Book Reviews
I review books free of charge, with a new book review appearing on my blog every Monday. If you are interested in having your book reviewed, you can email me with a description of your work. I review anything except erotica (and generally limit books reviewed to “R” ratings). You can also email me a Kindle or PDF version of your book; however, I cannot guarantee a review. My book reviews reflect my honest opinion, regardless of whether I paid for the book or received a review copy.
Editing
With 15 years (and counting!) of teaching high school English and creative writing, I can edit your manuscript for grammar and mechanics as well as for content. I currently edit for Freedom Forge Press and have had extensive experience working with writers to improve their manuscripts. Prices for my editing services vary, depending on length of manuscript and your editing needs. I can read the manuscript to offer general feedback, offer specific comments throughout the entire book (developmental editing, line editing for style and efficacy), edit for both content and grammar, or copy edit for grammar only. Please email me to discuss your specific needs, but as a ballpark figure, editing for any one if these would be priced at $3 per 250-word page. Manuscripts requiring considerably more or less work would be priced individually.
Blog Features
I feature authors on Wednesdays! If you would like to be featured, please email me. Options include a guest blog post, an author interview, an interview with one of your characters, and a Rafflecopter giveaway. Content of the blog post should be limited to a “PG-13” rating, and books promoted must be limited to “rated R” (no erotica or gratuitous sex/violence for its own sake, though it’s fine if it’s an integral part of the plot).
Cover Design
My cover design services start at $50 plus the cost of artwork. Actual cost depends on the complexity of the design. In addition, I offer general design and graphics work. Please contact me for details. Here are some covers and promotional pieces I have designed: 
Dear Val:
I’m concluding a trilogy entitled “The Color of Evil,” a YA series aimed at 18 to 24 year-olds, with crossover adult appeal. It is what it is REALLY like to teach students who sometimes end up on Death Row, as 5 of mine did during my 33-year career.
The first book, entitled “The Color of Evil” was the winner of an E-Lit Award, a Silver Feather award (Illinois Women’s Press Association) and was in the top 10 for a Stoker. The second book (“Red Is for Rage”) is the winner of a 2013 NABE Pinnacle Award and in the top 10 for a Stoker. I can send you copies of each, if you provide a snail mail address.
Third (and probably final) book is KHAKI = KILLER, which I am finishing now. See websites for the first 2 @: http://www.TheColorOfEvil.com and http://www.RedIsforRage.com.
Let me know if you’d like to take on the first 2 books of this award-winning trilogy that reads like “Carrie” meets “The Fury” meets television’s “The Medium.”
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Connie (Corcoran) Wilson, M.S.
http://www.ConnieCWilson.com
CEO, Quad Cities’ Learning, Inc.
http://www.quadcitieslearning.com
Thanks for contacting me 🙂 I’m sending you a reply via email.
I am the online workshop coordinator/moderator for Florida romance writers. I was wondering if you are interested in doing an online workshop for us in 2014. Please email me for more info.
Heidi,
Thank you for contacting me. I just sent you an email.
Val 🙂
Hi Val,
I read about you recently on thehour.com. I was born and raised in Norwalk and relocated here to Ashburn in 2001. Imagine my surprise at learning that you are also from Norwalk and currently living in Loudoun County. Small world!
Just wanted to congratulate you on the success of The Scarred Letter. Sounds like an interesting read! I’ll have to go out and grab a copy.
One last thing: I am a certified Author’s Assistant. Let me know if there is a book-related task or two that your busy schedule doesn’t allow you to get to. I’m close by and ready to help. 🙂
Chela,
It *is* a small world, isn’t it?
I hope you enjoy The Scarred Letter. Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll keep you in mind 🙂
Val