Writing a book is typically something you do on your lonesome; however, before your story ever sees the light of day, it needs some outside help to ensure it fully shines. An editor polishes up a story to get it ready to read. Even the most acclaimed, bestselling authors in the world have editors they depend upon to get their works ready to hit the shelves. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to find a book editor or questioning what the role of a book editor even is, this post is for you. Today at What We Writing, we’ll be running you through all you need to know about finding and using the best book editors; we’ll be explaining the types of editors available, where to find the best professionals, and even how much you should expect to pay for their editing services!
What Does A Book Editor Do?
Whether they’re full-time editors at a traditional publishing house or freelancers working on their own, professional editors play a crucial role within the book publishing industry. An editor reviews and revises a story by breaking it down page-by-page, line-by-line, and word-by-word to check everything from grammar, clarity, accuracy, and content to ensure that a story is ready to be moved forward along the production line to publishing.
Understanding what editors do (and don’t do) will help you hire the right person and avoid any mismatched expectations.
Editing vs. Rewriting: What’s the Difference?
Editing is about guidance and refinement, not ownership.
- Editing improves what is already on the page through feedback, suggestions, and corrections.
- Rewriting involves creating new text or fundamentally changing the author’s work.
Most editors will suggest alternatives or point out problems; however, you remain in control of every decision.
Check Out Our Complete Guide To Editing Vs Rewriting Differences
Why Book Editing Is a Collaborative Process
The best editing relationships feel like a conversation, not a critique.
A strong editor:
- Respects your creative visions
- Explains why changes are suggested
- Encourages questions and discussion
- Works with you, not over you
Editing isn’t about “bad writing” – it’s about making good writing better, and every professional author depends on editors to do precisely that.
Types Of Book Editing (And Which One You Actually Need)
Not all book editors do the same job – and hiring the wrong type of editor at the wrong stage is one of the most common (and expensive) mistakes writers make.
Fret not, we have a clear breakdown of the main types of book editors, what each one does, and when you actually need them.
Developmental Editing (Big-Picture Editing)
Developmental editing is all about exploring the overall structure and effectiveness of your book, rather than any details on a sentence level.
A developmental editor focuses on:
- Plot, pacing, and structure
- Character development and motivation
- Theme, tone, and narrative direction
- Whether scenes or chapters are working – or dragging
- Gaps, confusion, or logical issues within the story
Instead of correct grammar, developmental editors provide in-depth feedback, typically in the form of editorial letters or margin comments.
Best for:
- Early drafts
- First-time authors
- Manuscripts that feel “off” but you can’t pinpoint why
If you’re choosing between a developmental editor vs copy editor, developmental editing should come first.
Check Out Our Complete Guide To Developmental Editing
Line Editing (Style & Voice)
Line editing sits between the macro big-picture editing and technical corrections. It emphasises how your writing sounds and flows.
A line editor can help you with:
- Sentence rhythm and readability
- Word choice and repetition
- Tone and emotional impact
- Clarity without flattening your voice
Line editing is particularly useful if your story works structurally, but the writing feels awkward, flat, or inconsistent.
When line editing is more useful than copyediting:
- When grammar is mostly correct, but the prose feels clunky
- When you want a stronger voice, style, and polish
- When readability matters more than technical perfection
Copy Editing (Technical Accuracy)
Copy editing is all to do with correctness and consistency, not storytelling.
A copy editor checks:
- Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Sentence clarity and awkward phrasing
- Consistency in names, timelines, and details
- Style guide adherence (UK vs US English, formatting rules)
Common misconceptions about copy editors:
- They don’t fix any plot problems
- They don’t rewrite scenes
- They don’t help you with your character arcs or evolutions
If your manuscript still has structural issues, copy editing on its own isn’t going to fix them – which is why the developmental editor vs copy editor distinction is so important.
Check Out Our Complete Guide To Line Editing Vs Copy Editing
Proofreading (Final Polish)
Proofreading is the final step in the editing process – not a replacement for editing.
