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:
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- 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 line and copy editing.
What is a Line Editor?
Line editing is the second stage of fiction editing, working at the sentence level rather than the story level. A skilled line editor ensures your narrative flows smoothly and that every sentence is clear, concise, and says exactly what you intend.
This stage transforms competent prose into compelling prose, sentence by sentence.
What is a Copy Editor?
Copy editing is the third and final stage, and it only begins after all major revisions are complete. A copy editor reviews your manuscript for typos, grammar, word usage, and punctuation, typically following the Chicago Manual of Style for fiction.
This stage is a cosmetic polish. It shouldn’t involve structural changes, and is often bundled with line editing for efficiency.
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/Line: $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.
