KL is an extraordinary editor. Not only does he bring to his work a meticulous attention to detail, but he does so with a rare musical sensibility, one that not only helps readers understand your prose, but hear it with deeper feeling.

Kurt is honest and forthcoming with constructive criticism and guidance, and his knowledge of the literary arts is vast, from classical to contemporary, which in addition to editing enables him to provide individualized reading suggestions without my ever feeling he’s teaching to his personal style. From seed ideas to research suggestions to developing each piece, and finally to structuring my manuscript, he has been 100 percent engaged throughout. As we put the finishing touches on Are We There Yet, I became acutely aware of the depth of our collaboration. Now, well into drafting a book-length memoir, I appreciate his expertise, being confident that I can build on what I’ve already accomplished. And that’s exhilarating!

Kurt believes in the absolute value of every word. He’s a master of economy, dedicated to
insuring that the essential emotional content of a piece is presented clearly and directly. Whether you’re a poet, essayist, novelist, playwright, or memoirist, you’ll find that Kurt is a true sensei and partner in helping your writing find the sweet spot. As a bonus, he’s funny, empathetic, and alarmingly prompt in his responses. I have even had him help me write and revise promotional materials for theatrical productions—which I almost never do. He’s that good. Hire this man.

Kurt is like a modern day George S. Kaufman who can insert just the right word where a dozen others shouldn’t be and make it look easy. At the same time, he is one of those rare individuals in this business (so-called) who not only has the skill and acumen of an editorial wordsmith, but the supreme good sense to know when and where not to suggest edits. Whether correcting or collaborating, Kurt is my literary go-to-guy.

First, I am thrilled for you that you found your way to this clever man’s website! Lucky, lucky you if it is an extraordinary editor you’re looking for. Second, I am eternally grateful that he took my book seriously. Even though he was not exactly my target market, he was incredibly open-minded about the content and optimistic about its potential for greatness. His creative ideas were beyond my expectations and his perfectionism is daunting yet extremely appreciated. Thank you Kurt for making the books of the world better for us all.

Kurt worked with this first-time writer for over two years on my painful but necessary memoir, guiding me through the editing process up to and through publication He is a modern day muse whose amazing and insightful heart and soul guides the pain into a healing crescendo. He works from the realm of a master of storytelling.

Kurt is a book shepherd. He edits and then leads you along. Not just doing things by the Chicago Manual of Style, he informs you of the process. He edits in a way that you do not lose your voice, and kindly pushes you to consider theme and trajectory. Most importantly for the novice writer, he keeps you on track. I strongly recommend him. He is not listed as a coauthor on my first book, TRANSFORMATION but he should be. My second book, a memoir, is done. Thank you Kurt. Now off to the publisher and getting ready for my book launch party. Thank you again!!!

I write weird fiction, and my most important priority was to find an editor that will follow my vision no matter how strange my writing gets. I am fortunate to have found Kurt, since he completely embraced my oddball sensibilities and helped me to bring my outlandish story to life.

It was my good fortune that another satisfied client initially recommended Kurt to me. Kurt coached my writing from developmental commentary to final line edits, all with enormous patience, allowing me to complete my debut novel which is now in the hands of a literary agent. Kurt edits with the gift of brevity, while always available and generous with his time.  If you have the privilege to work professionally with Kurt, you won’t be disappointed.

I have worked with Kurt for more than three years on improving my writing (articles, short stories, and a memoir). He is an outstanding, caring resource: smart, knowledgeable, creative, easy to work with, and collegial. His rates are more than fair. He’s a quick study. And he can work within an author’s request for macro (developmental) or micro (line) editing. I often ask him to spice up my voice, and he exceeds my high expectations for potential suggestions. I have recommended him to several of my writing friends.

Kurt is an accomplished poet with a strong editorial eye for detail and the ability to help writers produce their best work. What began as a casual telephone conversation several years ago has turned into a valued professional relationship built on a shared passion for quality storytelling. As an agent, I trust Kurt and always look forward to reading any projects he sends my way.

