Affordable book editing services are essential for refining the quality of a manuscript and preparing it for publication. To find these services, you must assess your specific editing needs and research reputable services within your genre. Additionally, submitting a portion of your manuscript for a sample edit can help you review the editor’s approach and suitability for your manuscript.
Book editing services encompass a range of professional skills aimed at refining the quality of a manuscript and preparing it for publication. Finding these services may be challenging, given how vast the publishing industry is. They include developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading, indexing and ghostwriting. To discover affordable book editing services, start by determining your specific editing needs, research reputable services within your genre and request sample edits to assess quality. Next, compare pricing structures and consider flexible payment plans or collaborative editing options that align with your budget while maintaining the quality of your manuscript. This article will dive into affordable book editing services and valuable insights to help you locate them.
What do book editing services entail?
Book editing services entail a range of essential tasks that work together to refine and enhance the quality of your manuscript, ensuring it reaches its highest potential when published. These services comprehensively examine your text and address various aspects to improve its readability, clarity and overall impact. Here is a breakdown of what book editing services typically entail.
Developmental editing
This initial phase focuses on the big picture. A developmental editor assesses your manuscript’s structure, plot, character development, pacing, argument and overall narrative flow. Developmental editing provides feedback to strengthen your story or argument’s foundation, ensuring it engages readers effectively.
As the Editorial Freelancers Association recommends, rates for developmental editing typically range between $50.0 and $82.5 per hour. See the table below for details, including rates per hour, per word and estimated pace of work of developmental editing.
| Developmental editing | Rate per word | Rate per hour | Pace of work per hour |
| Fiction | 3.0¢–4.0¢ | $50.00–$60.00 | 5.0–10.0 |
| Non-fiction | 4.0¢–5.0¢ | $55.00–$70.00 | 4.0–7.0 |
| Academic | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $50.00–$76.50 | 4.0–8.0 |
| Business | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $55.00–$72.50 | 4.0–10.0 |
| Legal | 5.0¢–6.5¢ | $70.00–$82.50 | 4.0–6.5 |
| Medical | 5.5¢–7.0¢ | $60.00–$75.00 | 2.5–4.5 |
| Technical | 5.0¢–7.3¢ | $58.00–$65.00 | 3.5–6.5 |
| Other | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $60.00–$70.00 | 4.0–7.5 |
Line editing
Line editing diagnoses sentence-level issues and scrutinises writing style, language use and sentence structure. This step aims to refine the text, making it more concise, engaging and polished. It also eliminates repetitions, awkward phrasing and unnecessary jargon.
According to the guidelines provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association, the rates for line editing fall within the range of $45–$70 per hour.
| Line editing | Rate per word | Rate per hour | Pace of work per hour |
| Fiction | 2.5¢–4.0¢ | $45.00–$60.00 | 5.0–8.0 |
| Non-fiction | 3.5¢–5.0¢ | $50.00–$65.00 | 4.0–7.0 |
| Academic | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $45.00–$65.00 | 4.0–8.0 |
| Business | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $50.00–$70.00 | 5.0–8.0 |
| Legal | 5.0¢–15.5¢ | $60.00–$75.00 | 5.0–8.5 |
| Medical | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $50.00–$65.00 | 3.0–6.0 |
| Technical | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $50.00–$65.00 | 4.0–7.0 |
| Other | 4.0¢–6.3¢ | $50.00–$70.00 | 4.0–6.0 |
Copyediting
Copyediting focuses on grammar, punctuation and spelling. Copyeditors meticulously check your manuscript for errors, ensuring your writing adheres to proper language conventions. This stage also includes correcting inconsistencies in formatting and language.
