Book Editing Services for Fiction Writers

Do I need book editing services?

If you’re searching for book editing services for fiction writers, you’ve likely hit a wall of confusing terminology. What’s the difference between developmental editing, line editing, and copy editing? Which one does your manuscript actually need?

Understanding the editing process is the first step toward preparing a polished, submission-ready manuscript. Below, we break down each stage of fiction editing and explain exactly how it strengthens your story.

What is a Development/Content Editor?

Developmental editing (also called content editing) is the foundation of the editing process, focused entirely on the creative architecture of your novel. A developmental editor evaluates:

• • Overall story arc and structure
  • Timeline consistency and continuity
  • Plot holes and pacing issues
  • Character development, relatability, and point of view
  • Setting and world-building
  • Genre conventions and word count standards

Your developmental editor collaborates closely with you to strengthen your manuscript’s structure before it moves into copy editing.

What is a Copy Editor?

Copy editing is the second stage of fiction editing, working at the sentence level rather than the story level. A skilled copy editor ensures your narrative flows smoothly and that every sentence is clear, concise, and says exactly what you intend.  In addition, the manuscript will be checked for typos, grammar, word usage, and punctuation following the Chicago Manual of Style for Fiction.

This stage transforms competent prose into compelling prose, sentence by sentence.

What is a Proofreader?

Proofreading is the third and final stage of editing and it only begins after all major revisions are complete. A proofreader reviews your manuscript for typos, grammar, and punctuation. 

Editing Services*: 

Sample Edit: Free (up to 1,500 words) for first-time

Manuscript Appraisal: $0.025 per word

Developmental/Content editing:  $0.03 -0.04 per word

Copy editing:  $0.02 – $0.03 per word

Proofread: $0.02 – $0.025 per word

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*Our fiction editing rates are based on the Editorial Freelancers Association’s published rate guidelines, so you can feel confident you’re paying a fair, industry-standard price.