Whether you are writing your first book, or whether you are an experienced professional working on your latest project—e-book, article, portfolio, promotional material, Web site—a second pair of objective eyes to review your material is well worth the investment. You want to make a positive impact because first impressions ARE important—first impressions last!

This is where Leona Hamel can give you a hand. Her company, StageCoach Consulting, offers professional editing and proofreading services. She has more than 15 years experience in editing and proofreading, so you know you can count on Leona for professional service, a sharp eye for detail, and a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

Leona can help you:

• Catch any errors or inconsistencies in your writing
• Say what you want to say better
• Make a good first impression
• Edit, proofread, and verify your Web site
• Create a product that you’ll be proud of
• Reach out to your readers

Sometimes we hurry to get things done and we don’t "see" our errors—despite having read it over several times. Even the best writers overlook mistakes in their own writing. That's because they know what they "mean" and, as a result, subconsciously correct their own errors when reading the material. However, an error such as a misplaced comma or an incorrect word can completely alter the meaning of a sentence, possibly resulting in a missed opportunity to impress your reader.

Maybe English is your second language and you want to be certain that your thoughts come across clearly on paper?

No matter how good your content is, errors undermine your credibility and image—and cost you money. You’ve come this far, putting your heart and soul into your material, so why not create a product that you’ll be proud of?

FOCUS ON FIVE KEY AREAS

• Grammar (phrasing, verb tense, and awkward, confusing, or redundant wording)
• Spelling and punctuation
• Structure (clarify and/or reorganize for content and structure)
• Style (consistent use of formatting, clarify meaning, eliminate jargon, smoothing language)
• Typography (consistency of fonts, point sizes, line spacing, kerning)

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Proofreading: verifying format and edited material for consistency, typos, minor errors in spelling and missing or incorrect punctuation

Copy-editing (includes stylistic editing): editing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation; eliminating jargon; clarifying meaning; and checking for consistency

Substantive Editing: copy-editing and clarifying or reorganizing text for content and structure

ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS
StageCoach Consulting accepts both electronic and printed forms:

• Electronic documents (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files)
• Web pages (e-mail HTML source files or printout of draft pages)
• Original materials sent by mail or courier
• Faxes

WHAT YOU RECEIVE
You receive two documents upon completion of Leona’s editing services:

• A draft of your original submission with the suggested changes highlighted, including notes if applicable
• The corrected version with no highlights or notes

To obtain a free, no-obligation estimate, simply fax or mail a hard copy (entire or part) to StageCoach Consulting. Please do NOT send the original.

Electronic files may be submitted by e-mail as an attachment, however, please zip large files. If you require assistance, do not hesitate to contact StageCoach Consulting.

In order to provide you an estimate, the following information is required:

• Short description of project
• Deadline
• Software and file format, if applicable
• Preference to work online or on paper
• Page count or word count of the entire document to be edited

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Anita Flegg—one of the experts at The Sharp Quill—delivers timely and cost-effective writing and editing services designed to bring out the quality of your work; to make you look better and improve your profitability.

Anita can write and edit everything from web copy and simple articles to full-length books. A Sharp Quill-developed newsletter or white paper will showcase your expertise and professionalism without breaking the bank. She will help you develop professional products under your name.

Anita is an author and book editor, and she has over 20 years experience with technical and user documentation for high technology companies. She has worked with high technology companies such as Mitel, Nortel and Entrust. Anita's recent editing projects include books, workbooks, business plans, web sites, press releases, newsletters, ezines, and articles.

Did we mention that Anita is also an author? The second edition of her highly praised book, Hypoglycemia: The Other Sugar Disease, is available from Canada Books Online.

WRITING
You communicate with more people through your websites, brochures, articles and emails than you interact with in person, so it’s crucial that you present yourself well in print.

Whether we are writers by inclination or by necessity, we all have to write and we are judged by our written communication—it’s an indication of our competence and attention to detail.

Anita and the experts at The Sharp Quill will help you write your

• Newsletters
• Proposals
• Web pages
• Brochures
• Full length books

If you are developing newsletters, brochures or books, The Sharp Quill also has experienced layout, graphics and indexing professionals to help you get your project ready for printing.

They will help you put your best foot forward by writing credible and professional materials for all your communications.

Go here for Anita’s contact information. Call or email her for your free estimate. She will be happy to help you get your project off the ground.

EDITING
You know what you want to say and you have put a lot of effort into your written work. The Sharp Quill can help you make it the best it can be with a professional edit, and ensure that your message comes through loud and clear.

Depending on your needs and the complexity of your project, Anita will recommend either copy editing or substantive editing

• Copy editing is concerned with spelling, grammar and writing conventions. There may be some minor sentence restructuring if necessary.
   
• Substantive editing is a comprehensive check of the structure and organization of your work. Substantive editing includes full copy editing.

COACHING
Anita and the rest of the experts at The Sharp Quill love to work with authors. Anita believes that everyone has something important to say, and she understands that sometimes it's the words that get in the way. She helps authors figure out just how to get their ideas across so that their readers can get the full benefit of their expertise or story.

Already have a manuscript and don't know what to do next? Anita can help. Sometimes all you need is an edit and some coaching to help you find a publisher; other times, your manuscript might need a little reworking or augmenting to get it ready for editing.

Anita will evaluate your manuscript and coach you through polishing it for submission to publishers, and advise you on how to approach publishers.

TIPS & TRICKS
To help you get started, use the editing and writing tips and tricks you will find on The Sharp Quill’s website for general guidance and support. Feel free to use them and/or adapt them to suit your individual needs.

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