According to the guidelines set by the Editorial Freelancers Association, the copyediting rates fall between $40 and $65 per hour, depending on the type of text (listed in the table below).
| Copyediting | Rate per word | Rate per hour | Pace of work per hour |
| Fiction | 2.0¢–3.0¢ | $40.00–$50.00 | 5.0–10.0 |
| Non-fiction | 3.0¢–4.0¢ | $45.00–$60.00 | 5.0–8.0 |
| Academic | 3.0¢–6.0¢ | $40.00–$60.00 | 4.0–8.0 |
| Business | 3.0¢–5.0¢ | $50.00–$60.00 | 5.0–10.0 |
| Legal | 4.0¢–14.8¢ | $50.00–$65.00 | 5.0–7.0 |
| Medical | 4.9¢–5.0¢ | $50.00–$65.00 | 3.0–6.0 |
| Technical | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $50.00–$60.00 | 4.0–7.8 |
| Other | 4.0¢–6.0¢ | $50.00–$62.50 | 5.0–7.0 |
Proofreading
The final editing stage is proofreading, which involves a meticulous review of your manuscript to catch any lingering errors that may have been missed during previous stages. Proofreaders ensure that your manuscript is error-free and ready for publication.
The Editorial Freelancers Association recommends proofreading rates of $35 to $60 per hour, as listed in the table below:
| Proofreading | Rate per word | Rate per hour | Pace of work per hour |
| Fiction | 1.2¢–2.0¢ | $35.00–$45.00 | 8.0–14.0 |
| Non-fiction | 2.0¢–3.0¢ | $40.00–$50.00 | 7.0–11.0 |
| Academic | 2.0¢–5.0¢ | $40.00–$55.00 | 7.0–10.0 |
| Business | 2.0¢–4.0¢ | $45.00–$57.50 | 7.0–10.0 |
| Legal | 2.0¢–3.8¢ | $40.00–$51.00 | 6.0–10.0 |
| Medical | 5.0¢–5.0¢ | $45.00–$60.00 | 6.0–10.0 |
| Technical | 2.5¢–4.0¢ | $45.00–$57.00 | 6.0–10.0 |
| Other | 2.0¢–3.3¢ | $36.00–$51.00 | 6.5–10.0 |
Indexing
Indexing is a crucial component of book publishing, ensuring readers can easily navigate and access specific topics, concepts and information within the text. As part of affordable indexing services, experienced indexers meticulously create an organised and comprehensive index that serves as a roadmap for readers seeking specific content in your book.
To find affordable indexing rates, consider the rates recommended by professional organisations. For instance, the Editorial Freelancers Association recommends 2.0¢–3.0¢ per word or $50.00–$60.00 per hour. On the other hand, the Society of Indexers suggests £31.60 an hour, £3.55 per page or £9.55 per 1,000 words.
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting involves a professional writer writing or enhancing the manuscript on your behalf. Capturing your story, voice and vision, ghostwriters translate ideas into polished prose. This service enables you to bring your message and story to life, even if you do not wish to write it yourself.
The Editorial Freelancers Association suggests hourly ghostwriting rates vary between $55 and $110. However, this depends on the type of text, as listed in the table below.
| Ghostwriting | Rate per word | Rate per hour | Pace of work per hour |
| Fiction | 9.0¢–11.5¢ | $55.00–$110.00 | 3.0–5.5 |
| Non-fiction | 20.0¢–27.0¢ | $75.00–$110.00 | 1.5–4.0 |
| Business | 27.5¢–$1.00 | $75.00–$100.00 | 1.0–3.0 |
| Legal | 25.0¢–$1.00 | $55.00–$85.00 | n/a |
| Medical | n/a | $82.50–$110.00 | 1.0–3.0 |
| Scientific | 24.0¢–24.0¢ | $80.00–$100.00 | 1.0–3.5 |
| Technical | 20.0¢–26.5¢ | $77.50–$100.00 | 1.0–3.5 |
| Other | 17.0¢–58.5¢ | $85.00–$105.00 | 3.0–4.0 |
How do you find affordable book editing services?
Define your editing needs
Defining your editing needs is crucial when considering affordable book editing services. It is essential to clearly understand the areas in which the manuscript requires improvement. This will streamline the search process and ensure you invest your resources appropriately. Here is how you can effectively define your editing needs:
- Establish the depth of editing the manuscript requires. Clarifying the level of editing helps you communicate your needs to potential editors.
