Editing and Proofreading

Editing and proofreading are a vital part of the publishing process. Once you’ve drafted your manuscript and gone through your own round of edits, it’s a great idea to hire a professional editor.

Types of Editing:

Developmental Edit and Manuscript Review - In a manuscript review, the editor reads your entire draft and then offers a detailed editorial memo summarizing their suggestions for the book’s overall structure and content. This will include insights on what the editor feels the author has done well and what could be improved. The author can then use the editor’s notes to make the developmental changes herself or hire the editor to complete these edits for an additional fee.

Copy Edit - This is the most common edit. The editor will go line-by-line in the draft and edit the entire manuscript for grammar, syntax, readability, and style rules. This includes correcting punctuation, spelling, and verb tense and also smoothing out any awkward passages or clunky sentences. This does not include major rewrites and is instead meant to tighten the prose and make the book more polished.

Proofreading - This is the last editing step in the publishing process. Once a book has been copyedited and laid out by a designer for publishing, the author will hire a proofreader. At this point, they are mainly looking for errors and consistency issues. While the proofreader may catch a wayward grammar issue, this edit is not meant for editorial changes. The proofreader will read the entire draft, paying special attention to chapter titles, headings, and other common issues at this stage in the editing process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • A manuscript review costs $800-$1,200 for books that are 80,000 words or less.

    A development edit requires a custom quote, as it depends on the writing and the changes needed.

    A copy edit costs $0.04-$0.06 per word, but also depends on the writing and the depth of changes needs.

    A proofread costs $0.02 per word.

  • Typically, edits can be completed in about 6 weeks. When you submit your manuscript for a custom quote, you’ll also receive the expected turnaround time.

  • Technically, I edit according to the Chicago Manual of Style.

    Personally, my editing style is collaborative and consultative. My goal is to make sure that each author feels proud of their completed manuscript and satisfied with their editing experience. I make sure I have a clear understanding of the author’s goals and intentions before I begin in order to produce a great edit.

  • After you’ve submitted your manuscript and approved your custom quote, I’ll email you with a brief overview of the changes I expect to make along with a date when you can expect to receive your edited draft.

    Once you approve the plan, I’ll get to work editing your book in Google Docs. I use my own system of tracking what I delete and color-coding any text I add. This makes it easier for the author to read and decode.

    I also highlight any areas where the author needs to fact-check an age or date I’ve added, and I utilize comments to communicate on anything I’m unclear on.

    When I’m done, I’ll provide you with a Google Docs link to a tracked version of your book along with a clean verion with all the changes accepted and cleared (minus any comments or highlights that need to be addressed).

  • When you receive your editing contract, you’ll pay half down.

    Once you receive your edited draft, you’ll pay the other half.

    Payments can be made via Zelle or customized listings in the shop on this site.

Editing Inquiry

I’d love to hear about your book project! Please fill out the form below to inquire about editing and proofreading services.