David Lombardino | DLA Editors — Editorial & Consulting Reviews 

297
•
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.5

While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

See what reviewers are saying

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David’s review is very thorough and thoughtful. I may not like what he says at first because it goes against what I’ve written, but after our discussion I know his ideas are better for the book I want... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David Lombardino took a rush job from me and did a very thorough developmental edit. I incorporated many of his edits and I think my work is much better for it. Thank you David!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had an 86,000 word manuscript edited by David Lombardino, and I am so pleased! I felt as if he understood my urban fantasy like no one else has so far, and connected to my story enough to ask me the... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've used DLA's help for both residency and fellowship and have been told by multiple program directors during interviews that my personal statement was really well written ! I can't thank DLA enough... See more

Company details

  1. Business to Business Service

Written by the company

I’m David Lombardino, founder of DLA Editors & Proofers. Since 2008, I’ve worked one-on-one with authors, applicants, academics, and professionals on writing and communication where judgment, clarity, and outcomes matter. I collaborate with authors on books and screenplays, helping them strengthen structure, narrative focus, and voice. I work with applicants pursuing medical residency, fellowship, and other competitive programs on personal statements, interviews, and application strategy. And I help academics and professionals shape complex ideas into clear, effective writing. My approach is hands-on and collaborative, centered on careful analysis, specific feedback, and thoughtful decision-making.


Contact info

4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

297 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Hasn’t replied to negative reviews

How this company uses Trustpilot

See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.

4.5

All reviews

(297)

12 reviews in the last 12 months

Write a review
Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David’s review is very thorough and…

David’s review is very thorough and thoughtful. I may not like what he says at first because it goes against what I’ve written, but after our discussion I know his ideas are better for the book I want to write. He wants my work to be the best I can do, and I trust him on that.

25 September 2026
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I don't recommend

David did what he was supposed to do with reviewing my query letter, and with that he did a good job. What I did not like was his comment about my word count. "This sounds high for this story." How does that affect my query letter? I'm not going to lie about my word count. That's a pretty stupid thing to lie about when it can be checked immediately upon sending a manuscript. It was disparaging and unnecessary. Also, his email sending out the reviewed document stated to reach out to him with any questions and he would return the email by the next business day. It's been over a week and I have not heard back. I would not use his services again.

11 August 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David is an amazing editor

David is an amazing editor! His whole crew is great. I have been sending my work for editing for almost 15 years. The turnaround time is fast, and their comments are spot on! I highly recommend DLA Editors. Thank you for making my writing SING.

Joan

7 July 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David provided enormously helpful feedback

David provided enormously helpful feedback on my draft manuscript. This included many general and substantive comments to improve the plot, clarify the character arc, and keep the reader engaged, as well as numerous detailed suggestions for tightening the narrative. David is really meticulous and thinks about how every sentence and paragraph might be improved, ways to make every part of the plot more convincing, and creative ways of conveying information to the reader. He also provides useful references illustrating how to sharpen story telling. I appreciate his timely responsiveness to questions over email.

20 March 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David was exceptional to work with

David was exceptional to work with. His attention to detail is on another level. He didn’t just correct grammar or polish sentences, he elevated the entire manuscript. Every suggestion was thoughtful, precise, and clearly rooted in a deep understanding of structure, tone, and narrative flow.

What stood out most was the value add. David approached the project like a true partner, not just an editor. He strengthened arguments, sharpened themes, and helped clarify ideas without ever diluting my voice. The end result is materially better because of his involvement.

If you are looking for an editor who brings rigor, insight, and genuine investment in your work, I highly recommend him.

10 February 2026
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Not sure this was a good fit

I am unhappy with the editing style feedback. Namely, the format is not designed for 1st time writers, hard to decipher and rather intimidating. I have tried to the open communicating however it is is a non motivator and the drag it was to lose an entire chapter the way the app is set up has derailed me from wanting to write it again. Overall, I would prefer someone that is open to communication and free to ask questions without the fear of getting a bill on top of the re-editing fee.

28 October 2025
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They use chat gpt or other AI tool to…

They use chat gpt or other AI tool to concise your PS.
The service they provide that can be easily done by your colleagues also.
Nothing special.

3 July 2025
David Lombardino | DLA Editors — Editorial & Consulting logo

Reply from David Lombardino | DLA Editors — Editorial & Consulting

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're sorry to hear that the service didn’t meet your expectations.

To clarify one important point: We do not use ChatGPT or any AI tools in our editing process. Since 2008, all personal statements we work on have been edited by experienced professionals. Every draft receives thoughtful, individual, hands-on attention.

Our multi-round service is collaborative by design. At each stage, we focus on refining structure, transitions, clarity, and flow while preserving the applicant’s voice and intent. This process has helped thousands of clients present themselves with authenticity and confidence to fellowship and residency programs.

For a detailed look at how we approach the fellowship personal statement, you can read our expert article on the topic:

https://www.dlaeditors.com/advice_for_personal_statements_part_4_fellowship_vs_residency

We’re proud of the trust we’ve built in the medical community over the past 17 years, and we remain committed to providing honest, professional support that respects both the applicant and the application process. If anyone reading this has questions about our approach, we’re always happy to speak directly.

—The Team at DLA Editors & Proofers

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look