Copyediting & Proofreading Rates for Books and Manuscripts
Every manuscript has different needs — and that’s why I offer a range of manuscript copyediting services designed to meet you where you are in your writing journey. Whether you’re polishing a novel for self-publishing or refining an academic manuscript, this page outlines my service options and rates, with transparent per-word pricing and flexible support.
Not sure which service fits your project best? I offer a free, no-obligation 1,000-word sample edit to help you decide.
How My Editing Process Works
Every manuscript is unique, but my editing process follows an easy five-step framework designed to make collaboration smooth, transparent, and effective.
Step 1 — Fill Out an Initial Questionnaire
I will send you a short questionnaire to ask you about your manuscript so we can get started on the right page from the first day.
Step 2 — Review and Sign the Contract
Once we’ve agreed upon the type of editing and the manuscript to be edited, I’ll provide a simple contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, and agreed-upon rate. This makes sure we both know exactly what to expect. Once the contract is signed and the deposit is paid, I can dive into your manuscript.
Step 3 — Share Your Manuscript
Send me your manuscript (or a representative excerpt) along with your goals, genre, and any specific areas you’d like me to focus on. Whether it’s a thriller novel, YA fantasy, or an animal behavior research paper, understanding your objectives helps me tailor the editing process to your needs.
Step 4 — Receive Clear, Tailored Feedback
I’ll review your work and provide feedback specific to your manuscript type and target audience. This will include revisions of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Additionally, inconsistencies with your characters and timelines will be addressed through communication with you. You’ll have a clear understanding of what’s working well and where changes could strengthen your manuscript.
Step 5 — Collaborate to Refine Your Work
We’ll work together to apply edits, address questions, and ensure your voice remains intact. You’ll have the opportunity to review my edits, ask questions, and request clarification at any stage of the process.
Not sure if we’re the right match?
I offer a free, no-obligation 1,000-word sample edit so you can see my editing style in action before committing to a full project.
Book and Manuscript Editing Rates:
These editing and proofreading rates apply to fiction manuscripts of all genres, as well as select non-fiction projects in the field of animal behavior science.
Line Editing
starting at 2.5¢ per word
Best For:
Refining sentence structure, flow, voice, pacing, and clarity
Learn More About Line Editing
Also called substantive editing, this is the most in-depth fiction service I offer. I’ll help you elevate your prose by improving clarity, tightening pacing, refining voice, and ensuring your tone is consistent throughout. It’s ideal for writers seeking a comprehensive, craft-focused edit before publication.
Proofreading
starting at 2¢ per word
Best For:
Final typo check before publishing
Learn More About Proofreading
A final surface-level review to catch lingering typos and formatting issues before submission or publication. Best used as a final pass after line or copyediting. This step helps ensure your manuscript appears polished and professional to agents, publishers, or readers.
Beta Reading
starting at $1 per 1000 words
Best For:
Big-picture feedback on pacing, plot, and characters
Learn More About Beta Reading
Provides early-stage, reader-style feedback on the overall structure and flow of your story — including character development, plot, pacing, and readability. For fiction manuscripts, this step helps identify issues that may confuse or disengage a reader before editing begins.
Light Copyediting
starting at 2¢ per word
Best For:
Final polish of well-structured manuscripts
Learn More About Light Copyediting
Includes:
- Spelling, punctuation, and grammar corrections
- Style formatting: italics, headings, lists
- Consistency checks (terminology, pronouns)
- Internal fact logic checks
- Queries for clarification
- Style guide creation for multi-book works
Medium Copyediting
starting at 2.5¢ per word
Best For:
Improving clarity and flow in manuscripts
Learn More About Medium Copyediting
Includes:
- Everything in Light Copyediting
- Sentence structure refinement
- Rewriting awkward or confusing phrasing
- Removing jargon and biased language
- Back-and-forth queries to clarify meaning
Heavy Copyediting
starting at 3¢ per word
Best For:
Manuscripts that need significant revisions
Learn More About Heavy Copyediting
Includes:
- Everything in Medium Copyediting
- Restructuring sentences for flow and readability
- Additional fact checking
- Ensuring consistent tone and voice throughout
All editing services include up to three rounds of editing. Additional rounds are available at 0.5¢ per word. Payment plans are available.
Need both line editing and copyediting? Bundle pricing is available — contact me to customize a package that fits your manuscript.
Discounts & Payment Plans
Indie Authors
Discounted rates may be available depending on schedule availability.
Authors from Marginalized Groups
I’m committed to making editing accessible. Please feel welcome to reach out for an inclusive pricing discussion.
Payment Plans
Flexible installment options are available and can be arranged during our initial consultation.
Use the form below to tell me about your manuscript, or visit my contact page to start the conversation. I’m happy to answer any questions and help you find the right fit.