Book editing, in three levels of depth.
A named editor on every project. Proofreading for the near-final manuscript, line editing for the prose that needs shaping, developmental editing for the book that needs a rethink from the ground up. Fixed-fee quotes, tracked changes, no rewrites without your sign-off.
Key facts
- Service
- Professional book editing across three levels: proofreading, line editing, and developmental editing.
- Starting price
- From $299 for proofreading; from $2,400 for developmental editing.
- Typical turnaround
- 5 to 10 business days for proofreading; 4 to 8 weeks for a full developmental edit.
- Output
- Tracked changes manuscript, editor's letter, and a clean final file ready for publication or agent submission.
- For
- Authors at any stage, from a first draft to a near-final manuscript waiting for a clean error pass.
- Revisions
- One free query round included on all edits. Line and developmental edits include a second revision pass.
Three levels, one editor.
Each level of editing addresses a different layer of the manuscript. Most books benefit from more than one pass. We advise on the right starting point in the first call.
Proofreading
A final-pass review of the near-complete manuscript. We correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, hyphenation, and formatting inconsistencies without altering your sentence structure or voice. The right choice when the book is written and you need a clean, error-free file before upload or submission.
- Spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- Consistency in names, capitalisation, hyphenation
- Formatting and layout errors
- Tracked changes, query comments, clean final file
Line Editing
Sentence-level editing for clarity, rhythm, tone, and voice. We tighten prose, cut redundancy, improve pacing paragraph by paragraph, and ensure every line earns its place without rewriting your authorial voice. Suited to a manuscript that is structurally sound but needs its prose sharpened for readers.
- Sentence clarity, flow, and rhythm
- Tone and voice consistency
- Paragraph-level pacing and transitions
- Redundancy and overwriting eliminated
- Tracked changes, margin notes, editorial letter, two revision passes
Developmental Editing
Big-picture editing for manuscripts that need structural work. We assess narrative arc, character development, chapter sequence, argument structure, pacing, and thematic coherence. You receive a detailed editorial letter, chapter-by-chapter notes, and one full revision pass. The starting point for any manuscript that is a first or second draft.
- Narrative arc and structural integrity
- Character development and motivation
- Pacing, chapter sequence, scene-level feedback
- Argument and logic flow for non-fiction
- Full editorial letter, chapter notes, revision pass
Everything you need to know.
Every project we handle receives the same standard of care, regardless of the package or scope. That means dedicated expert support, transparent progress updates so you see every detail come together, and a final, polished deliverable ready for publication or launch—with no extra line items or surprises. Whether you need writing, formatting, custom cover art, illustration, or marketing copy, our core process stays the same: meticulous attention to detail, quality standards tailored to your specific goals, and direct communication throughout the journey.
- Professional Quality Assurance: Comprehensive review focused on precision, flow, and professional standards.
- Transparent Revisions: Complete visibility into updates, adjustments, and refinements.
- Publish & Launch Ready: Pristine, finalized deliverables prepared to your exact specifications.
- Tailored Style & Tone: Custom execution designed to align perfectly with your project vision and audience.
- Dedicated Service: direct access to expert support and guidance every step of the way.
Your manuscript, returned stronger.
Every editing engagement includes the same disciplines regardless of level: a named editor, tracked changes you control, and a fixed price agreed before work begins.
- Named editor. Every project is assigned to a single editor who specialises in your genre. No handoffs to a pool, no anonymous markup.
- Sample edit first. We edit the first ten pages of your manuscript before you commit. You see the editor's style and approach before any fees are paid.
- Tracked changes. Every edit is tracked in Word or Google Docs. You accept or reject each one. The manuscript stays under your control at every stage.
- Editorial letter. A written summary of the key findings, the reasoning behind each recommendation, and a prioritised list of what to address first. Included in line and developmental edits.
- Fixed-fee quote. The price quoted is the price on the invoice. No hourly billing, no overruns, no surprises.
- Author retains all rights. Editing does not transfer any rights. Your manuscript is yours, before and after the edit.
- Confidentiality. We work under a standard NDA on request. Your manuscript is never shared, never used for training data, and deleted from our systems on project close.
- Clean final file. A final, clean manuscript delivered in your preferred format, Word, Google Docs, or PDF, ready for publishing, agent submission, or your formatter.
Four steps, nothing hidden.
The same process on every editing project, from a 30,000-word business book to a 90,000-word novel. Each stage closes before the next begins.
The brief.
A short call or written questionnaire about the manuscript, genre, audience, and the specific concerns you have. A written proposal with scope, level, timeline, and fixed fee lands in 48 hours.
The sample edit.
Your editor edits the first ten pages as a no-obligation sample. You see exactly how they work before any fees are paid. If the fit is right, we proceed; if not, we say so honestly.
The edit.
Your editor works through the manuscript, tracking every change and leaving comments to explain the reasoning. Developmental and line edits include an editorial letter delivered with the marked manuscript.
The revision and handover.
You review the tracked changes, accept or reject edits, and raise queries. We respond, finalise, and deliver the clean file. Line and developmental edits include a second revision pass within the fee.
Every genre, one house.
Editors are matched to projects by genre, not availability. Each editor has hands-on experience in the genre they edit, not just familiarity with it.
Questions we're asked.
What is the difference between proofreading, line editing, and developmental editing?
Proofreading is a final-pass check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Line editing works at the sentence level, improving clarity, rhythm, and voice. Developmental editing is big-picture: structure, pacing, character, narrative arc, and argument. Most manuscripts benefit from developmental editing first, then line editing, with proofreading as the final pass before publication.
Which level of editing does my manuscript need?
If your manuscript is a first or second draft, developmental editing is usually the right starting point. If the structure is sound but the prose feels flat or uneven, line editing is the fit. If the book is near-final and you simply need a clean error pass before submission or upload, proofreading is the right choice. We offer a free 10-page sample edit to help you decide.
Do you edit all genres?
Yes. We edit fiction (all major genres), non-fiction, memoir, children's books, business books, self-help, and academic texts written for a general audience. Each project is assigned an editor with subject-matter experience in the relevant genre.
How long does book editing take?
Proofreading typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Line editing runs 2 to 4 weeks depending on length and condition of the manuscript. Developmental editing is a 4 to 8 week engagement. All timelines are confirmed in writing in your proposal before work begins.
Will the editor change my voice?
Never. Our job is to make your voice clearer, not to replace it with ours. Every edit is tracked and explained in comments so you understand the reasoning. You accept or decline every change. The final manuscript is yours, written in your voice.
Begin the edit.
A 10-page sample edit at no charge. A fixed-fee proposal in 48 hours. No obligation.
Request a quote →
