Client Testimonials
(Some names are pseudonyms used to protect client confidentiality, but all clients are real, and their words and photos are used here with written permission.)
“I had the privilege of working with Kristina before self-publishing my book. From the onset, she was excellent at balancing professional courtesy and personal kindness. She was skilled at suggesting corrections with careful consideration to keep my voice in the words that remained after the editing process. She is highly technically proficient and dedicated to the editing craft. Throughout the project, she made suggestions of things I could write and add that would make the book more thorough, more specific, and more accessible. She sanded down the rough edges, polished it off, and made it sparkle, without losing any of its authenticity in the process.
My book wouldn’t be what it is without Kristina.”
Kelsie "Mick" Olds — pediatric occupational therapist, creator of “The Occuplaytional Therapist,” and author of Your Child’s Point of View (2024)
“I had such a positive experience working with Kristina that I felt compelled to share another testimonial. After Kristina first helped me rebuild my résumé, I was able to quickly land a new job, which really showed me the value of her work and expertise. The process of working with her was thoughtful and collaborative, and she did an excellent job translating my experience into a clear and professional story.
Because of that success, I came back as a repeat client to have Kristina develop an executive leadership curriculum vitae. The transformation from my original materials to the finished document was remarkable. She captured my leadership experience and accomplishments in a way that truly reflects my background and the impact of my work. The final CV gives me much more confidence when presenting my experience to employers.
I would strongly recommend Kristina’s services to anyone looking to elevate their résumé or CV and personal brand. Her professionalism, insight, and ability to highlight the strengths of her clients make her an outstanding partner in the career development process.”
“Philip Banks” — repeat client (résumé and CV development)
“Working with Kristina during my law school application process was an extraordinary experience, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. What distinguishes Kristina is not simply her technical skill as an editor, but her rare ability to elevate writing while preserving the writer’s authentic voice and intentions. Like an orchestra conductor, Kristina brings out the best from what is already there.
One of her greatest strengths is her remarkable prowess at wordsmithery under extremely tight word-count constraints. Law school applications demand precision and economy of language, and Kristina consistently found ways to make my writing more elegant, compelling, and impactful without sacrificing nuance or authenticity. She has exceptional instincts for what matters most in a piece of writing and how to refine its language so each sentence carries weight.
I found Kristina’s editing process to be deeply collaborative, supportive, and intellectually engaging. She asked profound, incisive questions that challenged me to reflect more deeply on my experiences, motivations, and values. Those conversations ultimately led me through a richer, more nuanced creative process and helped me produce powerful writing that felt true to who I am. Her feedback was thoughtful, strategic, perceptive, and always grounded in helping me achieve my goals.
I genuinely believe Kristina’s guidance strengthened every aspect of my application materials and played a meaningful role in my successful admission to multiple highly competitive law schools, including my top-choice program at UC Berkeley Law. Any applicant or writer would be incredibly fortunate to work with her!
TL;DR: Kristina's word craft is GOD TIER and you must hire her.”
Adam M. — public defense professional and incoming law student
“I'm a dyslexic small business owner who always struggled in English classes and now struggles to clearly and professionally communicate my ideas in writing. Kristina, of Authentic Editing, has been fantastic about helping me with multiple different projects. She not only edited all the written content on my website but also streamlined and reorganized it for better clarity and flow, then did research for and ghostwrote new content to fill in the informational gaps she identified. My online bookings have since increased, which I can only assume is due to how much easier to navigate and understand my website is now.
I have also written a memoir that is deeply meaningful to me and had Kristina do a manuscript assessment. She recommended, and I’ve now booked her for, a developmental edit followed by a line edit. As a dyslexic person who only reads audiobooks, I never expected I’d end up writing a book of my own, and had no idea how to approach the process of preparing to publish one. Kristina has been instrumental in helping me through that too—never judging me for my disability in the slightest or presenting her input harshly, only encouraging and supporting me while providing fantastic suggestions. I look forward to continuing the memoir project together and working with Authentic Editing for any future editing needs.”
Trisha Cook — Owner of Equality Auto
“If you’re seeking someone to elevate your résumé from standard to spectacular, look no further! Kristina Hawley is an absolute wizard when it comes to formatting, editing, and providing top-notch guidance. Her expertise transformed my résumé into a document that truly stands out in today’s competitive job market.
From the moment I engaged with Kristina, it was clear she possesses a rare blend of professionalism, insight, and creativity. She has an uncanny ability to highlight the most impressive aspects of your experience and skills, creating a résumé that truly represents your professional best.
What sets Kristina apart is her meticulous editing and thoughtful guidance. She refines every word for clarity and impact while helping you present your achievements in the most compelling way possible. Her personalized approach means you’ll not only receive a polished résumé but also gain confidence in your ability to communicate your value to potential employers. If you want a résumé that opens doors and makes a lasting impression, I wholeheartedly recommend her services.”
“Maria von Trapp” — résumé development client
“Wow, this is so good, 100 times better than what I had! You are very talented! I appreciate your expertise.”
Cornelia Sarrys — small business owner and hiring manager