1st Call Editorial header

References

Eldo Barkhuizen has recently completed a complex copy-editing job for me to a high standard, while dealing with demanding co-authors … feedback that I have received about Eldo from our desk-editing team includes the following praise:

  1. His approach is intelligent and he edits with a light touch.
  2. He obviously has a great deal of experience in many fields across the humanities and social sciences.
  3. He works equally well on hard copy or on-screen.
  4. He gets along very well with authors – good diplomatic skills, good at keeping authors happy.
  5. Works well under pressure.
  6. He is more reliable than most and always completes the job on time; he is easy to get in touch with by email, phone, etc.
  7. In sum, he’s a pleasure to work with.

     — J. Pyke, Freelance Manager, Blackwell

My ultimate safety nets in style and content have come from the Zondervan editors Amy Boucher-Pye, Colin Duriez and Eldo Barkhuizen, and our theological expert Professor David Trobisch, of Bangor Theological Seminary, Maine, USA.
      — R. Lacey, The Word on the Street (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
         2003), p. xi

It also provides me with an opportunity to thank ... Eldo Barkhuizen, whose editorial eagle eye on behalf of the publishers has saved me from the kinds of errors that every author fears.
      — M. Saward, A Faint Streak of Humility (Carlisle:
         Paternoster, 1999), p. xii [former canon, St Paul's Cathedral,
         London]

I appreciate your thoroughness!
     — Dr C.J.H. Wright, author

The work you did on the Rainey job was perfect.
     — Dr C. Laux, Project Manager, Blackwell

I’m amazed at how quickly you’ve completed the copy editing – thank you very much for all you’ve done to improve my manuscript – much appreciated.
     — Dr C.G. Kruse, author

Thanks for your heroic patience with us!
     — Professor M.R. Jacobs, author

Thank you for all the perfect work you did on my text.
     — Professor A.L.T., author

It is my pleasure to recommend to you Eldo Barkhuizen’s talents and skills ... He always keeps deadlines ... In addition, his work is meticulous ...
     — A. Scheff, Associate Editor, Chosen Books (Baker Book House, USA)

Eldo obtained high marks in our copy editing and proof reading tests and has been on our list of freelance workers since May 1998. We have used his services many times, on a wide variety of projects, ranging from detailed academic and reference material to popular titles.

Eldo is one of the most reliable of our freelancers. He is meticulous in following the instructions given to him and his work is of a consistently good standard. He is able to work to tight deadlines when required, and can respond flexibly to a changing schedule. He is helpful and courteous at all times.

I am delighted to recommend Eldo’s services to other publishers.
     — S. Carter, Managing and Reference Books Editor, Inter-Varsity Press

We summarize these applications carefully and the best ones are sent a test, which is then professionally assessed. Eldo received one of the highest marks of any other editor I have known. We have benefited greatly from his expertise and fine attention to detail on all the projects he has been involved with.
     — M. Finnie, Publisher, Paternoster Publishing

Thank you for all your careful editing and for your perceptive comments throughout. I appreciated your suggestions and even your challenging comments at various points as they sensitized me to other perspectives and helped me to reshape and sharpen the text to accommodate these various viewpoints. Even though this meant I had to rework some areas which took a lot of time, I want to thank you for that as I know this will only improve the end result and the message of the book.

Thanks for your patience in waiting for me to get all this done. It has been a valuable partnership together. With my appreciation for your help and with my warmest greetings.
     — I. Malins, author

As one of the editors of Fanning the Flame, the book of essays for NEAC, can I thank you for the hard and speedy work you have put in to putting our disparate material into a common shape, and casting a careful eye over it.

A book like this has not been easy to put together, and is inevitably uneven, but you have done stirling work … [author name], [author name] and I are forwarding our comments to Zondervan [in the USA] directly.

Once again, a definite thank-you is in order. We have missed a number of key deadlines, and yet are somehow once again back on target. This is great news, and largely down to you, I gather.
     — C. Green, co-author

Your attention to detail and the amount of work you put into this project have made it a much, much better book.
     — S. Vink, Assistant Editor, Chosen Books (Baker Book House, USA)

I always enjoy working with a copyeditor because it gives me a sense of security – someone is out there sparing my blushes! In fact I’ve been amazed how quick and painless it was this time round.
     — Dr T. Chester, author

We've been very pleased with your thoroughness and professionalism on the projects you have worked on for us.
     — T. Sprague, Assistant Editor, Zondervan

It's been a real pleasure working w. you! Many thanks for all the bits and pieces you've caught and for helping to improve the article!
     — Professor T. De Nora, author

Mr Barkhuizen was a member of the English Department [in a UK school]. He taught classes ranging from remedial [EFL] to GCSE language and literature.

During his stay with us, Mr Barkhuizen proved to be conscientious and hard working and established a good rapport with his students and fellow members of staff.
     — R. Saba, Acting Director

I do not hesitate to give my strongest recommendation to Mr Barkhuizen. We have all been very grateful to Eldo for the high standard of professionalism and dedication he has shown to the School ...

He has worked in close and friendly co-operation with other staff and is an impressive teacher. He is a very honest and reliable person. I have received many grateful comments from parents concerning his work with children in the School ... I do honestly wish that he would return to England and come back to teaching at this School ...
     — R. Wade, Headmaster

Eldo Barkhuizen has been employed by us as a proof-reader. He undertook this responsible role with skill and accuracy, contributing greatly to the final quality of print.

His skills of analysis, backed up by his academic training, enabled him to fulfil successfully the role of editor/writer.

Eldo proved to be an excellent team man, willing, when required, to undertake a variety of work outside his core job description. His pleasant relaxed personality was appreciated by all those who worked with him.
     — G. Palframan, Publishing Director

Mr Barkhuizen has only been on our books since September 1997 but in the short time that he has been copy editing for us he has displayed great thoroughness in his work and quickly assimilated our housestyle requirements.
     — S. Barganski, Managing Editor, Sheffield Academic Press

Thank you for your meticulous and careful reading of my script.
     — Dr N. Scotland, author

I expect to use Eldo Barkhuizenin the future and have no hesitation in recommending his services to others.
     — E. Seeley, Editorial Director, Hodder & Stoughton

Thank you so much for all your work.
     — Dr D. Wright, author

I am leaving today to start a new job. Thank you for all the good work you have done for me.
     — J. Swales, Production Editor, Routledge (Taylor & Francis)

The copy edited manuscript you sent has arrived safely, and I’ve had a look over it. I’m very impressed with the detailed work done on the manuscript, and grateful.

Very happy with those changes. Thanks for all your good work.
     — Professor P. Adams, author