‘I have worked with Richard Arcus for most of the last ten years. He is forensic in his analysis of a manuscript, very quick to respond with ideas and concerns, and has a real flair and instinct for how to present a book to the marketplace. Above all, he’s a lovely guy with a great sense of humour’

‘Working with Rich was a dream. I trusted him immediately, not least because his keen eye and deep knowledge of the publishing industry were apparent from the outset. Rich respected my work, only suggesting changes when truly necessary – and he always explained his thought process, which broadened my understanding considerably. My book benefited enormously from Rich’s thoughtful attention and support, and so did I’

'Richard's writing abilities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his talents. He possesses a unique gift for understanding what you want to express and the most effective way to do so. He is patient and supportive, especially when you need advice to articulate the story.

Richard's contribution to my audio original You Are Accused was essential, thanks to his meticulous attention to detail, creative thinking and flexibility. If you're looking for someone to help you tell your story in a way that inspires and motivates, Richard is the person you're looking for'

'From the outset Rich had strong, clear ideas about my material’s demographic appeal and how the text should be shaped accordingly. I feel this was one of the most productive and enjoyable relationships I have enjoyed with an editor, and I remain very keen to work with Rich again’

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'I can't imagine having collaborated with a better editor. From the outset he brought a combination of passion, imagination and rigour. When he did dive into the manuscript, he was extraordinarily skilled at both unravelling the wider structural challenges and getting into the guts of the manuscript line-by-line to make it sing. Rich is a real, real pleasure to work with. I couldn't recommend him more highly'

'A superb editor – great to work with, marvellously insightful, and possessing an enviable understanding of authors, the creative process and the irritating realities of the publishing industry. Top, top chap’

‘Rich was a fabulous editor for Europe United. His knowledge of football and travel were invaluable and, as a first-time author, I particularly appreciated the time Rich spent developing my voice in the narrative. His detailed comments were the perfect balance of appraisal and critique. He is also a great guy and a real pleasure to work with’

'I've never worked with anyone in an editorial capacity who had the zest, interest and intellectual acumen of Richard Arcus, whose precision and attention to detail made a task which could have been onerous and exacting an absolute thrill and a rewarding one to boot. He is indeed an editor of the highest calibre’

‘Richard Arcus is a highly skilled, diligent and shrewd editor whose contributions made a tremendous difference to the three novels he has edited for me. Having known and worked with him for ten years, I would warmly recommend him’ 

‘Working with Rich was a joy and a privilege. His attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond while providing insightful and hugely valuable advice and feedback, was invaluable. He is also just a great guy, and I can't recommend him highly enough. A rare talent and gentleman'

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'Being edited by Richard was a happy and fruitful experience. He has an acute understanding of how narrative works, an instinctive ability to see the places in a draft where something else is needed, and a clear, good-humoured and kind way of pointing them out’

'I worked with Rich on my first novel and the sense of collaboration really defined this publication for me. He makes the effort to understand a book and why you're writing it like no one else. His ability to know where you want to take it (even if you don't yet), and to help you reach that place in a way you'll be proud of is eerily brilliant. If you want a great companion and accomplice, Rich is one of the best'

‘Richard's a great editor and all-around swell guy. I was lucky to work with him. VOUCH’

'I was lucky enough to work with Rich for my debut novel. The experience I gained from him was invaluable and his editorial skills shone through even more during the editing of my next two novels. He is an excellent editor with exceptional editorial instincts and I'm very happy to recommend him to others'