Language Editing
Is your draft complete and now you are ready to refine your language and polish the pages?
Language editing meticulously corrects grammatical errors, improves readability for your audience, and ensures accuracy and clarity.
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Polishing
Pitching to agents
Querying
Pre-publishing
Copyediting
Is your manuscript completed and ready for the writing and style to be polished? This service focuses on the mechanical aspects of your writing.
Feedback will include:
- A focus on the mechanical aspects of your writing. To include matters such as: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviations, format.
- A markup of all elements of the text using the Track Changes and Comments features in Microsoft Word.
You will receive:
- An editorial letter describing the feedback and any overarching themes.
- A style sheet.
- A copy of your manuscript with in-line notes and changes utilizing Track Changes.
This service is priced between 2 and 3 cents per word depending on the level of copyediting wanted or needed. See below for details.
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
Has your manuscript already been edited, is in its final copy, and needs to be checked over once more before publishing?
Feedback will include notes on:
- Adjusting formatting for consistency and overall style.
- Check for and fix minor mechanical errors as well as accuracy within elements of the material (such as headings).
- Comment on any areas of the text that seem unclear to bring them to your attention.
You will receive:
- A copy of your manuscript marked up with all elements of the text using Track Changes and Comments features in Microsoft Word.
This service is priced at 0.8 cents per word.
I will carefully read every word of your document to check for and fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. I will ensure your document adheres to your preferred style, check for consistency throughout, and help guarantee your work is clear for your reader.
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 memoirs. 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.
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 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 feeling unsure about which type of editing may be best for you?
Read my blog post Understanding Different Types of Editing. And feel free to reach out to schedule a 15 minute Discovery Call where we can chat about what might work best for you and your project.
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