Kurt and I are colleagues. We trade poems and comment on each other’s work, no holds barred. As such, I have had the benefit of the autodidact’s outlook and wouldn’t have it any other way. My poems are shaped by our conversations and often made anew. His advice is indispensable.

Kurt Lipschutz’s editorial acumen is simply unsurpassed. I was fortunate to enlist his skills when readying my first poetry collection, Grand Mal, for publication a few years ago. Kurt’s syntactical savvy and “attention to craft” improved my book five-fold, at the least. Patience, honesty, and due diligence are the primary Lipschutz watchwords. Wordsmith of the first order, his notes are most worthy.

Having copy-edited for a newspaper I believe I’m a pretty tough customer; I’m exacting and I know what I want. While editing my novella The Waiting Room, I approached Kurt Lipschutz, and after having him edit and work through my manuscript with me I would recommend him without reservation. Editing creative work implies specific skills. I was duly impressed by Lipschutz’s expert revisions, comprehension of intent, attention to style, and accessibility. In my opinion, the guy’s a pro.

Kurt and I worked in a busy small law office, and were involved in a number of newsworthy cases, for about 16 years. During that time, he and I worked on a wide variety of writings, including lengthy journal articles written for publication, practice guides, portions of books chapters, legal briefs of various kinds, letters, memoranda and the like. Kurt is a fine writer, and for that reason I was able to depend on him regularly for editorial comments, and in longer pieces for meticulous formal editing. We were always working against deadlines and with considerable time pressures.

Beginning as a brief collaboration in preparation for a reading, my work with Kurt has taken me places I’d never imagined, as a writer and as a performer. Since our collaboration, my work has been chosen for a silkscreened broadside and admission into a literary anthology published By Great Weather for MEDIA. Also, I have been invited to read at various literary events. I can’t recommend Kurt enough for his energizing presence in the conception, shaping and fine polishing of poetry, prose and nonfiction.

Kurt may be the smartest person I know. And the best editor I’ve ever worked with. Maybe it’s because he loves language so much. It’s his idea of fun. He gets as excited about a rewrite as anything. He knows all the secrets. He lives it. When to flesh it out. And when to pare it down. How to lose those superfluous words. Plus he’s an ace at spelling, punctuation, grammar, and all the other nuts and bolts that add up quick. I’ve lost track of the times he effortlessly phrased something much more succinctly than what I gave him. Hard to put into words, but he cares. He cares deeply about this stuff. So if you care about your writing, you’ll make a good pair.

During the past 15 years, I’ve asked Kurt Lipschutz to review a number of nonfiction texts, including essays, reviews, and magazine articles. Kurt is one of the most astute editors I know, and on all levels, from word choice to sentence construction to overall structure. He’s also unique in that he combines analytical rigor with a sophisticated literary sensibility. I recommend Kurt to anyone wanting clearer, more concise, more forceful prose, regardless of form or subject matter. He can also help you make your words stand up and sing.

Not only did klipschutz [Kurt Lipschutz] provide insightful written commentary on my manuscript, he took the time to discuss and expound on those comments over the phone. I wish he’d taught my poetry workshops in college, I would have learned so much more.

Kurt Lipschutz is one my favorite word wranglers, a brilliant editor, a sharp wit, and chock full of skills I have barely tapped. I’ve seen his editing work up close and personal, and though it sometimes stings, it always bites with a purpose—to take your wonderful writing and make it much better. Sometimes subtraction is addition. Other times it takes a lifelong minimalist with an acerbic wit to find the hidden gem in the perfect (but bloated, in retrospect) paragraph. Take him for a test-drive, guaranteed no flats!

Kurt Lipschutz is an editor of keen eye and fine touch. Exceptionally well-read, an accomplished poet in his own right, and a seasoned journal editor, he is able to evaluate poems with uncommon clarity and perspective. I am amazed by what he’s able to help me to see in my own work: opportunities missed, missteps taken, and—just as important—shining moments I’m too close to be able to notice on my own. I highly recommend Kurt’s editorial services. His exacting but gentle help has made a large and lasting difference in my writing.