Book Editing Services

Turn good writing into a great book

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Editing Services Quote (07.11.2020)

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What every book needs. What your hard work deserves.

Every author needs it, yet self-editing a book is nearly impossible. Even bestselling authors would never dream of attempting it. Hiring an experienced book editor is often the best investment you can make for your book, and your writing career. Book editors do more than make sure your I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed. They ensure your writing is fluid and poignant. Trusting BookBaby with your manuscript might seem like a big commitment, but so is making a book. The best way to make sure your writing is perfectly polished before it’s in print is to invest in editing services from a brand you can trust.

BookBaby’s Book Editing Services offer three different options for authors: Line Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading. These different levels of editing services cover everything from basic grammar and misspelling corrections to review of the story narrative, story development, characterization, and sentence structure. We offer options to ensure that each author is satisfied with their editing service.

Our editing services are for authors who want premium book editing for an affordable price. We’ve negotiated special rates with an exclusive network of editors from around the globe. These editors work with traditionally published authors in every genre, including many on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Now, self-published authors have the opportunity to work directly with these topflight book editors.

Affordable book editing, tailored to the independent author

Choose the book editing service you need:

Line Editing: $10 per page

Line editing is an intensive structural edit that focuses on the finer aspects of language—the flow of ideas, transition elements, tone, and style. Your line editor will take a critical look at your manuscript’s writing flow, language usage, character development, and more, and make suggestions that ensure that you’re communicating your story effectively while maintaining your voice.

Correction of awkward constructions and suggestions to make sentences crisper and tighter by fixing redundancy.
Review of key aspects of the manuscript—the narrative, vocabulary, structure, characterization, style, and development.
Editor's notes and overall comments.
Estimated editing time: 8 to 10 business days.

Copy Editing: $7 per page

Copy editing is a basic word-by-word edit that addresses grammar, usage, and consistency issues. Your copyeditor will correct continuity issues in your story and ensure your manuscript is free of technical problems or major loose ends that’ll confuse your readers.

Check for typographical and spelling mistakes, consistency aspects, correction of grammatical and linguistic errors, and attention to punctuations.
A review to ensure accurate and consistent usage.
Estimated editing time: 6 to 8 business days

Proofreading: $3 per page

Proofreading is the vital last step of the book editing process. After your manuscript has received its professional edit, your book proofreader will perform a final review to fix any remaining mechanical and grammar issues before your book is printed and published. Proofreading is not a structural edit and instead focuses on eliminating minor mistakes and inconsistencies.

Correction of misspellings, punctuation, capitalization, verb tense, and grammar issues.
Estimated editing time: 6 to 8 business days.

Not sure what type of book editing service you need? Reading this may help.

Why edit your book with BookBaby Editing Services?

Affordability:

Compare our rates with any other book editing business. Authors generally pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for basic editing services. You’ll pay up to 50% less using BookBaby Editing Services. Plus there are no minimums or set up fees. You pay based only on the page-count of your book. You’ll get the best book for your buck with us.

Speed:

Self-publishing is about getting your book to market faster. We’ll efficiently have your edited manuscript ready for you in 6 to 10 business days. Some services like Edit911 can take up to four weeks to return your edited book.

Quality:

Your book is edited by seasoned, professional editors who work with bestselling authors in every genre. You’ll receive a fully edited manuscript along with any additional editor notes and suggestions.

How BookBaby’s editing process works

1. Choose the book editing service you need.

2. Upload your Word document.

3. Receive your professionally edited manuscript in 6-10 business days.

You don’t have to place a book order to take advantage of our book editing services. All you need is your finished manuscript to get things started.

Have questions? See our FAQs

Not sure if your book needs editing?

Get five pages of your book edited for FREE.

Try it

Speaking from experience, author and PhD in Theology, Dr. Tony Lewis, can attest that book editing is a "a process that just can’t be rushed. Authors need to take their time and do it right. Something was telling me I should have paid to have it edited. It would have saved me a lot of money in the long run." Read more.

Dr. Tony Lewis, Author, The Message and the Messenger

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a book editor?

Yes!

Having your manuscript reviewed by a professional book editor is a rewarding experience. In addition to the improvements to your manuscript, you will also benefit from the feedback on your writing that only a finely tuned professional editor can provide. Writers often comment on the lifelong benefits enjoyed from their very first editing experience. If a writer wants to ensure they are creating an impactful and enjoyable reading experience for their readers, then editing is a no-brainer. Remember nothing is more damaging to your author brand that publishing a book with embarrassing typos and grammatical errors. Read more.

How much does book editing cost?

BookBaby Book editing prices:
Line editing: $10 per page
Copy editing: $7 per page
Proofreading: $3 per page

What is the difference between copy editing and proofreading?

Book proofreading is the vital last step of the editing process. After your manuscript has received its professional edit, your book proofreader will perform a final review to fix any remaining mechanical and grammar issues before your book is printed and published. Proofreading is not a structural edit and instead focuses on eliminating minor errors and inconsistencies.

What is the difference between copy editing and line editing?

Line editing is an intensive structural edit that focuses on the finer aspects of language—the flow of ideas, transition elements, tone, and style. Your line editor will take a critical look at your manuscript’s writing flow, language usage, character development, and make suggestions that ensure that you’re communicating your story effectively while maintaining your voice. Read More

How do editing services work?

BookBaby's Editing Services are easy to use. Simply follow these steps:

1) Setup your manuscript file to these specifications:

English language only
File Type: Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)
Page Size: 8.5x11"
Pages Margins: Set to 1" on all 4 sides left, right, top and bottom.
Font Type: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12pt.
Line Spacing: Double

How should I setup my manuscript file for editing?

Only a single manuscript file is accepted for editing services. Book cover files are not needed nor are they accepted.

Manuscript specifications:

English language only
File Type: Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)
Page Size: 8.5x11"
Pages Margins: Set to 1" on all 4 sides left, right, top and bottom.
Font Type: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12pt.
Line Spacing: Double

Can I speak or communicate directly with my editor?

No.
BookBaby’s service is a new and robust approach to editing projects. We’re able to charge the lowest rates because of our unique, and streamlined, editing network agreement. Our highly efficient operation matches your manuscript with a top flight editor from your genre. The service levels are clearly defined and the editors are professional. Through our program indie authors can now receive the same level of editing as traditionally published authors at major publishing houses.

Once our editors have your manuscript in hand, they spend quality hours on your book, providing corrections, fixes and suggestions. After finishing with your manuscript and providing some overall notes and comments, the editor moves onto their next project.

Our editors are not compensated for any additional consultations. If you require that kind of relationship with an editor, BookBaby editing may not be a good choice.