Content Editing

Have you just finished a draft and you are ready for some feedback? Are you struggling to finish a draft, just not sure where to go next?

Content editing looks at the big picture of your manuscript. You will receive feedback to keep you going and help shape your story!

Are you here?

Idea Development
Drafting
Post Draft
Polishing

Beta Reading

Are you ready to branch out and receive feedback from readers? Beta reading is right for projects that are in early drafting stages.

Feedback will include notes on:

  • Story structure
  • Characters
  • Genre
  • How engaging certain sections or plot directions are 

You will receive:

  1. Reader level feedback by a professional editor.
  2. A few pages of written feedback (this does not include any recommendations for changes).
  3. Your manuscript back with areas highlighted that grab or lose attention.

This service is priced at 0.8 cents per word.

What is a beta read? Do I need one?

Manuscript Evaluation

Do you want detailed feedback on your manuscript’s overall strengths and weaknesses? Manuscript evaluations go one step above a beta read.

Feedback will include notes on:

  • Character development
  • Plot
  • Story structure
  • Dialogue
  • Narrative flow
  • Pacing

You will receive:

  1. A written report sharing where your story is or is not working (this does not include in-text comments, corrections, or revisions).
  2. Suggestions for editorial direction (such as whether your story is ready for a developmental edit or copyediting).

This service is priced at 2 cents per word.

Developmental Editing

Are you done drafting but need help to make sure that your “big picture” is ready for readers? Are you stuck on a part of your story and not sure where to go next? A developmental edit can offer suggestions to help your story grow. This service goes one step above a manuscript evaluation.

Feedback will include:

  • Suggestions and changes to content and organization of your story to help it grow.

You will receive:

  1. An in-depth report sharing suggestions, deletions, and relocation ideas. As well as extensive comments and queries.
  2. A story map.
  3. A copy of your manuscript with in-line notes and changes using Microsoft Word Track Changes and Comments features.

This service is priced at 3 cents per word.

Transform Your Words, Perfect Your Message

Contact Me

FAQ

What style guide do you use?

I have training with the Chicago Manual of Style but have experience with APA style as well. I can adhere to other style manuals and in-house style guides as necessary.

What markup tools are used?

I utilize the Track Changes and Comments functions in Microsoft Word. I insert comments and queries throughout the text as I work that you can reply to or address when you receive the copy. Want to know more about how to utilize these tools, read my blog here.

What type of files do you work with?

I work with files in Microsoft Word.

What is the standard format for a manuscript?

Letter sized paper, 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced text, 1″ margins. This creates an average of about 250 words per page. Please format your documents in this format when sending them to me.

Still have questions about the differences between a beta read, manuscript evaluation, and developmental edit?

Read more at my blog post about the differences here. Feeling uncertain about whether you would benefit from these services? Know that you are not “too new”!

How will we communicate while working together?

I am comfortable speaking on the phone, emailing, or meeting via a video call. Whichever method you are most comfortable with. I will maintain communication with you throughout our time working together via email for updates and quick questions. However, we may find a phone call or video call to be more conducive for our first meeting to discuss the project or later in our work for our collaborative consultation during the editing process.

Testimonials

“I’m very grateful to know Mrs. Wheeless, she is my life savior from now on. I am the owner of a little bakery, English is not my first language which makes it difficult for me to communicate with people in an effective and clear way. My goal is to send a clear message through words to our customers so they can relate with us. Here is when Mrs. Wheeless comes to play such an important role, besides I am learning from her as well while working together. So grateful for her professionalism, knowledge, support and presence in my business communications journey if you will. Thank you very much, Claudia”

– Claudia Glazier, owner of Buttery Baking House