Welcome! I am excited to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into my editing space.

I know that it’s hard to trust someone with your project – especially in this digital age, where working with strangers virtually and with AI are the norm. You want to be confident that your project is being handed over to a real, caring person. So, I’m sharing a peek into my personal work space to introduce you to the person behind Wheeless Edits.

I truly believe the space where stories are shaped matters. I’m inviting you into my creative corner, where manuscripts transform into polished books.

My Editing Space

I work from my home in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, nestled in a cozy corner right beside the kitchen, with my rowing matching nearby for quick breaks. My desk is surrounded by items that make me feel at home and inspired:

• A calendar, to-do list notebook, and my laptop
• A small desk lamp (I am not a fan of harsh lighting!)
• Personal touches like photos of my husband and daughter, and my ponytail palm plant

Organization matters to me. My paper planner sits to the left of my computer for a full view of my week and month at a glance, even though I also use Google Calendar. A corkboard behind my laptop keeps sticky notes with ideas and reminders within reach – and not lost! Some current notes remind me to share more content, use the identify-explain-solve approach to help authors, and keep track of the year’s quarters for taxes and planning.

When I sit down to work, you’ll always find me armed with a desktop calendar as my background, colorful pens, sticky notes, my trust water bottle, and usually a coffee.

Instrumental music sets the tone during my editing sessions. Lyrics tend to distract me – I’d rather stay focused on your words instead of singing along to someone else’s. Right now I am obsessed with the Youtube channel for Cinematic Bookworm and am listening to the Throne of Glass playlist as I finish reading the series.

My Editing Rituals

When I am ready to begin work on an editing project, I have a few must-do rituals:

• Prepare my area by removing anything unnecessary – books, toys, or unrelated projects. (How do toddler toys take over your house?!)
• Open all relevant project documents, CMOS online, and the Merriam-Webster dictionary online.
• Start my instrumental playlist and open Toggl to track my work time.

I will often set a timer if I need to switch tasks or take breaks. My smartwatch helps remind me to get up and move. After each focused session, I’ll walk around, check on my family, or do a quick chore before diving back in.

How I Stay Organized and Professional

Over the years, I have built a system of checklists that keeps every project on track:

• Each manuscript pass has its own checklist
• Every project gets its own contact and notes list
• I am always in close contact with my authors through each step

Professional growth is a constant. Whether I am in between projects or enjoying a slower work period, I always have a pile of writing and editing books on my TBR list. I keep up with the editing world through EFA and ACES webinars, and I’m always reading: audiobooks in the car or while doing chores, physical books before bed, and a professional development book by my desk. I continually take courses with the University of California San Diego and EFA to keep my editing skills sharp.

Let’s Connect!

Want to learn more about me? Check out the About Me section on my website. I’d love to hear your questions about my process, or see what your own creative space looks like. Feel free to reach out if you are curious about working together.