book editing and proofreading services

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube

Book Editing Services

Expert Proofreading And Editing For Authors

Your Book, Our Bread And Butter

Everybody may have a book inside them, but getting it out is another matter. Writing a book can be a long, hard process. And by the time you’ve finished, you’ll want to make sure everything is perfect before it is published.

Editing your own writing is tough, though. And even the best authors can miss a few errors. But with our book editing services, you can have a  professional proofreader  put a final polish on your prose. After that, you’ll be ready to publish!

Expert Editor

Editors With Industry Insight

We’re professional editors with an edge. Our team even includes authors and publishing professionals, so we understand the art of proofreading and editing books.

In addition, we know your authorial voice is important. And as such, our book editors will always aim to preserve your style in their edits.

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing

Book Proofreading And Editing Services

We can adapt our book editing services to your needs, whether that is a thorough edit throughout or a final proofread before publication. And when you submit a book to our site, one of our expert editors can:

• Fix spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
• Check that the overall structure is clear and coherent
• Tighten up prose to ensure readability where necessary
• Make sure the tone is suitable for your intended audience
• Offer feedback and suggestions on your writing style

Furthermore, to make completely sure you’re in control of the final draft, we provide two copies of your edited document:

• A ‘Clean’ copy in the original file format
• An MS Word  Track Changes  copy

This second copy will have all edits highlighted, allowing you to review every change to your document. And if you’re using a  file format  that doesn’t support Track Changes, we can adapt our process to match.

Lightning-Fast Delivery

You’ll never miss a deadline with our speedy services: our Next-Day Guarantee means we’ll return any document up to 10,000 words long within 24 hours

And if you need a faster turnaround, simply select your desired delivery speed when you submit your document. We have three options:

We can also meet custom deadlines! Just let us know what you need.

*For documents up to 8,000 words 

**For documents up to 3,000 words

How We Work With Authors

Customisable editing.

If you choose our editing service, you’ll be able to specify your audience, tone, purpose, and more when you upload your document. This will ensure that your writing is edited according to your particular needs and has maximum impact on its readers. And if you have specific editing requirements that aren’t listed, don’t worry – you’ll be able to leave a custom message to let your editor know exactly what you need.

Great Pricing

Our pricing is affordable and transparent – the cost is based on the exact length of your document. Check out our pricing calculator for an instant quote, and rest assured that you’ll receive the highest quality proofreading and editing for the best value on the market.

Editor Communication

Our support team can help you communicate with your editor while they’re working on your document. After you upload, if you have additional information you’d like to pass on to your editor, just let us know, and we’ll get it to them right away.

Subject-Matter Experts

Our team includes 750 editors with backgrounds in a wide range of disciplines, so we’ll always match you with the best editor for your writing, whether you need help with an essay collection or a fiction manuscript.

24-Hour Support

Our support team is available around the clock to address any concerns or questions you have about your order. This means you’ll never be left in the dark, no matter where you are or what time it is.

Instant Quote

You can also upload a document to get an instant quote

Drag & drop your file

or browse your computer

Browse from your device

Drop your file here!

Your file is being uploaded!

Looking For The Perfect Creative Editor?

See how our expert editors can help enhance your story, manuscript, or other writing.

Book Proofreading Fast, Affordable, Professional

Your writing deserves the best. Transform your writing with our expert Book Proofreading service. Our expert proofreaders are committed to perfecting your book, ensuring flawless grammar, punctuation, and syntax. See the remarkable difference book proofreading can make to your book's quality. Your engaging words, our grammar expertise: a perfect match for your literary journey.

Try before you buy.

Get an instant quote. Services are available 24/7.

• Book Proofreading

Book Proofreading Service: Improve Your Book's Quality

In the world of publishing, every word matters. Our professional Book Proofreading service is your path to perfection, ensuring your book is primed for success . At Scribendi, we understand that authors pour their hearts and souls into their work, and the last thing you need is avoidable errors detracting from your story. That's where our Book Proofreading service comes in.

Our team of experienced book proofreaders specializes in book refinement. As grammar experts, they are able to meticulously correct your work, focusing on grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer, our expert proofreaders will collaborate with you to fine-tune your masterpiece .

Your book is more than just words on a page. It's your passion, your hard work, and your dream. Our Book Proofreading service focuses on correcting errors, ensuring that your readers stay captivated from the first word to the last. With our professional Book Proofreading service, you'll be one step closer to a publishable book , ready to make a lasting impact on your readers.

