Explaining the Editorial Process

Are you thinking about working together but want a clearer picture of what the editorial process actually looks like first? That makes complete sense. Before you commit to an editor, you deserve to know how the process works, what to expect, and how the work will support your manuscript and goals.

At Wheeless Edits, my process is designed to be collaborative, clear, and supportive from the very beginning. I want you to feel informed and comfortable at every stage, whether you are looking for book coaching, content editing, copyediting, proofreading, or another kind of editorial support.

Start with Contact

The first step is to reach out through my contact form and share a sample of your work. For a novel or longer manuscript, a chapter or two is usually enough for me to get a sense of your voice, your project, and the kind of help you need. For shorter pieces, you can send the full document so I can review it more fully. If you don’t feel comfortable sending me a sample before we talk first, that is fine. Just let me know you want to schedule a call first.

Once I receive your sample and contact information, I send an intake questionnaire. This helps me learn more about your goals, your preferred communication style, your concerns about the project, and the overall direction you want the manuscript to take.

Project Discussion

After I review your sample and questionnaire, we schedule a project discussion. This is where we talk through your manuscript, your goals, and the level of support that seems like the best fit. Depending on your preference, this can happen by phone or video call.

During this conversation, I will talk through what I noticed in your sample, what type of editing may be the best match, and what timeline makes sense for the project. This step is especially helpful because it lets us make sure we are on the same page before any formal work begins.

Proposal and Contract

Once we have a clear sense of your project, I send a proposal and quote. This lays out the service, scope, and cost so everything is transparent before we move forward. If you decide to proceed, we sign a contract and secure the project with the initial payment.

That part matters because good editing should feel professional and predictable, not confusing. A clear agreement helps protect both of us and gives you confidence about what is included, when work will happen, and how we will communicate.

The Editing Stage

Once we begin the editing work, I ask for the full manuscript or project file. From there, I complete the first pass using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes and Comments so you can see every suggestion clearly.

After that pass, I return your manuscript along with an editorial letter and style sheet when appropriate. The editorial letter helps explain larger themes, recurring issues, and the overall direction of the edit, while the style sheet keeps details consistent across the manuscript.

Collaborative Consultation

Next comes one of my favorite parts of the process: the collaborative consultation. This is your chance to review my notes, ask questions, talk through suggestions, and make sure the edit still feels true to your vision.

I approach editing as a teammate, not a gatekeeper. If something is unclear, confusing, or worth discussing further, I want us to talk it through together so we can find the best path forward for your manuscript.

Final Pass

After you review the first round of edits, I give you time to accept, reject, or respond to changes before I begin the second pass. This gives you space to reflect on the edit and add any thoughts of your own before I revisit the manuscript.

Then I complete the final pass, checking the manuscript for anything that may have been missed or adjusting during the revision process. Once final payment has been processed, I return the finished project, and for book projects, I may also provide a completed style sheet if one is part of the service.

What Service Fits

This process works especially well for developmental editing, content editing, and the three levels of copyediting I offer. It also applies to many book coaching projects, depending on the stage and goals of the manuscript. Proofreading usually follows a simpler process, since it is the final quality check rather than a multi-pass editorial project.

If you are unsure which service is the right one, that is exactly what the consultation is for. Whether you need big-picture guidance, line-by-line polish, or ongoing coaching and accountability, I can help you figure out the best next step.

Why This Matters

A strong editorial process does more than organize the work. It helps you feel supported, keeps the project moving, and makes sure the editing honors both your voice and your reader’s experience.

That is the heart of my approach at Wheeless Edits. I want you to feel clear about what is happening, confident in the process, and encouraged by the partnership along the way.

Ready to begin?

If you are ready to take the next step, I would love to hear more about your project. Reach out through my contact form, and we can talk about where your manuscript is now and what kind of support will help it move forward.