Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Everyone Needs An Editor...

We understand the economy has taken its toll on all of us, but if you’re going to publish a book and sell it in the marketplace, then we beg of you to ensure your book is properly edited. Having you aunts, uncles and best friends to "read over" your manuscript is not a form of editing, nor is it acceptable. Leave that process to the experts!

With 10 years of editing under our belts, our editors are seasoned, established, professional writers who will make your words and story flow beyond your wildest imagination. We will catch and repair typographical errors, incorrect grammar usage, formatting, and repetitive words that will turn your manuscript into a promising best seller. We will maintain your voice, while polishing your manuscript. Publishers and readers favor work that is free of errors, and so should you!

Editing is the foundation of a solid manuscript. When editing manuscripts, we will look for:
  • Intended Audience (reading level, style, tone),
  • Literary Devices (metaphors and similes, foreshadowing, repetition),
  • Character Development,
  • Dialogue and Narrative Flow, and
  • Description (use of imagery, setting).

In addition to manuscript editing, we also edit:
  • Scripts/screenplays,
  • Manuals,
  • Magazines/Trade Publications,
  • Web Sites,
  • Term Papers, Resumes, Book Reports,
  • Business and Marketing Plans,
  • Correspondences, Press Releases,
  • And so much.

If you are still unsure whether you need our editing services, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Has a professional editor evaluated my manuscript?
  2. Have I verified my facts and references?
  3. Is it original work?
 If you answered "no" to any of the above, then you need us!

Rates:

We are extremely affordable! We do not outsource your manuscript to freelance editors from overseas, therefore all editing is done in-house, which mean our rates will not hurt your pockets.

Proofreading = $2.50 per page. This service includes reviewing the final draft to ensure all surface errors have been corrected.

Basic Copyedit = $4.50 per page: This service includes correcting grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Correct errors in sentence structure and language rules. Estimated Turnaround: 4 to 5 weeks.

Advanced Copyedit = $5.50 per page: This service includes correcting grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Correct errors in sentence structure and language rules. Point out and correct inconsistencies throughout manuscript. Complete fact check of quotes, references and Bible verses. Red-line markup in manuscript (red flags mark areas of author's revision consideration). Estimated Turnaround: 4 to 5 weeks.

Content Edit = $7.50 per page: This services includes correcting grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Correct errors in sentence structure and language rules. Point out and correct inconsistencies throughout manuscript. Complete fact check of quotes, references and Bible verses. Red-line markup and revise poorly-written sentences and paragraphs, as well as suggestions for further development and content building. Up to three telephone or in-person meetings of one hour each. Estimated Turnaround: 6 to 8 weeks.

Also…
  • All editing is done in accordance with The Chicago Manual of Style.
  • No changes will be made without the client’s approval.
  • No changes are mandatory; the client always has the final say.
  • The client maintains all copyright to its work, including all creative writing conducted by us.

Ready to go or want more information? It's easy! Just email jessica@twasolutions.com.

Still not convinced you need us? Request a sample chapter edit. It's easy! Simply email the first chapter or an excerpt to jessica@twasolutions.com with SAMPLE EDIT in the subject of the email. The sample edit will be conducted and returned to you within 24 to 48 hours!


Monday, November 28, 2011

What You Never Think About When Starting Your Own Business

Starting a new business may be difficult and overwhelming. Whether you are starting a publishing company, construction company, or travel planning company, there are many factors you must consider—your new company and ways to get it recognized, and known for your services and/or products offered, and keep track of your competitors, all while thinking about ways to make your company grow. Sounds like a lot of work? It is, but anything worth having is worth working for, right?

 
Since 2001, TWA Solutions has been assisting companies with marketing and branding services. We help you create your look—your brand. Below are some points we share with our clients when starting a new company:

 
Naming Your Business
When deciding what to name your business, there are several important factors you should consider:

  1. How does the name sound or roll off your tongue? Is it easy to pronounce? Is it memorable?
  2. What does the name say about your business—and is that the image you want to portray? Low Budget Designs is fine if you want to be known for your low prices. Paula’s Pretty Designs may be too cute to appeal to a corporate market. Corporate Graphics is not the best choice if you also want to attract clients for services other than graphic design.
  3. Does the name limit you or indicate an inaccurate specialization? Page Makers would probably eliminate those clients who would like for you to use InDesign.
  4. Is the name positioned near the beginning of the alphabet? Give yourself an edge in the directories by being listed near the top of your category. I have a client whose business is consistently listed at the top of every list—Absolute Solutions and Associates. I wished I’d learned this lesson before I named my business 10 years ago. TWA Solutions is, pretty much, at the back of the line. So, here’s a wonderful opportunity for you to learn from my mistake.

    In choosing a name, consider words that are descriptive of what you do and evocative of the spirit you wish your business to portray. You might feel comfortable using your name (Abigail London and Associates or Bradford Designs), particularly if it positions you at the front of the alphabet. Try to stay away from names that may appear offensive.

    Obviously, I did not follow my own guidelines! When I started my business 10 years ago, my main focus was on writing. I named my company The Writer’s Assistant.  My rationale was that my services were geared toward writers, publishers and publishing industry professionals. It was wordy, indicates a specialization, and began with a letter at the end of the alphabet. In 2007, I decided to expand my services and product listing, so I changed the name to TWA Solutions. Again, I did not follow my own advice! The new name indicates a broader focus, is easy to pronounce, and gives an impression of high quality, but still at the back of the line. Nonetheless, I’ve been able to run a successful business despite its name, and so can you!

    You are starting a new business, and you are able to purchase your domain name before you file all your legal business documents, and before you create all your printed materials. Many people make the mistake of thinking their business name should relate to their products or services. On the contrary, your name needs to be memorable and your company logo needs to be professionally designed so that you start off with a strong company brand. TWA Solutions can help you design the perfect logo.

 
Small Businesses Grow
At first, all companies start off small. Pick a name you like and do not feel forced into selecting a name you think will fool customers into believing you are a big company. Instead, you should  focus your attention on building quality products and offering professional services.

 
Start off Strong
Right now you are in the wonderful position to start your business off strong. It is well worth the time and money you spend researching your competition, your favorite companies and product branding that you like. Hire TWA Solutions to ensure that there is consistency in company name, logo, letterhead, brochures, business cards and website design. Trying to cut costs in this initial phase will ensure that you launch your new company with a poorly created image. In the end, this could really hurt the reputation of your business, and you could spend significantly more money trying to recover from this mistake.

 
You Need An Online Presence
It is a well-known fact that you are better off not having an online presence, then having a horrible website with useless content and mediocre graphics. Remember, everything that carries your company name is a direct representation of you. If you decide to make your move online, contact TWA Solutions to make sure it is done right, and affordable.

 
When you’re ready to take the step from thinking of being an entrepreneur to executing the vision for your company, let TWA Solutions lead the way!

 
Contact TWA Solutions for more information about marketing services for your company.