Why Should I Choose This Book Proofreading Service?

When it comes to perfecting your literary masterpiece, your choice of a book proofreading service can significantly impact the outcome. Our professional Book Proofreading service is tailored to empower you and elevate your work .

Here's why you should consider this service:

• Experience uncompromising quality: You'll benefit from dedicated proofreaders who ensure that your book realizes its full potential. From impeccable grammar and punctuation to stylistic consistency, every word undergoes meticulous review. Trust this service to transform your book into a professional, polished, and error-free piece of art.
• Enhance your authorial voice: It's not just about correcting errors; it's about preserving what sets your work apart: your unique voice. The proofreaders at Scribendi are able to maintain your authorial style while refining your book, ensuring your creative essence remains intact.
• Enjoy a swift turnaround: Your time and commitment are valued. With a quick turnaround time, your book will be ready for publication sooner than you might have anticipated.
• Request a free sample: Experience the impact of this service before making a commitment. Try a free sample proofread to see firsthand how our professional Book Proofreading service can enhance your book.
• Gain confidence in publishing: With professional assistance, you can confidently submit your book to publishers, knowing it has been perfected. Your readers will embark on a seamless and captivating journey, and your book will undoubtedly stand out for all the right reasons.

In the world of literature, excellence is paramount. Choose our Book Proofreading service to let your writing shine with the professional touch it deserves. With your book and our grammar expertise, create a masterpiece that your readers will enjoy.

Book Proofreading Service Successes: Our Impact on Published Works

In the realm of literature, the mark of a professional Book Proofreading service becomes evident in the success of published works.

See some sample author case studies :

• Tammy Wilkinson— Blood of the Ancients
• Michael Bivona— Traveling Around the World with Mike and Barbara Bivona
• Roman Krzanowski, Ph.D.— The Tao of Network Design
• Andrea Stein— Rough Harbor

What will you receive with this Book Proofreading service? 

• Line-by-line proofreading of your book, including corrections of any spelling and grammar errors, typos, and inconsistencies
• Tracked revisions so that you can see and review all of your proofreader's changes, giving you complete creative control over your book
• Commentary regarding any nonstandard elements, such as jargon, terminology, and proper names
• Consistent formatting of titles, subtitles, headers, subheaders, and captions
• Personalized proofreader notes that provide a summary of the work that has been done

What types of documents can you use this Book Proofreading service for?

Book proofreading is for final drafts of already-edited books, such as the following:

• Novels, novellas, and short stories
• Plays and screenplays
• Poems and collections of poetry
• General nonfiction (memoirs, biographies, self-help books, etc.)
• Chapters or passages of longer fiction and nonfiction works

If you have a script, please see our Script Editing service. If you have an eBook, please see our Ebook Editing , Ebook Proofreading , and Ebook Formatting services.

We know how hard you have worked to write your book, so security and confidentiality are always ensured. Uploads and downloads are always safe and securely encrypted. We will never make a claim on your copyright.

  Get an Instant Quote and Place Your Order

Book proofreading service faq, how much does it cost to proofread a book.

The cost of proofreading a book can vary depending on factors such as word count and turnaround time. At Scribendi, we offer a free sample so that you can see firsthand how our professional proofreaders can enhance the quality of your book.

Can I pay someone to proofread my book? 

Yes, you can absolutely pay for a professional book proofreading service to proofread your book. Our team of expert proofreaders at Scribendi specializes in providing top-notch proofreading services to authors like you. We understand the importance of a polished book. With a quick turnaround and competitive pricing, you can get your book ready for publishing, ensuring that your words shine and your readers receive the highest quality work.

How do I find a proofreader for my book?

Finding a professional proofreader for your book is a crucial step in ensuring its quality. To discover the right book proofreading service, start by researching reputable providers with experienced proofreaders. Scribendi has a team of highly skilled and experienced proofreaders offering quick turnaround times. Along with a Book Proofreading service, Scribendi offers Book Editing and a Book Critique service so that you can get constructive feedback on your book.

What is the difference between book editing and book proofreading?

