Recommendations

“On preparing the second edition of our biography of film composer John Barry (John Barry – The Man With The Midas Touch), we contacted Gary to proofread the updated manuscript in light of the considerable changes made to it over the past ten years. He proved to be far more than a proof-reader, by performing a valuable editorial role, in helping us to reshape the text and check the content where necessary. His task was made all the more difficult, because he had been called in after the index had been finalised. This meant that any requisite changes had to fall within strict parameters already set. What’s more, we needed him to complete the task within a strict deadline, given a tight publishing schedule. He succeeded with days to spare. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Gary to anyone. He quickly grasped our requirements and, during the period of his commission, became an integral part of the team.”

Peter Walker, co-author of John Barry – The Man With The Midas Touch (Redcliffe Press, 2008)

*

“I have worked with Gary on a variety of writing projects for well over a decade now, and right from the outset he established himself as my number one go-to guy, the person to whom I always turn when I need a sound opinion backed up by a wealth of reliable experience. He understands so much about so many facets of writing in the 21st century, from novels to magazines to websites, and what works best in each case. If Gary tells you it’s so, then it really is so.”

Mark Walker, author (Britannica Latina) and editor (Gramophone – The first 75 years).

*

“Gary has proved to be an invaluable resource not only as a proof-reader, but even more so for his advice and support. He has been enormously encouraging when he feels my writing warrants it, and yet he gives me the honesty I need when it hasn’t been up to scratch. I always know that when he reads my work, I can trust him to be very straightforward in his assessment. Through discussions with Gary, I have been able to really pinpoint the areas in which my writing needs work, and he has helped me come up with new ways of addressing them, even down to making necessary changes in the time and places that I write so as to get the best out of myself. I am deeply grateful for Gary’s advice and expertise.”

Stephanie Alford

*

I have enlisted Gary Dalkin’s expertise as a music critic and creative writer on several occasions over the past ten. Gary has a keen sense of what makes music “work” and his ability to apply that knowledge as constructive criticism continues to amaze me. His familiarity and understanding of all musical styles is exceptional. When I consult Gary, I’m certain I will receive educated, non-biased critique and encouragement regarding my compositions, arrangements and recordings. His reviews of my work are always honest, gently candid, and on-the-mark. I look forward to working with him again soon.

Marc Hoffman – film and jazz composer, pianist, vocalist

*

“Gary has a real eye for the big picture and for the detail. When I asked him to edit a website for my consultancy company, he quickly helped structure my (rather random) thoughts about it into something which would work well for my clients. At another level, he found clearer and simpler ways to say the things I was wanting to say. Gary’s advice was always practical – how much text to place on a web page, the best order in which to present information, when something simply didn’t fit, where an additional piece of information would add value and so on. I knew I could trust him to tell me what he really thought and to do it in the nicest way possible.”

Brian Wilson (Brian Wilson Associates)

*

“I very much appreciate your constructive criticism, which I have embraced with the same degree of honesty and reality in which it was given. At the time when I first requested you to review my work, my thoughts were at a crossroads of indecision. Beyond the veneer of my own vanity and pride I knew, but was reluctant to admit, that the work that I asked you to review was ‘not fit for purpose’.

As a direct result of having spoken with you Gary and having read your correspondence with regards to writing in general, you have helped to release a spark in me that has become a flame of enthusiasm and desire that warms me with its glow, and while it’s burning, I won’t ever let go. I look forward to working with you in future.”

Wilfie Cummings