Sally was the first person to read the manuscript of my first novel, Piece of My Heart. Naturally I was very nervous and insecure about my work and about to throw in the towel. Sally was immediately extremely encouraging and supportive, and she also gave me some really good notes. We went through the whole book very thoroughly until we both felt it was in good enough shape to send

I walked into the novelist’s world a little bewildered and unsure of my own capabilities, despite having written in one way or another for many years prior. From the moment we began discussing my first book, Sally welcomed me with open arms, allowing me to feel safe and secure in my own abilities. Every piece of advice she gave was considered and thoughtful and pushed me to produce what ultimately

Sally O-J has been my book doctor for my debut novel and the two of us hit it off immediately. If an editor is a critical friend, then she criticises so winningly – with such sympathy, insight and good humour – that she makes me laugh at my weaknesses, and opens my eyes to new possibilities in my writing. My original draft, which was unwieldy and lacking focus, was whipped