Book editing and book proofreading are distinct stages in the publishing process. Editing involves a comprehensive review of your book by professional editors, focusing on clarity, structure, style, and content. It helps authors refine and enhance their work. On the other hand, book proofreading is the final step, ensuring that there are no grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors before publication. A professional book proofreading service like ours guarantees your book is polished, error-free, and ready for readers to enjoy.

Looking for a professional book editor?

You're in luck! The best professionals are already on Reedsy

Developmental editing

Copy editing

Proofreading

Editorial assessment

Query letter review

Writing coaches

Book cover design

Book layout design

Illustration

Production management

Marketing strategy

Email marketing

Advertising

Press coverage

Ghostwriting

Book proposal

Author websites

Translation

Finding the right book editor.

The romantic myth of an author sitting alone in their room and emerging with a perfectly polished book is just that: a myth. While writing itself may be a solo activity, the best books are products of collaboration — and professional book editors are crucial partners, as they have the knowledge, talent, and revision skills to transform your book from a rough draft to a bestseller!

From developmental editors, who give advice on story and structure, to copy editors and proofreaders, who hone the mechanics of your work, a strong team of literary editors is vital to your book’s success. But where can you find professionals with the right experience in your genre?

Look no further, here are the professionals who can help

Search for editors near you

Best-selling author and editor of non-fiction Christian books and curriculum, including professional books for ministry leaders.

Ruxandra C.

Very perceptive fiction editor with a ton of patience and an uncanny eye for detail. I have a lot of experience with children’s literature.

As an English major and a former educator, I'm an excellent and fastidious collaborator who can keep your project on time and on budget.

A seasoned editor/project manager (25+ years in house) in social sciences/humanities, I'll work with you to maximise your book's potential.

Jackie has been editing and proofreading for more than twenty-five years; food, travel, fiction.

What to look for in an editor

If you’ve never hired a freelance book editor before, you might be a little intimidated by the process — but don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! The first thing you need to do is determine which type(s) of editing your book requires. You can check out that article or read through our service definitions below to figure it out.

Once you know whether you need an editorial assessment, a developmental edit, a copy edit, or a final proof, you can move onto researching and contacting suitable editors. You’ll need to find an editor who:

• has experience editing in your genre;
• aligns with your communication style;
• can work with your timeline; and
• fits with your budget.

The best place to get in touch with a vast pool of relevant editors is a selective, professional hiring platform, with a standardized query form to help you find your editorial match. Fortunately, you’ve come to exactly the right place.

Work with the top 3% of book editors

At Reedsy, we rigorously vet all our freelancers so you can conduct your search with confidence. For editors, we require a minimum of five years’ experience, ideally with a Big 5 publisher or as a freelancer for a bestselling client. We accept only the top 3% of applications and monitor their work and performance once they’re on our marketplace, ensuring quality control and client satisfaction. Find out more about how we select our professionals here!

Unlike other companies, Reedsy doesn’t provide generic “editing services” that match you up with a random freelancer. Rather, we provide you with a diverse marketplace of the best editors in the industry so you can actively hire the right person for your book. We give you flexibility and access to the best talent out there: professionals who will go above and beyond to make your book shine. But don’t just take our word for it...

Here’s what our authors had to say

“My editor’s hybrid developmental-and-line edit exceeded my expectations and completely blew me away. He showed such deep understanding for my story that I was 100% confident in applying all of his edits.” – J.D. Bass

“Though I must have reread my manuscript hundreds of times, my copy editor caught over 10,000 minor errors! This just goes to show how easy it is to get too close to your book, and how important it is to hire an editor.” — Dhipa Lee

“After my collaboration, I know that my book is not only better than it was, it’s better than I could ever have made it on my own. Working with an editor taught me a number of incredibly valuable lessons about constructing a novel that I can incorporate into my future projects.” — Andrew Chamberlain

“I’m without a doubt that my book wouldn’t have been as successful if it hadn’t been for Reedsy or my editor. No one should consider publishing without professional editing.” — Paul Wilson

Book editing service definitions

People define the various types of editing differently. For our clarification and your convenience, here’s what we mean when we talk about developmental editing, copy editing, and more on Reedsy. Make sure you know what you’re looking for before you reach out to our editors! (If you’re really unsure, we’d recommend starting with an editorial assessment .)

