TESTIMONIALS
kind words ~ gratitude ~ mentorship
I would not have a career if not for Mike Croft. My first novel, THE DEVIL’S REDHEAD, had been rejected three times by an agent who had previously shown considerable interest in it. Discouraged, I put the manuscript in a drawer and began work on another one. Mike, upon hearing that, insisted on reading my pages, and gave me some of the best editorial guidance — accurate, clear, practical, helpful — I’ve ever received. The revised manuscript found a home at Ballantine, the first of my six published novels to date — thanks to Mike.
David Corbett, author of The Devil’s Redhead, Done for a Dime, and The Art of Character.
I really appreciated the opportunity to see my story through Michael's lens. His critique was very clear, thoughtful and incisive, and it helped me to gain fresh insight on the possibilities in my story. Working with him is like having a coach who is on your team, who sees the potential in your story and is committed to supporting you and also challenging you to get there. I am still working on my story, but his feedback has brought fresh inspiration to my process. I recommend working with him if you want to do your story justice and also become a better writer in the process.
Ebele Mogo, The Offing, Stockholm Review of Literature, Tap Lit Mag.
Michael Croft is one on the best fiction workshop leaders on
the planet. He's one of three critics that I trust to give me
feedback on my own work.
James N. Frey, author of How to Write a Damn Good Novel, The Long Way to Die, and Winter of the Wolves.
It was a breath of fresh air working with Michael Croft on my novel and prose. He provided me with clear critique and content editing and guided me to improve consistency in the story structure, character development and dialogue continuity. Michael’s knowledgeable editing skills escorted my writing style into a more apparent scene pace and shaped a dependable voice throughout the story. I am forever grateful for his assistance.
Tu Bears, co-author of Infinite Footprints and Enough, A Companion Guidebook to the book Enough
From his teaching experience at the college level to his long stewardship of the Truckee Meadow Community College Writing Conference, Mike Croft gives his all to every student he interacts with, whether beginning writer or on the verge of publication. I highly recommend him.
Floyd Salas, Regent’s Lecturer, University of California, Berkeley. Author of Buffalo Nickel and Tattoo the Wicked Cross
Michael Croft’s long history of association and partnership with some of the top writers, editors and agents in contemporary literature gives him a rare perspective invaluable to workshop participants committed to improving their craft and elevating their fiction to a professional level.
Claire Ortalda, Co-editor of Fightin’ Words: 25 Years of Provocative Poetry and Prose from “The Blue Collar PEN". Winner of the Georgia State University Fiction Award.