Services Offered
I provide services to improve any form of writing for both individuals and business owners. However, I have a special place in my heart for working with fiction books, especially thrillers, mysteries, and contemporary fiction. I am open to work outside of these genres. These are my favorites to read and so the genres I am the most familiar with. I do not work with stories that contain horror, gore, or abuse.
Content Editing
Beta Reading
- Feedback given on story, characters, structure, genre, and how engaging certain sections or plot directions are.
- Reader level feedback by a professional editor.
- You will receive a few pages of written feedback (this does not include any recommendations for changes). You will also receive your manuscript back with areas highlighted that grab or lose attention.
- This service is priced at 0.8 cents per word.
This service is for authors who are in the early drafting stage and are seeking feedback from readers.
Manuscript Evaluation
This service is for authors who would like detailed feedback on their manuscript’s overall strengths and weaknesses. This service goes one step above a beta read.
- Feedback will address character development, plot, story structure, dialogue, narrative flow, pacing, the ending.
- You will receive a report sharing where your story is or isn’t working and suggestions for editorial direction (such as whether your story is ready for a developmental edit or you can go on to copyediting).
- You will receive a written report with feedback. (This service does not include in text comments, corrections, or revisions).
- This service is priced at 1.5 cents per word.
Developmental Editing
This service is best for a manuscript that has just been completed and is ready to ensure that the “big picture” of your story is ready for readers: structure, form, plot, and characters. This is also a perfect service for you if you are stuck on a part of your story and not sure where to go next. I can offer suggestions to help your story grow. This service goes one step above a manuscript evaluation.
- Suggest and make changes to the content and organization of your story.
- Fiction stories: plot, characters, pacing, point of view.
- Nonfiction: help define your argument and ensure it is consistent throughout your manuscript; ensure that evidence supports your thesis strongly and appropriately.
- You will receive an indepth report and story map (fiction). The report will share suggestions, deletions, and relocation ideas, extensive comments and queries. You will also receive a copy of your manuscript with in line notes and changes using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes.
- This service is priced at 3 cents per word.
Language Editing
Copyediting
This service is best fit for a manuscript that is completed and ready for the writing and style to be polished. This service will focus on the mechanical aspects of your writing.
- Markup all elements of the text using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature and Comments feature.
- Ensure consistency in all mechanical matters: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviations, format.
- Check correlating parts: contents page against chapters, number of footnotes or endnotes, tables, and figures.
- You will receive an editorial letter describing feedback, a style sheet, and a copy of your manuscript with in line notes and changes utilizing Microsoft Word’s Track Changes.
- This service is priced between 2 and 3 cents per word depending on the level of copyediting needed.
Light Copyedit
- Language editing: Correct indisputable errors in grammar, syntax, and usage; point out wordy or convoluted areas.
- Content editing: Query factual inconsistencies and any statements that seem incorrect.
Medium Copyedit
- Language editing: Correct all errors in grammar, syntax, and usage; point out wordy or convoluted areas and supply suggested revisions.
- Content editing: Query factual inconsistencies, any statements that seem incorrect, and faulty organization and gaps in logic.
Heavy Copyedit
- Language editing: Correct all errors and infelicities in grammar, syntax, and usage; and rewrite any wordy or convoluted patches.
- Content editing: Verify and revise any facts that are incorrect and query or fix faulty organization and gaps in logic.
Proofreading
This service is a good fit for projects that have already been edited, are in their final copy, and need to be checked over once more before publishing.
- Adjust formatting for consistency and overall style.
- Check for and fix minor mechanical errors (such as spelling mistakes or deviations from your style sheet).
- Check for consistency and accuracy within elements of the material (such as headings and hyperlinks).
- Comment on any areas of the text that seem unclear to bring them to your attention.
- Markup all elements of the text using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature and Comments feature.
- This service is priced at 1 cent per word.
Additional Editing Services
Course Consulting
This service is perfect for an individual or small business that is creating an online course for employees or customers to access and learn something. This service is highly personalized. First we will need to chat to determine what is needed for your course consulting package. You will receive both an editor’s and prior educator’s review of your work. Items I can help you with include:
- The course outline based upon your overall goal for the course. Helping to ensure your objectives are met in a logical way.
- Course design and development (I can help you brainstorm or design engaging materials to reach your course objectives).
- Course maintenance or revision (for a course that has already been launched but needs to be rethought or touched up).
- This service begins at $35 per hour, but the rate may differ depending on the unique needs for your project.
Monthly Editing Subscription
This service is for the small business owner who wants to reach their audience through professionally written materials. Materials could include emails, newsletters, social media posts, menus, and more. Together we will set up a schedule that works for us to determine when and how often you will send your written materials to me to edit. I will ensure your material is edited to be clear, concise, well organized, and ready to reach your audience while maintaining your unique voice. Then I will return your material for you to share.
There are two options for this subscription service:
- Small Package: 2 posts per week for $50 a month (total of 8 posts)
- Large Package: 5 posts per week for $100 a month (total of 20 posts)
Subscription services are billed monthly.
What to Expect
Deciding to Work Together
First you will fill out the Contact Me Questionnaire on my website and send me a sample of your writing.
↳ I will email you an Intake Questionnaire for you to fill out and return.
↳ We will have a discussion to collaborate on: time frame; level of editing; and other relevant information.
↳ I will send you a proposal with a quote for you to review.
↳ We will sign the contract to begin our work together.
Working Timeline
The Editing Process
I will complete a first pass on your project and will then return the file back to you for your feedback.
↳ We will have a collaborative consultation to discuss the feedback together and ensure cohesiveness as we move forward.
↳ You will review my suggestions and leave comments, accept changes you agree with, and offer more feedback.
↳ I will complete a second pass on the project.
↳ I will return the work with a completed style sheet once final payment has been processed.
Transform Your Words, Perfect Your Message
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 function 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.
What type of files do you work with?
I work with files in Microsoft Word.
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