Editorial Assessment

An editorial assessment is a manuscript review that provides feedback on the structure of your book, as well as its characterization, plot, pacing, and style. The main purpose of an editorial assessment is to give you a sense of your book’s overall strengths and weaknesses, so you can pursue additional editing services if needed. Read more

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing takes a close look at the larger structures of your book: plot, characters, themes, and tone. A developmental editor ensures that these “big picture” elements are strong before you move onto the minutiae of each line. Read more

Copy Editing

Copy editing polishes your mechanics, sharpens your prose, and ensures consistency of style. This is the service you need if your story’s structure is solidly in place, but the text itself can be improved. Read more

Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process: a thorough examination of your book that corrects minor errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. A proofreader does not feed back on your structure or other major editorial issues, but rather guarantees that your text goes to print (so to speak) without a single typo. Read more

Query Letter Review

While not part of your actual manuscript, a strong query letter is crucial for authors who want to land an agent and a traditional publisher. A query letter review analyzes your elevator pitch and the sample of your book that you’ll submit to agents, helping you make them irresistible. Read more

How much do editing services cost?

Perhaps the most pressing question when it comes to hiring a freelance book editor is: how much is this going to cost? As part of our commitment to flexibility and fairness, we allow our Reedsy editors to set their own fees. And in the interest of transparency, we analyze this data each year in order to update our blog post on the cost of self-publishing a book . Check it out to learn more and to calculate your own editing costs.

It is essential that you are 100% happy with the money you invest in your work. That is why Reedsy offers a project protection policy, promising to act as a third-party intermediary to resolve disputes, and offering refunds when appropriate.

Connect with a professional editor

Create your Reedsy account to request free quotes and advice.

Articles related to editing

5 Types of Editing: Which Do You Need?

Depending on where you are in your writing journey, you may need different kinds of editorial help, ranging from quick assessments to developmental edits and proofreading. read more

reedsy blog

How to Find an Editor

Find out where you can look for the best freelance editors — and what you should ask them once you put together your shortlist of potential collaborators. read more

The Average Cost of Editing

Use Reedsy’s editing cost calculator to determine the average estimated cost of editing your book based on its genre and word count. read more

Enter your email address to get started

Create your free Reedsy account to browse hundreds of professional profiles.

Submitting your manuscript?

Professional editors help your manuscript stand out for the right reasons.

• Get Free Quote
• Hire an Editor
• Developmental Editors

Copy Editing Services

• Proofreading Services
• Manuscript Critique
• Query Letters
• Ghostwriting Services
• Book Cover Design
• Pricing & FAQ

Perfecting Manuscripts Since 1998

Professional book editing.

Only trust the pros with your book.

A Team of 38 World-Class Editors

Average editing experience of 24 years, over 9,500 books edited, 32 new york times bestsellers, 12 other bestsellers (e.g., la times, amazon), winners of multiple awards, edited books for all of the top 10 us publishers, the best in the business.

We screen, test, and monitor our editors. Our network represents the best book editors in the business.

You & Your Editor are Partners

Your relationship with your editor can make the difference between failure and success.

Avoid the Fakes

Avoid self-appointed but untested “copy editors,” “proofreaders,” and other online pitfalls and scams that target writers.

A Service You Can Trust

Your work is treated with the highest of ethical standards.

“Thank you for your careful and helpful edits and for pushing me to make things better; I really appreciate it and lately have realized just how lucky I was to connect with you.”

—Helen Starbuck

How To Use The Book Editing Associates Website

Review our network.

Review our editors and submit a sample using our submission form. 

You can select more than one editor, or we can help you find a good match.

Matchmaking

We send your submission to the editor(s) you have selected, or that we feel will be a good match.

Your editor will contact you with a quote.

Select Your Editor

You deal directly with your editor.

Once terms are agreed upon your chosen editor will get to work on your manuscript.

Professional Book Editing Services

Bring your book to life with the help of a professional book editor. 

Browse our  services below and find the perfect editor for your needs.

Developmental Editing Services

An in-depth analysis of your manuscript.

  Ensure accuracy, catch omissions, inconsistencies, and repetition.

Book Proofreading Services

Ensure your manuscript is free of typographical errors, misspellings, etc.

Manuscript Critique Services

Honest manuscript evaluations from industry professionals.

Query Letter Services

  Struggling with your query letter? We can help.

Book Writing Services

Have a great idea and need a writer to make it happen?

Latest Blog Posts

The novel factory review is the novel factory really the ultimate novel writing software.

Apr 26, 2023

Is the Novel Factory really the ultimate novel writing software?

