Client testimonials

“AN excellent read.” Geoffrey Halstead (UK), Covering the World

“I HAVE admired Alan’s skills as a writer for years. I have appreciated his mentoring approach when critiquing samples of my work, and so I was delighted when he agreed to edit the final draft of my second novel. Alan doesn’t pull any punches, but encourages you to examine your work with a fresh set of eyes. He will praise where appropriate, make suggestions that are practical and in tune with your style, and he will gently lead you to the promised land of a damn fine job. If that’s your destination, then look no further.” Alan Veale (UK), The Titanic Document

“ALAN took ownership of my project in a thoroughly professional manner, involving me as and when necessary. He edited in keeping with our arrangements, project managed the design of a striking cover which has attracted numerous compliments, helped shape the sub title and blurb, formatted the manuscript for uploading on Kindle Direct Publishing and Google Play Books, set the pages for the print version, arranged for printing on demand in respect of Amazon sales and secured a competent Cape Town printer for South African print sales.

Alan never let me down at any time and always delivered on  what he promised and then some. I felt very safe in his hands and the end result is extremely pleasing. Alan has also encouraged and directed me when needed. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a consummate professional when it comes to the sort of help I needed and which most, if not all, authors (particularly new authors) require. Thank you Alan. I will be back when I complete the manuscripts of the stories I want to tell.” Peter Prinsloo (South Africa), Prayer Flag

“ALAN has an empathetic but incisive approach to his editing. The author’s story is never compromised but there are, with the editor’s calm help, valuable opportunities to reflect on language, phrasing and tone. Of course, valuable help is given in picking up errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation but it’s Alan’s insight as an author himself that comes through strongly. If I’ve written something I like, it’s always a better piece of work after he’s edited it.” Ivan Britanov (UK), Svetlana’s Garden

“I OWE an enormous debt of gratitude to Alan Whelan for his patience, expertise and guidance in enabling me to complete my memoir. It would have been an impossible task for me without his help.

‘Thank you Alan’ sounds so inadequate but my thanks comes from the depths of my heart.” Will Cribb (UK), Telegram from Mandalay

“SO HAPPY with the layout and editing work by Alan Whelan, he’s done a marvellous job on my book. I would highly recommend Alan. I felt very confident in his ability. He’s experienced, skilled and fast. He has been a pleasure to work with and I will be using his skills again for my next book.” Lisa Morgan (UK), Love Has Many Faces

“EDITORS are formidable entities a writer has to contend with, at times feared, at times adored. Alan Whelan belongs to the latter. He guided me through my book ‘A Little Book of Words’ with professionalism, expertise, patience and understanding. He was completely tuned in with what I wanted to achieve. To work with him was a gratifying experience. He made my book a success.” Erika Hauptmann (South Africa), A Little Book of Words

“IF YOU are looking for someone to help you write your stories, look no further than Alan Whelan. Highly recommended, a true professional and a joy to work with.” Brian Hopkinson (UK), A Poisoned Life, A Nourished Soul

“BRILLIANT!” Mandy Cockburn (UK), A Call from the Future

“ALAN Whelan gives a brilliant, first-class service any writer would need to get the very best out of a story. He is a true master of his art. Thank the Lord I found him. I would not hesitate in using Alan again. Truth is, he’s already booked for my next adventure. Thank you, Alan.” Walt Oxer (UK), Doonata

“ALAN designed, typeset and published my book in both paperback and ebook that were accepted by major distributors and are now selling online and in bookstores around the world.

Alan’s extensive publishing expertise will take your book from manuscript to marketing. Being an author, he understands the dilemmas and obstacles writers face, generously sharing his experience by providing advice and encouragement to guide your project to a successful conclusion.

Alan also guided my UK book launch campaign, from crafting an irresistible pitch to generously sharing his contact list and working tirelessly to secure placements with high exposure media outlets.”Stephen W Starling (Australia), Three Harleys, Three Aussies, One American Dream

“IF YOU are thinking of writing a book, any book, you are going to need an editor. I would highly recommend Alan who not only did a great editing job, but walked me painlessly through every stage, all the way to publication.” Ray Wilson (UK), ISO: Blueprint For Your Life Goals

“THERE ARE two great things about working with Alan. First, he’s a writer himself, a very good one. So he helps you greatly with everything from plot to punctuation. He sees both the big picture and the critically important detail. This holistic approach extends to producing your book with great care through proofing, type setting (hard copy and eBook) and managing your initial contact with POD providers, Amazon, etc. For a new author, this is invaluable.