- Take an objective look at the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the areas that need improvement guides you in selecting the appropriate editing service.
- If you have received feedback from beta readers, friends or family, notice any recurring themes or concerns in their comments.
- Define your goals for the editing process. Having specific goals helps editors tailor their services to meet your expectations.
- While focusing on affordable book editing services, align your budget with your editing needs.
- Align your editing needs with your publication schedule to ensure a smooth workflow. Different editing levels and services require varying amounts of time.
- Submit a portion of your manuscript for a sample edit to assess the editor’s approach and suitability for your manuscript. A sample edit will showcase the editor’s style and expertise. In addition, it will allow you to decide if they are suitable for your text.
Research reputable editing services
Researching reputable editors is pivotal when seeking affordable book editing services. The editing landscape is vast, and not all services are created equal. To ensure you receive quality and value for your investment, here is how you can effectively research and identify reputable editing services:
Online presence and portfolio
Begin by exploring the online presence of editing services. Reputable services often have well-designed websites that provide comprehensive information about their offerings, editing process and experience. Look for detailed portfolios showcasing their previous work and areas of expertise.
Client testimonials and reviews
Seek out client testimonials and reviews. Reading feedback from authors who have utilised the service can offer insights into editing quality, communication and overall satisfaction. Platforms like Google and social media can be valuable sources for authentic reviews.
Clear communication
Reputable editing services prioritise clear communication. They provide detailed information about their editing process, turnaround times, pricing structures and any additional services they offer. Transparent communication demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to meeting your needs.
Industry affiliations
Check if the editing service is affiliated with recognised writing and publishing organisations. Such affiliations indicate a commitment to ethical and professional standards. Here is a list of the certified editing associations where you can get affordable editing services:
- Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (the UK)
- Editorial Freelancers Association (USA)
- ACES: The Society for Editing (USA)
- Council of Science Editors (USA)
- Northwest Editors Guild (USA)
- Editors Canada
- European Association of Science Editors
- Institute of Professional Editors Limited (Australia and New Zealand)
- Nordic Editors and Translations
- Society of English-Language Professionals in the Netherlands
- Mediterranean Editors and Translators
Compare pricing structures
When navigating affordable book editing services, comparing pricing structures is crucial to ensure you get the best value for your investment. Different editing services may offer varied pricing models, such as per-word rates, per-page rates or flat fees per project. Carefully scrutinise what each pricing structure includes — from initial assessment to multiple rounds of edits — to avoid any hidden costs that may arise later. Additionally, assess the qualifications and expertise of the editors. For instance, more experienced professionals may charge higher rates but can provide comprehensive and valuable insights that improve your manuscript’s quality.
Personal recommendations
Personal recommendations can be a valuable source of guidance and assurance when seeking affordable book editing services. Reach out to fellow writers, authors’ groups or writing communities you are a part of to inquire about their experiences with editing services. Recommendations from those with first-hand experience can provide insights into the quality of the service, the editors’ professionalism and the author’s overall satisfaction. However, it is important to remember that every author’s needs are unique, so even a highly recommended service may not be the perfect fit for your manuscript. Still, personal connections can steer you toward reputable, affordable editing services that align with your requirements.
Final thoughts
Finding affordable book editing services is a crucial step for self-publishing writers aiming to enhance the quality of their manuscripts without breaking the bank. By defining your editing needs, researching reputable services, comparing pricing structures and seeking personal recommendations, you can navigate the landscape of editing options more effectively. Remember that while affordability is important, it should not come at the expense of quality. Look for a service that balances cost-effectiveness and professional expertise, ensuring your manuscript receives the attention it deserves. Through diligent research and careful consideration, you can discover an editing service that aligns with your author’s budget and goals. With the right editing support, your manuscript can be polished to its best form and better positioned for success in the competitive publishing world.
Contact me for a free sample edit (and remember to use my early bird discount) to determine if your manuscript may benefit from developmental editing. If you want to hear more from me, including self-editing and writing tips, follow me on Mastodon, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn or join my newsletter.
