Book Copy-Editing Service

The requirements of each client are different and every job is unique, so my rates are dependent on the subject matter, word count, required turnaround time, and the amount of copy-editing required (the amount of corrections and amendments needed). Therefore the cost is advised on an individual basis. Additional Work: Once the manuscript has been returned, one further revision is carried out after the client has checked the changes and amendments. Any further changes made by the client to the text or formatting/layout which results in additional work to rectify is charged at £30 per hour (minimum charge £30).​ How to Make Payment: I accept payment by debit card, credit card, PayPal account and bank transfer. ​See my Terms and Conditions (link at the bottom of the page) for more information. Please note: - I charge per 1,000 words, not per mistake or by the hour. ​ - There is a minimum charge of £50 for all services. - Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date provided. - I do not copy-edit text that has been written by an author with English as a second language / the text has been translated from a foreign language. - I do not copy-edit data or text applied to or within photographs, images, illustrations or tables/graphs/charts/etc.

Even excellent writers use more words than necessary, construct sentences that are difficult to follow or could improve the quality of their wording. Although you've reread your manuscript a dozen times, there may still be clunky sentences, misspellings, grammar errors, rambling prose and inconsistencies. Copy-editing is important as it ensures that published material encompasses the the 5 Cs of copy-editing: - Clarity - Correct - Concise - Comprehensive - Consistent It pays to spot any errors early as there is never a second chance to make a first impression. Publishers and agents won’t accept work with typos or grammatical errors. If you’re self-publishing, the greatest story will not be enjoyable for readers if it’s littered with mistakes that could have easily been corrected.

Copy-editing is perfect for manuscripts where the writing needs to be tightened, improved and polished prior to self-publishing or submitting a sample to an agent/publisher. ​ You’ve spent a lot of time and effort writing your book, so an experienced and professional book editing service will turn your great book into a fantastic book. One that flows well, engages readers and is free from errors. You want your book to be the best it can to realise its potential. ​ When you’ve worked on your book for a period of time, you read what you expect to see. Spotting the simplest of errors and inconsistencies is difficult because you can’t distance yourself from your own writing. Being objective becomes challenging, so it’s time to use professional editorial services to work through and finalise your manuscript so it’s ready for publication.

Copy-editing is carried out when the plot, storyline, narrative structure, characterisation, etc. are final. As you wouldn’t build a house without laying the foundations, you wouldn’t copy-edit a book that needs restructuring or rewriting. This service is NOT the option if any of the following apply: - The writing needs rewriting or restructuring. - You need a ghostwriter. - You need in-depth fact checking. - You need someone to project manage the process of researching, writing and promoting your book. - To check if there are problems with copyright or plagiarism. - Also, this service is more in-depth than proofreading – check out my Book Proofreading Service page for more information on this service. If you need an even deeper edit to reorganise the structure, to strengthen characterisation or to change the storyline arc or plot, for example, then you will need a developmental editor (also called substantive or structural editor) to help you. I don’t offer this service, but I can provide recommendations if you contact me. ​ A developmental edit is a more expensive service due to the work involved, but it will be beneficial if you’ve hit a roadblock with regards to where you want to take your story or if you need to restructure your chapters to incorporate flashbacks, for example. If any sections need rewriting or restructuring, developmental editing is the level of service you need.