Content Editing

Have you finished a draft and need thoughtful, big-picture feedback? Are you still working through an idea and not sure how to move forward? Content editing may be the right next step.

Content editing looks at the big picture of your manuscript, including story structure, character development, pacing, and overall clarity. It is a collaborative process that helps you strengthen your manuscript while keeping your story moving in the right direction.

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Idea Development
Drafting
Post Draft
Polishing

Story Consultations

A Story Consultation is a gentle, encouraging entry point for authors who want expert feedback without the pressure of a full edit. It is designed for newer and debut authors, as well as anyone who wants a clearer picture of their manuscript before moving into the editing process.

Because I want to give you advice that is actually useful, I read the full project rather than offering sample edits. Looking at the manuscript as a whole helps me understand how the story is working across the larger arc, so I can offer feedback that is specific, practical, and tailored to your manuscript’s needs.

Your Story Consultation will give you specific, actionable guidance on key story elements such as character development, plot, structure, pacing, dialogue, and overall narrative flow. You’ll also get direction on your next editing steps, whether that means another round of revision, a developmental edit, or a different level of support. You will receive a written response with clear next-step recommendations so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means revising on your own or preparing for the next stage of editing.

If we decide to continue working together, your Story Consultation fee will be credited toward that service. This makes the consultation a helpful first step and a smart investment in your book’s next phase.

Pricing:

  • Novella, under 50,000 words: $200
  • Novel, 50,001 words and up: $400
What is a beta read? Do I need one?

Beta Reading

Beta reading is best for early drafts when you want reader-style feedback on what is working and what may need more attention. I look at story structure, characters, genre expectations, and overall engagement so you can better understand how your manuscript is landing.

Feedback will include notes on:

  • Story structure
  • Characters
  • Genre
  • Reader engagement

You will receive:

  1. Reader-level feedback from a professional editor.
  2. A written response with my editorial observations.
  3. Your manuscript marked to show areas that pulled me in or slowed me down.

This service is priced at 0.8 cents per word.

Learn more about beta reading in my blog.

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing is a deeper story-level edit for manuscripts that are ready for big-picture revision. If you are stuck in a section of your story or want help strengthening plot, structure, pacing, or character development, this service offers thoughtful guidance and practical direction.

Feedback will include:

  • Suggestions and models for some changes to content and organization of your story to help it grow.
  • Asking clarifying questions and offering praise.

You will receive:

  1. An in-depth editorial report, with in-text comments.
  2. A story map.
  3. A copy of your manuscript with Track Changes and Comments in Microsoft Word.

This service is priced at 3 cents per word.

For a deeper look at Developmental Editing read more in my blog.

Developmental Editing Plus

Are you looking for something in between developmental editing and book coaching? Developmental Editing Plus is a more collaborative option for writers who want a first round of developmental feedback, time to revise, and then a second round of feedback before moving forward.

This service begins with a full developmental edit, including an in-depth review of your manuscript’s big-picture elements. After you revise based on my feedback, I will complete a second editorial pass so we can look at what has strengthened, what still needs attention, and what your next steps should be. This is a great option if you want more support than a single edit provides, but you do not need the ongoing structure of book coaching.

Feedback will include:

  • Suggestions for content and organization on the first pass.
  • Clarifying questions, praise, and guidance to support revision.
  • A second round of feedback after you revise.
  • Notes on what is working well and what may still need attention.

You will receive:

  • An in-depth editorial report after the first pass.
  • Time to revise your manuscript before the second pass.
  • A second round of editorial feedback.
  • A copy of your manuscript with Track Changes and Comments in Microsoft Word.

This service is priced at 5 cents per word.

Developmental Editing = one pass, report, in-text comments, 3 cents/word.

Developmental Editing Plus = one pass, report, revision time, second pass, more feedback, 5 cents/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 in Microsoft Word and use Track Changes and Comments for manuscript projects. For some projects, such as course consulting or subscription editing, the format may vary depending on how you share your materials.

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, story consultation, 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 happy to communicate by phone, email, or video call, depending on what feels most comfortable for you. For many projects, email works well for quick updates, and I may suggest a call for the initial consultation or collaborative check-ins.

Testimonials

“Stephanie Wheeless delivers what she promises—a thorough review of your materials that achieves the highest quality final product. I highly recommend her as a copy editor.”

– Stephanie Wright, Author

“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

“Stephanie Wheeless is a marvelous editor. Her attention to detail, and syllables, proved invaluable to me. Stephanie is supportive, professional, witty, patient and understanding. She edited an academically demanding fellowship submission and put this new writer at ease. I am delighted to report that I look forward to working with Stephanie again soon. With Stephanie’s expert guidance I was proud of my submission. Thousands of writers apply for this fellowship. It is awarded to 5 each year. My goal was to submit my application and without Stephanie’s editorial assistance I am certain I would still be tinkering with page 3.”

– Susan Cohn, author

“My experience with Stephanie was first rate. What began as an editorial project soon morphed into a book coaching relationship. I am certain that I would not have applied for this fellowship without Stephanie’s guidance. She is so through that she read the books I use as foundational so as to better understand the structure of my book.”

– Susan Cohn, author 

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