes to grammatical issues he catches every detail.
Rod asks the writer probing questions about their story that develop their skills story writing.
Above all he is thorough, conscientious and collaborative in his work.”
Kimberley Shead, author of “Buried Memories”
“I didn't know what to expect from the editing process, but Rod made it easy to get through. He made great suggestions throughout the entire process. While I didn't always take the suggested edits he offered, they allowed me to look at the work through a different lens which allowed me to strengthen the story as a whole. I would love to work with Rod again as it was an easy and encouraging experience.”
Leonard Apa, author of “Introducing the Scarlet Scrapper”
"Rod's editing skills are fantastic. All of the feedback from our authors has been how much of a true pleasure it's been to work with him. Highly recommend!"
Lisa Diane Kastner, Founder and Executive Editor, Running Wild, LLC
"Working with Rod has been a true pleasure and a learning experience. Rod deeply considered my novel and made superb suggestions for additional scenes and revisions. On the textual level, he identified many self-indulgent tendencies in my writing, helping me develop a cleaner, tighter manuscript—and making me a better writer in the process. I wouldn’t hesitate to say that my book has improved tremendously thanks to Rod. He’s easy to communicate with and respectful of the writer’s opinions and goals."
A. Molotkov, author of “A Slight Curve"
“When you know someone as valuable as Rod, they’re one of the first people you go to with your work. I’ve trusted Rod with my work for a few years now, and he’s never let me down. By pointing me in the right direction and offering suggestions to make my manuscripts more concise, he has helped me build my career as an author. Clear communication and understanding is key, and Rod delivers both with ease. It’s been a pleasure to have him edit my work.”
Miracle Blankenship, author of “Salem Devil” and “Blood & Silver”
"Rod has a natural eye for prose."
TS Hottle, author of "Suicide Gambit"