Five Stages of Drafting a Novel

Apr 24, 2023

How many drafts does it take before your novel is finished? When should you start line editing? When do you put in your subplots? How much planning should you do before you start your first draft? The answers to each of these questions will be different for every...

What does a book editor do? 

Feb 23, 2023

Key Takeaways A book editor does more than just checking grammar mistakes; they work holistically to enhance the content and shape sentences for emotional impact. There are different types of editing: developmental, line, copy, and proofread, which range from macro to...

Lauren Humphries-Brooks – Editor Spotlight

Learn more about Book Editing Associates editor Lauren Humphries-Brooks.

Carrie Cantor – Editor Spotlight

Jan 17, 2023

Carrie Cantor is a highly experienced editor for critique and development of fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. She has worked as both an acquisitions editor at a publishing company and as a literary agent and knows what good writing looks like. Her advice has been...

9 Writing Tips For Novelists

Jan 16, 2023

Nine tips to help you polish your writing once you already have the plot structure in place.

• ADMIN AREA MY BOOKSHELF MY DASHBOARD MY PROFILE SIGN OUT SIGN IN

Editing Services

Have your book edited by experts from the nation’s top publishing houses

Custom-matched, fully vetted editors  , unparalleled expertise, fast and easy workflow, guaranteed to put your best foot forward.

For 90 years, Kirkus has been a leader in editorial excellence in the publishing industry. Since 2012, our book editing division has enabled publishers and independent authors to hire the best editors in America at affordable rates. We take great care to recruit and test qualified, experienced editors, and we hold our team to the industry’s highest standards. Kirkus selects only editors who have worked on books published by the top publishers in the United States: the Big Five (Penguin Random House, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and HarperCollins); award-winning independent presses, such as Graywolf, Kensington, and Abrams; or otherwise notable publishers, such as Harvard University Press.

We’re dedicated to making it simple for you to get insightful and useful feedback, notes, and corrections from the same editors who work with the top publishers, so you can compete with the best and sleep well knowing you’re putting your best foot forward.

How It Works

Click the button to GET YOUR FREE QUOTE, and then choose the services that are right for your project.

After purchase, upload your manuscript and tell us everything we need to know about your book (guided by our simple, friendly questionnaire).

We review your manuscript and match your book with the best editor within two business days. Check the status of your project anytime.

About Our Book Editing Services See Comparison Chart

Basic copyediting.

A thorough cleanup that focuses on the mechanics of language: correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling, and typos. Copyeditors also review for continuity, timeline, factual accuracy, and consistency. You’ll receive a marked-up manuscript with tracked edits and queries throughout, plus an editorial letter outlining trends, style rules, and areas of the copyeditor’s focus for your manuscript.

Collaborative Editing

A developmental edit that focuses on big-picture issues like structure, pacing, style, and tone. In fiction works, collaborative editors also focus on plot, characterization, and dialogue. In nonfiction works, collaborative editors focus on thesis, clarity of message, repetition, and reference use. You’ll receive an editorial letter outlining the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses and a marked-up manuscript with line editing and commentary throughout. You’ll also receive a one-hour consulting call with your editor to discuss their feedback and how to approach revisions.

Professional Editing Package

A comprehensive, three-stage editing package designed to mirror the editorial process of traditional publishing houses. The Pro Package includes a collaborative edit, a copyedit, and a final proofread to catch any lingering errors and ensure your manuscript is polished and ready for readers. There are no time limits between stages—take as long as you need to make revisions before moving on to the next round.

Customer Reviews

I can offer no better endorsement for Kirkus Editorial than to say I have engaged their services three times, on separate books, and on each occasion, I’ve found my own words and thoughts understood, clarified, and enhanced by their expertise. They pay attention to my expressed thoughts and laugh with me, cry with me, and hear me, in an intimacy that is unmatched. I think they’ve got a couple of literary angels on staff. Bravo, Kirkus! — Anthony E. Shaw, author of Wolfe Studies

I am a former journalist. So trading facts for fiction was liberating—90,000 words worth of liberating. But then came the doubts. Were all the words necessary? Does the pacing work? Are there any issues with style or voice? The Professional Editing Package offered by Kirkus Editorial provided invaluable guidance and advice throughout every chapter. My manuscript is better having gone through the three stages of edits. It is ready to submit to agents. The experience was a bit like going for a spa treatment and afterwards feeling polished and ready to take on the world. — Maria Leonhauser, author of Murder at Twin Beeches

