Which kind of edit does my book need?
Developmental, copy-edit or proofread? What each does, and how to tell which one your manuscript needs.
Book editing, for fiction and non-fiction
Editing that keeps your voice and sharpens everything else. Developmental, copy and proof editing for fiction and non-fiction, plus an Alpha Reader Review with comments through the manuscript. Not every book needs every stage. After your free book review, we'll recommend which stage to start with, and explain why.
Send the whole manuscript, or at least the first three chapters. The review is free, with no obligation. Prefer to talk first? Call or WhatsApp (opens in a new tab).
What's included in book editing
Editing that keeps your voice and sharpens everything else.
- Developmental editingAn editor's assessment of the big picture (structure, pacing, character, argument and whether the book delivers what it promises), with recommendations for you to act on.
- Copy-editingLine by line: clarity, consistency, grammar, repetition and style, with a style sheet so that later changes stay consistent.
- ProofreadingThe final check on the typeset pages, for the typos, gaps and layout slips that get through every earlier stage.
- Alpha Reader ReviewA reader's-eye review of your manuscript with inline comments on what works and what doesn't. It goes much deeper than the free book review, and it is priced separately.
Guides from our blog
Developmental editing explained: what happens to your manuscript
Structure, pacing, argument and voice: what a developmental edit involves, and how to get the most from one.
Copy-editing vs proofreading: the difference, and why you need both
They sound similar, but they happen at different times and do different jobs. Here is how to tell them apart.
How to prepare your manuscript before you send it to an editor
A little preparation saves time and money. Here is what to do before your manuscript goes to anyone.
Questions about book editing
Which kind of edit does my book need?
It depends on where the draft is. A developmental edit looks at the big picture: structure, pacing, character or argument. A copy-edit works line by line on clarity, consistency and style. Proofreading is the last check, once the pages are laid out. Our guide Which kind of edit does my book need? explains the difference in more detail.
Will the free review tell me which services I need?
It tells you where your book stands and what it needs next. If we're a good fit, we follow it with a recommended roadmap that names the services and explains why. For a detailed read with comments through the manuscript, an Alpha Reader Review is available as a separate service.
Our other publishing services
Book writing
Your story, written in your voice.
More about book writingBook cover design
A cover that does its job before anyone reads a word.
More about book cover designBook design and illustration
Pictures that belong to your story.
More about book design and illustrationInterior layout design
Pages that are a pleasure to read.
More about interior layout designBook formatting
Files that work on the platforms you publish to.
More about book formattingIndependent assisted book launch
The practical side of publishing, explained and handled with you.
More about independent assisted book launchBook marketing and promotion
A plan for the months around your release.
More about book marketing and promotionReady for an honest read of your book?
Submit your manuscript for a free book review. Send the whole book, or at least the first three chapters. There's no obligation, and you'll hear what we think before you're asked to commit to anything.