Book editing, from big picture to final proof
The right level of edit for where your manuscript is now, with every change visible and yours to accept.
What's included
- Developmental editing
- The big picture: structure, pacing, plot or argument, character and what each chapter is doing. Delivered as an editorial letter with notes in the margin.
- Line editing
- Sentence by sentence work on flow, clarity, rhythm and voice, while keeping it your writing.
- Copyediting
- Grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency and facts that need a check, recorded in a style sheet.
- Proofreading
- A last pass on the formatted book or final text for typos and layout slips before you publish.
- A sample edit
- We can edit a short sample first so you can see how we work before you commit.
Who it's for
- Writers with a finished draft who are not sure what it needs.
- Authors getting ready to publish who want a clean, professional text.
- Nonfiction authors who need clear, consistent, accurate chapters.
- Anyone who has had beta reader feedback and wants an expert view.
What we need from you
- Your manuscript as a Word or Google Docs file.
- The genre, the audience and any comparable books.
- Any style choices you already made, such as spelling (US or UK) or how you write numbers.
- For developmental editing, what you think works and what worries you.
The process
Choose the level
From your details, we suggest the edit that fits. If you are unsure, we start with a sample.
The edit
We edit in tracked changes with comments, on a schedule set out in your quote.
Your review
You accept or reject each change and ask about anything unclear.
Wrap up
You receive the final files and the style sheet to keep future books consistent.
Deliverables and file formats
| You receive | Format |
|---|---|
| Edited manuscript | DOCX with tracked changes and comments |
| Editorial letter (developmental) | PDF or DOCX |
| Style sheet | PDF or DOCX |
| Proofreading notes | Marked-up PDF or DOCX |
Questions authors ask
What is the difference between line editing and copyediting?
Line editing improves how sentences read: flow, word choice and voice. Copyediting fixes correctness and consistency: grammar, spelling, punctuation and style. Many books get both in one pass.
Which edit does my book need?
If the structure or story still feels uncertain, start with a developmental edit. If the story works and you want better sentences, a line and copy edit. If it has been edited and formatted, a proofread.
Will you change my voice?
No. Every change is in tracked changes, so you see and approve each one. Our job is to make your writing clearer, not to make it sound like someone else.
Can you edit a sample first?
Yes. Ask for a sample edit in the quote form and we will include it in our reply.
Do you proofread after formatting?
Yes, and it is the best time to proofread, because it also catches layout problems such as bad breaks and missing lines.
Will editing make my book a bestseller?
No one can honestly promise that. Editing makes the book clearer and more professional; how it sells depends on many things outside the text.
Free tools for this step
Rather do it yourself? These tools are free, with no signup.
Get a free quote
Tell us about your book. We reply within 1 to 2 business days with questions, a plan and a price. The quote is free and there is no obligation.
Prefer email? Write to contact@usabookstudios.com.