I would recommend that any writer, novice or experienced, take advantage of the editing, formatting, and cover design services offered by Kirkus Editorial. No matter how often you read your own copy, it is always beneficial to have a fresh pair of eyes take a look. In my case, not only were the editors thorough and to the point, correcting all the spelling and grammar errors, but they also pointed out plot holes and confusing references. My favorite catch was how a child aged only eight years in a ten-year period. Since I am somewhat technically challenged and do not want to invest in a variety of software products, I gave the job of formatting and cover design to Kirkus. As with the editing process, everyone was pleasant and easy to work with and kept me in the loop. My novel looks professional and was easy to upload—and of course the child is now the correct age. I am very pleased with Kirkus Editorial and will use them again. — Renaii West, author of Death by Chaos

BASIC COPYEDITING

2 cents per word

$500 minimum

Perfect if you’re looking for basic manuscript cleanup or if you’re facing budget and timeline restrictions

15 business days

Need it faster? Choose expedited service at checkout.

What to expect:

• A detailed memo from your editor with both general feedback and specific notes.
• The edited manuscript with corrections that focus on the mechanics of language.
• All edits and queries tracked in the document using MS Word’s track-changes function to make accepting and rejecting your editor’s changes fast and easy.

COLLABORATIVE EDITING

$99 + 3 cents per word

The best place to start if your manuscript has not yet been edited by a professional book editor

20 business days

• The edited manuscript with line edits as well as comments and suggestions that focus on big-picture issues.
• A one-hour consultation call with your editor to discuss the feedback and how to approach revisions.

PROFESSIONAL EDITING PACKAGE

$99 + 6.5 cents per word

$500 minimum per stage ($1500)

Ideal if you want to put your manuscript through the same rigorous editing it would receive at a major publishing house

Custom timeline

• A full collaborative edit, including a comprehensive editorial memo, your edited manuscript, and a one-hour phone consultation with your editor.
• A complete round of copyediting focused on the mechanics of language, including another editorial memo and fully edited manuscript.
• A third round of editing, the “final polish,” to correct lingering errors and create a clean manuscript ready for pitching or formatting.

Need help getting your book published?

Our no-stress formatting and design services produce professional, technically verified final files ready for publication on any platform you choose, from Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing to IngramSpark to B&N Press and beyond. Whether you need a sleek interior or a sophisticated cover—or both—Kirkus can help!

For a seamless author experience, add formatting and cover design to your editing order at checkout, or add them after your editing work is complete.

Add our formatting or cover design services to your order at checkout, or add them after your editing work is complete!

You write the book. we’ll take care of the rest., frequently asked questions, why should i choose kirkus editorial.

Every Kirkus Editorial project receives the attention of not one but two professional editors: your book editor and your Kirkus Editorial production editor. All our editors are seasoned professionals with experience at the top publishing houses in America, so you know your book will be cared for by someone with skill and expertise. Kirkus’s reputation for integrity, objectivity, and professionalism has made us a leader in the publishing industry for more than eighty years.

Will I be able to talk to a real person during this process?

Absolutely. If you have questions about our program and have not yet placed an order, please call 888-407-4474 or write to [email protected] . We’re available during normal business hours.

After you submit your manuscript, your book will be cared for by a Kirkus Editorial production editor who will match you with a qualified book editor, shepherd you and your book through the editing process, and answer any questions you have.

Additionally, if you order Collaborative Editing or the Professional Editing Package, you will have the opportunity to set up a one-hour consulting session with your book editor after the edited manuscript and feedback are returned.

My manuscript has already been reviewed by beta readers and my word processor’s spelling and grammar checker. What additional benefit does professional editing provide?

Feedback from a professional editor comes with years of experience working on published, successful books. Many of our editors are published authors as well, so they’ve been in your shoes. They know good writing, they know how to avoid common pitfalls, and they can help you make tough judgment calls about issues both large (plot devices and character arcs) and small (does that clause need a comma?). They also know the market, your genre, and what it takes to connect with a wide audience. A professional editor will always help you improve your book.

