← Back to Checklist
Send Manuscript for Line/Copy Edit
⏱ Begin 9–8 months before release
What You'll Do
Hire a professional line or copy editor via platforms like Reedsy Marketplace or the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. Provide them with your Word document and any style notes, then receive tracked changes and an editorial letter.
Why Professional Editing Matters
Even the best writers need editors. A professional editor will:
- Catch errors you've read past hundreds of times
- Improve clarity and flow in your prose
- Ensure consistency in voice, tone, and style
- Polish your work to professional publishing standards
- Give your book credibility with readers and reviewers
Types of Editing
Developmental Editing
What it is: Big-picture feedback on plot, character development, pacing, structure, and story arc.
When you need it: After your first complete draft, before line editing.
Cost: £1,000–£3,000+ for a full novel
Note: Most indie authors do this before reaching Phase 2 of this checklist.
Line Editing
What it is: Focuses on language, style, and flow. Improves sentence structure, word choice, and readability.
When you need it: After developmental edits are complete and the story is solid.
Cost: £500–£1,500 for a 80-100k word novel
This is what you're doing in Phase 2.
Copy Editing
What it is: Corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. Checks for factual accuracy and style guide compliance.
When you need it: Often combined with line editing, or done immediately after.
Cost: £400–£1,200 for a novel
Many editors offer "line + copy" as a package.
Proofreading
What it is: Final check for typos, formatting errors, and missed mistakes after the book is formatted.
When you need it: Phase 3, after your manuscript is formatted but before final upload.
Cost: £200–£600
💡 Pro Tip
Ask for tracked changes and an editorial letter. Tracked changes let you see every edit and decide whether to accept or reject them. An editorial letter explains the editor's overall thoughts, recurring issues, and suggestions for improvement.
How to Find an Editor
Option 1: Reedsy Marketplace
Reedsy vets all freelancers before they can join the platform. You can:
- Browse editors by genre and experience
- Read reviews from other authors
- Request sample edits from multiple editors (usually the first 1,000 words)
- Compare quotes and timelines
Visit Reedsy Marketplace
Option 2: Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)
The CIEP is the UK's professional body for editors. Their directory lists experienced editors across all genres:
- Search by genre specialization
- Filter by editing type (line, copy, developmental)
- All members follow professional standards
- Reliable and trustworthy
Visit CIEP Directory
Option 3: Author Recommendations
Ask in author communities:
- Facebook groups for your genre (e.g., "Romantasy Authors," "Indie Fantasy Writers")
- Twitter/X using hashtags like #amwriting, #writingcommunity
- Author forums like Absolute Write or KBoards
What to Prepare Before Hiring
1. Clean Manuscript File
- Save as
.docx format
- Use standard formatting (12pt Times New Roman or similar)
- Remove any stray comments or tracked changes from previous drafts
- Include a title page with book title, author name, word count, and contact info
2. Style Sheet (Optional but Helpful)
Create a simple document noting:
- Preferred spellings (UK vs US English)
- Character name spellings and capitalization
- Made-up words or terminology
- World-building specifics (magic system terms, place names)
- Any style preferences (e.g., single vs double quotes for dialogue)
3. Questions for Potential Editors
When reaching out to editors, ask:
- "Do you have experience with my genre?" (Essential for fantasy/romantasy)
- "Can you provide a sample edit of the first chapter?" (Many editors do this free)
- "What's your typical turnaround time?" (Usually 4-8 weeks for a novel)
- "Do you provide tracked changes and an editorial letter?"
- "What's your rate?" (Per word, per page, or flat fee)
- "Do you offer payment plans?" (Some editors allow installments)
Understanding Editor Rates
Typical UK rates for an 80,000-word novel:
- Line editing: £600–£1,500
- Copy editing: £400–£1,200
- Line + Copy combined: £800–£2,000
💰 Budgeting Tip
Editing is one of the most important investments you'll make. A poorly edited book gets bad reviews and hurts your author brand. Budget at least £500–£1,000 for professional editing—it's worth it.
The Editing Process
Step 1: Request Sample Edits
Send the first 1,000–2,000 words to 2-3 editors and compare their styles. Choose the one whose edits resonate with you and who understands your genre.
Step 2: Sign a Contract
Always use a written agreement that includes:
- Scope of work (line edit, copy edit, or both)
- Turnaround time
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Deliverables (tracked changes file, editorial letter)
- Revision policy (1-2 rounds of clarifications included)
Step 3: Send Your Manuscript
Provide:
- Clean manuscript file (.docx)
- Style sheet (if you have one)
- Any specific concerns or questions
Step 4: Wait for Edits
Professional editing usually takes 4-8 weeks depending on the editor's workload and your manuscript length.
Step 5: Review the Edits
When you receive your manuscript back:
- Read the editorial letter first (gives you the big picture)
- Go through tracked changes carefully
- Accept/reject edits based on your vision for the story
- Make notes on recurring issues to watch for in future drafts
⚠️ Important
Don't "accept all" changes without reviewing them. You are the author—the editor makes suggestions, but you have final say. If you disagree with an edit, keep your original text or find a compromise.
What to Expect in an Editorial Letter
A good editorial letter includes:
- Overall impressions of the manuscript
- Strengths in your writing
- Recurring issues (pacing, dialogue tags, overuse of certain words)
- Consistency concerns (character behavior, timeline, world-building)
- Suggestions for improvement
✅ Once you've hired an editor and sent your manuscript, mark this task complete!
Return to Checklist