Writing that Works
Your words aren't worth much if they don't convey what you want them to. That's where I come in. I'm a career writer and editor who lives for words. And grammar. In short, I want everything I write to be the best, and as expressive, as it possibly can.
Fortunately for you, I can help you do just that. Whether you need a lot of rewriting help or just a few tweaks (or a good solid grammar wrangling!), trust your words to me. I'll get you where you want to go.
I'll turn your raw copy into polished prose that is both creatively crafted and grammatically correct. You'll never have to worry about those troublesome commas, misplaced modifiers, run-on sentences or spelling stumbles again.
About Me
Sharon verbeten
editor, writer, word wrangler
For more than 25 years, I've written about everything from custom caskets and wastewater plants to medical discoveries and special needs children. I've interviewed cancer survivors, children's book authors, funeral directors, antiques collectors and corporate CEOs. Throw anything at me, and I can research it and write about it in a compelling way.
As a freelance writer and editorial director of All Write Creative Services, I can help you refine your words as well, whether it's a press release, resume, corporate biography or children's book manuscript.
Oh, yeah, I've also written two books for adults on Barbie and I've been regularly published in dozens of national trade and consumer magazines, including American Funeral Director, School Library Journal, Insight on Business, New England Antiques Journal and more. And marrying my loves of journalism and libraries, I'm also editor of Children and Libraries, the national publication of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC).
Services
Copy Editing
Sometimes you've looked at your copy just a little too long...and it's starting to become a blur. I provide a fresh set of eyes, keenly trained on making your copy as accurate and clean as possible. Wait, isn't that proofreading? It does include proofreading, where I clean up the mechanics of text, but copy editing also involves an in-depth read, including recommended rewrites, vocabulary changes and complete rewrites, if desired. I'm happy to copy edit your
Book manuscripts (picture books, middle-grade fiction and all non-fiction manuscripts)
Short non-fiction pieces (for magazines, journals or company publications)
Public Speaking
Need a lively speaker for your organization, civic group, library, school or other association to inspire about creative writing and publishing? My presentations include
Getting Published: The Ins and Outs of Traditional vs Self Publishing
Publish or Perish: Choosing the Best Market for your Work
Creative Writing
Proofreading
Do you have a resume, term paper, report, White Paper or corporate communication that needs the "once over?" Proofreading services include a thorough read and review for grammar, spelling and vocabulary clean-up. I won't touch your verbiage and style; just correct and clean up the mechanics of the copy.
Copy Writing
I've written about everything from sewage treatment plants and embalming to antique toys and corporate CEOs. So, rest assured, I can handle whatever you throw at me. For those with projects requiring original writing, I can craft whatever you need, in whatever tone you desire.
Corporate press releases and brochures
Magazine articles (non-fiction)
Corporate biographies
Personal profiles
Non-fiction essays
Articles for Websites
Blog copy
"Advertorial" copy for businesses
Rates charged per hour or per project, depending on length, deadline and scope of project. Contact me for more specifics on your individual needs.
Clients
CORPORATE CLIENTS
BayCare Clinic, Wis.
Riverside Psychiatric, Wis.
O’Connor Connective, Wis.
One Legacy Advisors, Wis.
Smith House Toys, Pa.
Epitech, Wis.
and many other national and local clients.
AUTHOR/EDITOR CREDITS
Author, The Best of Barbie (Krause Publications, 2001)
Co-author, Barbie: A Rare Beauty (Krause Publications, 2010)
Managing editor, Toys & Prices (1994-2002 editions)
OTHER PROJECTS
Judge, Folio: Editorial Excellence Awards, 1994-2003
Reviewer, School Library Journal, BookPage
Content writer, Microsoft Encarta online encyclopedia
Instructor, Green Lake Christian Writer's Conference
TRADE PUBLICATIONS
Gannett Custom Publishing, Wisconsin
Journal Communications, Wisconsin
Cole Publishing
American Library Association
Sports Events magazine
St. Norbert College magazine
Antique Week
Jones Publishing
Insight on Business
Northeast Antiques Journal
Bridal News Network
Maine Antique Digest
Krause/F&W Publications
Kates-Boylston Publications
QM4G Media
Belvoir Publications
Testimonials
“I have had the pleasure of working with Sharon for the past 10 years. Her attention to detail as well as genuine care and passion for her clients is superb. I am proud to call her both colleague and friend.”
“Sharon produces high-quality writing that requires very little editing. She is also resourceful, going the extra mile to find another source for a story. She also has another quality that editors love and appreciate—she makes her deadlines.”
“Sharon is a word-smith, interviewer, story-teller and exceptional written communicator. Her work is on-mark regardless of the assignment. She stays within defined budgets and meets deadlines. Plus, she is just darn fun to work with! ”
“Sharon’s years of experience in research, writing and copy editing combine to make her a versatile partner in a range of creative or nonfiction projects. She is a knowledgeable and honest advisor who meets deadlines and executes tasks with professionalism. I’ve appreciated her keen, questioning eye on more than one occasion and enjoy her sustained support for projects from the idea stage to final published version. Her abilities to write well and guide others’ writing in the right direction are solid.”
Are you ready to get started?