Second, because he is a writer, his advice is always offered collegiately. Alan the editor will murder your darlings, but sotto voce, with a stiletto. You hardly feel a thing, and you’re eternally grateful to him when the whole project comes together and you sit, newly minted debut novel in your hands, and think ‘Crikey! I’ve done it.’” Mike Ward (UK), Rags of Time

“MY biography has gone down really well and people have expressed their delight in reading it. Not just one or two but almost everyone who received it… my congratulations to you on an inspired piece of work.” Lionel Gorick (UK), A Journey to Prosperity

“WE WOULD like to thank you for all your efforts and guidance… we would not have been able to achieve the finished manuscript without your professional help in both the writing of the book and the synopsis; you have truly made it into a book well worth reading, and we now have high hopes of getting it published.” Karen Stephens (UK), Casualties of the Mind Field

“ALAN edited my first book and was a godsend! As a new writer there was a lot of work for Alan to do in making the manuscript ready for publishing, from challenging plot holes and sentence construction to publishing and distribution. Publishing would have taken much longer without Alan’s guidance and the final product would have been significantly poorer quality. If you are looking for someone to help and guide you through to publishing your book, Alan is a fantastic resource to have helping you.” Tim Akerman (UK), The Swarm Project

`Alan captures Africa to a `T’ – the joy and heartache, the despair and exhilaration, the moments of sheer insanity.’ PETER MOORE

`Mr Whelan’s sense of adventure verges on insanity… with a keen, predominantly optimistic eye, Whelan portrays his encounters poignantly.’ Real Travel

`[I] thoroughly enjoyed… His writing ability is way above the norm… recommend African Brew Ha-Ha to anyone with the travel gene.’ Adventure Travel OnLine

`An amazing 14,000-mile African motorbiking odyssey – to prove the power of a nice cup of tea can unite the world.’ Lancashire Evening Post

‘Excellent book, a well-written and insightful travel adventure. Highly recommended.’ GRANT JOHNSON, Horizons Unlimited

`Extraordinary one-man mission… with no shortage of adventures along the way… the most physically and emotionally challenging months of his life.’  Blackpool Gazette

‘He described his adventures and mishaps with a disarming honesty… fresh insights into life in some of Africa’s forgotten corners.’ Lancashire Writers’ Hub

‘THIS BOOK is a brilliant read. It’s very funny; it’s educational; it’s thought provoking; it’s inspirational.’

‘FUNNY, fascinating and full of life … kept me gripped from cover to cover.’

‘A STYLISH accomplished writer … read it and be enriched by his experience.’

‘EXHILARATION, frustration and joy as the author takes you through his emotional journey. Excellent read.’

‘A BRILLIANT book … highly recommended.’

‘A FANTASTIC story of a real adventure.’

‘SUPERBLY written, very easy to read and very difficult to put down.’

‘A REWARDING READ not just as a travelog but as a journey of personal discovery … Alan Whelan has taken up the torch lit by Ted Simon and carried it forward to a new generation.’

‘ALAN’S AFFECTION FOR THE PEOPLE OF GHANA shone through and, as before, he ran into all sorts of local difficulties which keep the reader interested. His account of the slave coast and its history made fascinating, if disturbing, reading. I’m looking forward to reading Empire Road next.’

‘THOUGHTFUL, contemplative and gentle, rich with the humour of the chance encounter with strange Ghanaian characters and tinged at other times with sadness. Another interesting adventure by a man seemingly oblivious to the risk of the unknown. Read and enjoy. I did.’

‘A GREAT READ, very entertaining and I read it in one sitting. It’s a feelgood book that makes you want to go to Ghana.’

‘ALAN WHELAN LIVES DANGEROUSLY. Much of the story is indeed dark and difficult reading – the Rwanda massacres in particular make an uncomfortable chapter. However Alan’s positive approach to Africa and its myriad variety of people add up to a wonderful and inspiring story.’

‘WHAT A FANTASTIC BOOK, I couldn’t put it down and 4 days later I had already turned the last page. If you are interested in adventure motorcycle travel, or the areas surrounding Lake Victoria this provide a fascinating insight into the life of the locals and the history of the first western explorers in the region.’

‘A riveting novel from start to finish, and such an insight into life in the townships of Cape Town.’