How do you evaluate your editors

Every Kirkus editor is required to have experience working for a top national publisher—the Big Five (Penguin Random House, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and HarperCollins) or a well-known and well-respected academic or independent press (for example, Harvard University Press, Graywolf, and Abrams). Every Kirkus editor must also pass a rigorous battery of editing tests. Only about 15 percent of editors who apply to Kirkus meet our stringent requirements!

Each time an editor returns a manuscript for one of our authors, we review their work to ensure it meets our expectations for quality. With Kirkus, your editing feedback will come from only the best, most conscientious, and most proven editors.

How do you match me with my editor?

We review your materials and consider both the genre/subject matter and any special notes you’ve left for your editor. We then consider our available editors to pair you with someone who has both appropriate experience and sensitivity to your manuscript’s unique needs. We work as a team to ensure that every manuscript goes to a qualified editor with a track record of excellent work.

How long will it take to edit my book?

The standard turnaround time for editing depends on the service.

• Collaborative editing: 20 business days
• Basic copyediting: 15 business days
• Proofreading: 10 business days

For very long books (books over 100,000 words), we may add up to one business day for each additional 10,000 words.

For an additional fee, we can reduce the editing time by three to five business days, depending on the service. You’ll have the option at checkout to expedite your project.

The Pro Package seems like overkill. What’s the benefit of multiple rounds of editing?

Virtually every book you can buy off the shelf at your local bookstore has been through multiple rounds of editing. This time-tested process not only ensures a comprehensive review of your book but also catches the new errors that will inevitably be introduced each time you revise the manuscript.

What’s more, different editors look at different issues. Collaborative editors are looking at the text as a reader or agent would: Is this a good story? Is this argument persuasive and well structured? Does this book “work”? Copyeditors, on the other hand, are ace grammarians and are looking at the text line by line from a technical standpoint: Is the writing comprehensible and free of typos? Proofreaders scour the manuscript looking for lingering typos, introduced errors, and last-minute catches to save you from embarrassment.

The Professional Editing Package gives your manuscript the same thorough treatment best-selling and award-winning books receive at the nation’s major publishing houses.

I’d like to choose the Professional Editing Package, but it’s just a bit out of my budget. What do you recommend?

We encourage independent authors to put your book through at least Collaborative Editing and Basic Copyediting if your budget and timeline allow. These two rounds of editing are the most robust and offer the most significant improvements in your manuscript. You can also add new editing services or upgrade to the Pro Package at any time and pay only the difference in total cost.

Can you format my manuscript or help me with my book cover?

Yes! Kirkus Editorial offers formatting/interior design and cover design services for books of all genres and levels of complexity. You’ll receive digital files that are formatted to specification for whichever self-publishing platform you’ve chosen to work with. Visit our formatting and cover design page to learn more.

How do I get my editing started?

Submit your order through our website in three easy steps:

• Choose your service.
• Complete the order form.
• Upload your manuscript in a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx file) and answer a brief, three-question survey about your book.

Please do not include any content you do not wish to be edited as part of the manuscript. If you’re having trouble with the site, or if you have questions about submitting your book, please contact us at [email protected] or 888-407-4474 for help.

Ready to get started?

• Discover Books Fiction Thriller & Suspense Mystery & Detective Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Nonfiction Biography & Memoir Teens & Young Adult Children's
• News & Features Bestsellers Book Lists Profiles Perspectives Awards Seen & Heard Book to Screen Kirkus TV videos In the News
• Kirkus Prize Winners & Finalists About the Kirkus Prize Kirkus Prize Judges
• Magazine Current Issue All Issues Manage My Subscription Subscribe
• Writers’ Center Hire a Professional Book Editor Get Your Book Reviewed Advertise Your Book Launch a Pro Connect Author Page Learn About The Book Industry
• More Kirkus Diversity Collections Kirkus Pro Connect My Account/Login
• About Kirkus History Our Team Contest FAQ Press Center Info For Publishers
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Reprints, Permission & Excerpting Policy

© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Popular in this Genre

Hey there, book lover.

We’re glad you found a book that interests you!

Please select an existing bookshelf

Create a new bookshelf.

We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!

Please sign up to continue.

It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!

Already have an account? Log in.

Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.

Almost there!

• Industry Professional

Welcome Back!

Sign in using your Kirkus account

Contact us: 1-800-316-9361 or email [email protected].

Don’t fret. We’ll find you.

Magazine Subscribers ( How to Find Your Reader Number )

If You’ve Purchased Author Services

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up.