Why professional editing matters
Readers forgive a lot, but not a book that feels unfinished. Plot holes, repetitive phrasing, inconsistent names and typos are the most common reasons for one-star reviews on self-published titles. Editing is the single biggest investment you can make in how your book is received.
Our editors have worked on traditionally published and independent titles across genres. They read your manuscript the way your audience will, then show you exactly what to change and why.
Types of book editing we offer
Developmental editing
The big-picture edit. Your editor looks at structure, pacing, plot, character arcs, argument and audience. You receive a detailed editorial letter plus margin comments explaining what works, what doesn’t and how to fix it. For non-fiction, this includes chapter order, flow of ideas and whether each section earns its place.
Line editing
A sentence-by-sentence edit focused on style. Your editor tightens wordy passages, varies sentence rhythm, sharpens dialogue and removes clichés, so your prose reads with confidence and clarity.
Copy editing
The technical edit. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage and consistency are corrected against The Chicago Manual of Style. Your editor also builds a style sheet that records character names, spellings and formatting decisions so everything stays consistent.
Proofreading
The final pass on your formatted pages. Your proofreader catches the typos, spacing issues, widows and orphans that slip through, so the book you print is clean.
What you receive
- Tracked-changes manuscriptEvery correction visible in Word, ready to accept or reject.
- Editorial letterA clear summary of strengths, issues and priorities.
- Style sheetNames, spellings and conventions recorded for consistency.
- Margin commentsExplanations and suggestions where a change needs context.
- Follow-up callTalk through the edit with your editor and ask questions.
- Second lookYour editor reviews revised sections after you work through notes.
Not sure where to start? Send us your first 2,000 words for a free sample edit. You’ll see how our editor works and get an honest recommendation on the level of editing your book needs.
Editing for fiction and non-fiction
Fiction editing focuses on story: tension, point of view, dialogue, character motivation and whether your opening chapters hook a reader. Non-fiction editing focuses on clarity and authority: logical flow, supporting evidence, a consistent tone and a promise to the reader that the book delivers. Either way, your editor is a specialist in your category, not a generalist.
After the edit
Once your manuscript is polished, it’s ready for formatting and typesetting and a professional cover. If you are still developing your draft, book coaching gives you ongoing guidance before a full edit.
