All books need professional editing, even those written by the most famous of authors. If your story is full of typos it will look unprofessional. If your characters fall flat and your plot is riddled with holes, your book will not sell.
Whether you mean to self-publish or pursue traditional routes, a professional edit will bring out the best in your story and make readers (and agents) eager for more!
Stage 1 – Self-Editing
But there are important steps you can take as an author before seeking a professional edit. Did you know, most manuscripts go through an average of 5 edits before they’re ready for a professional? Self-editing is an invaluable skill for authors and should involve the following steps:
Critiques – swap writing with fellow authors and make self-edits based on feedback
Alpha or Beta Reading – readers share what they liked most about your story, what confused them, & when they lost interest or were most engaged
I may agree to beta read for you if your story matches my manuscript wishlist. Rate: $0.0035/word
“Don’t write in a vacuum.”
Prof. Sands Hall, Iowa Writers’ Workshop Graduate
Self-editing may sound like a solo task, but remember, you’re writing for readers, so hearing feedback in the early construction of your story is invaluable. I highly recommend you pursue critiques and/or beta readers before paying for a professional edit. Best of all, they’re free, which will save everyone time and money. Goodreads, Facebook, and local writing groups are great places to find like-minded authors and readers.
Is Your Manuscript Ready for Professional Editing?
Not sure if you’re ready for a professional edit? See our recommended self-editing checklist.
Once you’ve polished your story as much as you can, it’s time to receive feedback from a professional familiar with the industry and your specific genre. There are multiple types of editing, from big-picture to detailed edits, which we break down below.
If your manuscript calls for more attention, rates may be higher than the starting rates listed below. Learn more about how editors set rates in our article on book editing costs.
Stage 2 – Professional Editing Rates
1st Chapter Assessment
We will complete in-line edits and provide an editorial letter analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your opening chapter.
Rates: starting at $50 (dependent on word count)
Manuscript Assessment
A 10-15 page editorial letter analyzing character, plot, style, marketability, and more. This is my most popular service! Learn more.
Rates: $0.007/word (~$300-$1500)
Developmental Editing
Addresses the big picture – plot, characterization, story structure, dialogue, setting, themes, and more.
Fiction: $0.02/word | Nonfiction: $0.03/word
Content/Line Editing
Tackles the clarity and artistry of your prose – word economy, word choice, sentence structure (active vs. passive voice), redundancy, and more.
Rates: $0.02/word
Substantive Editing
Receive both developmental and content/line edits on your manuscript simultaneously – for a better rate!
Rates: $0.03/word
The “Outline Gutter”
Send us a detailed outline of your book or schedule a call (to verbally summarize your plot) and receive feedback on plot holes, character arcs, and stalling scenes.
Rates: starting at $50 (depending on length)
Send Us Your First Chapter!
Whether you know which type of edit you need, or you’re still not sure, send us the first chapter of your manuscript. We’ll read your whole first chapter and edit the first 1000 words, then send you our recommendation for the type of edit you need. All sample edits and consultations are complementary.
Email your sample to creativecornerstones@gmail.com
or fill out the form below to get started.
