Testimonials

Understanding a new press’s vision, taste, and editorial approach can be challenging. Fortunately, Kevin has worked on many titles with various authors and editors over the years. Here is what some of them have said about his abilities:

“Working with Kevin Breen was a joy. Not only did he champion my book from the start, but his editorial insights and instincts were absolutely essential to its success. I say this because throughout our work together, he managed to do something rare—offer detailed and clear suggestions while at the same time staying positive and encouraging. His expertise helped me deepen the emotional story, tighten the tension, and amplify the book's themes. But perhaps most importantly, he helped me believe in my story and what it could become. A rare gift indeed. I couldn’t be more pleased with the result. Or more grateful.”

Leslie Absher, author of the memoir Spy Daughter, Queer Girl: In Search of Truth and Acceptance in a Family of Secrets

“All future editors of my work beware: Kevin Breen has already set the standard for how to bring out the best in a story. With a deft touch, he identified my first novel's weaknesses and challenged me to make even the successful aspects ‘ten percent better.’ Almost as importantly, he saved me from some colossal mistakes. Developmental editing is a difficult process that requires a writer to unlock their brain to new possibilities for a story they've been toiling over for months, if not years. But with Kevin's generosity and guidance, revisions I made in that process are now some of the passages I'm most proud of in the whole damn book. Writers, your work could not be in better hands than his. He will make it better.”

C. Matthew Smith, author of the novel Twentymile

“Based on almost 40 years of experience as both author and publisher, I confidently assert that Kevin Breen is among the best of the best when it comes to literary publishing. Kevin was responsible for all phases of my recent memoir, including developmental editing, design, production, and marketing. His sophistication in all of these areas was exemplary. Further, he presents with a combination of confidence and humility that is rare, and his dedication to literature, publishing, and authors puts Madrona Books, even as a new press, at a very high level. I would entrust any manuscript to Kevin Breen and Madrona, and I'm excited to see what they have in store for the reading public.”

Robert Fromberg, author of the memoir How to Walk with Steve

“At New England Review, we knew we could count on Kevin’s generous and discerning assessments of short stories, which came in hundreds of different voices and styles. For more than three years running, he proved himself dedicated, insightful, and utterly reliable.”

Carolyn Kuebler, editor of New England Review