Refine
Book editing at the level your manuscript needs now
From big-picture structure to the final read, every suggestion is shown in the text and explained, so you understand each change and decide what stays.
- Finished first drafts
- Rewrites after feedback
- Self-published authors
- Before cover and formatting
Four levels of edit, in the right order
Editing happens in layers. A developmental edit looks at structure, plot and argument. A line edit works on sentences and voice. A copy edit fixes grammar, consistency and style. A proofread is the final check before publishing.
Doing them in the wrong order wastes time and money, so every project starts with an assessment of where your manuscript is now.
What's included in book editing
Choose any part of the service on its own, or combine them. Select a service to see what you receive.
Manuscript assessment
A read of the whole manuscript with a written report on strengths, problems and the level of edit it needs.
- Editorial report
- Recommended next steps
Developmental editing
Structure, plot, pacing, character and argument. The big changes that make the book work.
- Editorial letter
- Margin comments
- Follow-up call
Line editing
Sentence by sentence: rhythm, clarity, voice and word choice, while keeping your style.
- Tracked-changes manuscript
- Style notes
Copy editing
Grammar, punctuation, consistency of names, dates and spelling, and UK or US style.
- Tracked-changes manuscript
- Style sheet
Academic and technical editing
Clarity and consistency for specialist books, with referencing and terminology checks.
- Reference checks
- Terminology list
Tracked changes you can follow
Every change is visible and every bigger suggestion comes with a reason. This is how a line edit and a developmental note look in your manuscript.
Example created to illustrate the service. Titles and text are samples.
How it works
You approve each stage before the next one begins. Your proposal sets out the schedule for your book.
- 1
Sample and assessment
We read a sample or the full manuscript and recommend the right edit.
- 2
Quote and schedule
A written quote with the level of edit and dates.
- 3
The edit
Your editor works through the manuscript with tracked changes.
- 4
Your review
You accept or reject changes and ask questions.
- 5
Final pass
Remaining issues resolved, ready for design or proofreading.
Genres and subjects
- Literary fiction
- Thriller and crime
- Romance
- Fantasy
- Memoir
- Business
- Self-help
- Children's
- Academic
- Technical
- Poetry
- Faith
What you receive
- A tracked-changes manuscript
- An editorial letter or report
- A style sheet of decisions
- A clean copy after your review
Your written quote lists exactly what is included for your book.
Which type of editing do I need?
If you are unsure, start with a manuscript assessment. It tells you whether the book needs structural work first or is ready for line and copy editing.
Will editing change my voice?
No. A good editor makes your writing sound more like you, not like them. Every change is visible and you decide what stays.
Do you edit in UK or US English?
Either. We follow the spelling and style for your main readers and record decisions in a style sheet.
How much does book editing cost?
Editing is quoted on word count, the level of edit and your timeline. A manuscript assessment is the best way to get an accurate quote.
Is proofreading the same as editing?
No. Proofreading is the final check for errors after editing and formatting. It does not change structure or style.
Talk to us about book editing
Tell us about your book and we will reply with the route and a quote. Prefer to chat? Message us on WhatsApp.