A proofreader looks for:
- Any typos or misspelt words
- Formatting inconsistencies
- Minor punctuation or spacing issues
Why proofreading doesn’t count as full editing:
Proofreaders assume that the text is already finished. They don’t flag weak scenes, confusing sequences, or stylistic problems.
When proofreading should happen:
- After all editing is complete
- After formatting or typesetting
- Right before publication
Quick Comparison: Types of Book Editors
- Developmental editor: structure, plot, characters
- Line editor: style, flow, voice
- Copy editor: grammar, consistency, clarity
- Proofreader: final error check
How To Find The Best Book Editor For Your Story
Finding the best book editor isn’t about choosing the most expensive option or opting for the biggest name. It’s about finding an editor who understands your genre, your goals, and your stage of writing.
Here’s how to do that – step by step.
Where to Look for Professional Book Editors
There are a number of different places to find professional book editors, and each of them comes with their own pros and cons. Online platforms such as Reedsy are great places to start if you’re just beginning your publishing journey.
Freelance editors
- Often specialise in specific genres
- Usually more affordable than agencies
- Direct communication with the editor doing the work
Editing agencies
- Pre-vetted editors and structured processes
- Higher costs, less personal interaction
- You may not choose your specific editor
Writing communities & referrals
- Recommendations from authors in your genre
- Facebook groups, writing forums, newsletters
- Often the best way to find trusted editors
Online marketplaces
- Wide range of editors at different price points
- Quality varies – careful vetting is required
Red Flags to Avoid When Searching for a Book Editor
- Promises of guaranteed publishing success
- Extremely low prices with no clear process
- No genre experience or portfolio
- Refusal to offer a sample edit
- Vague answers about timelines or deliverables
If an editor can’t concisely explain how they work, that’s a good sign to keep on looking.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Book Editor
Asking the right questions helps you avoid costly issues and ensures you’re a good match.
1. Do you have any experience in my genre?
Editors familiar with your genre understand reader expectations, pacing, and conventions.
2. What type of editing do you think my work needs?
A professional editor should explain why you need developmental editing, line editing, or copy editing – not upsell blindly.
3. Do you offer a sample edit?
A sample edit shows:
- How the editor communicates
- Whether they respect your voice
- If their feedback style is a good fit for you
4. What is your editing approach?
Ask how they balance suggestions vs direct edits, and how much collaboration is involved.
5. What is your timeline and availability?
Clear deadlines and turnaround times prevent any frustration further down the line.
Quick Checklist: How to Choose the Right Book Editor
- Specialises in your genre
- Explains editing types clearly
- Offers a sample edit
- Has transparent pricing and timelines
- Communicates clearly and professionally
How Much Does A Book Editor Cost?
The Editorial Freelancers Association has a standard freelance editing rate sheet that writers can refer to; however, on average, an editor’s rate typically ranges between $0.02 per word to $0.25 per word.
Freelance editors charge by the word, by the hour, or sometimes by the project itself, which is usually based on total word count. You should always keep in mind that hiring an editor is an investment in your book.
There are several things that can factor into the cost of hiring an editor:
- What level of editing you’re looking for – proofreading services cost far less than developmental editing.
- The more experienced an editor is, the higher their rates.
- The length of your project naturally has an influence on your final bill.
Every writer should budget for a good editor to widen the odds of their book’s success. Different editors charge different amounts depending on their experience and the types of editing they do.
Some editors have a flat sum, a percentage of which they may ask for upfront. Others may opt for an hourly rate. In the end, editing costs come down to a per-word rate.
For example, if someone charges $35 per hour for freelance editing and they edit 5 pages per hour, calculate their per-word price by multiplying 5 pages by the industry average of 250 words per page. Divide 35 by that total (1250), and you’ll get $.02 per edited word. Now, use that number to estimate the total cost of editing your entire book based on your word count.
Whilst it can be tricky knowing exactly how much you should be budgeting for, the rates compiled by The Editorial Freelancers Association is handy for a rough estimate.
Editing Costs by Type
| Developmental Editing | $45-$55 per hour | 1-5 manuscript pages an hour |
| Heavy Copyediting | $40-$50 per hour | 2-5 pages an hour |
| Basic Copyediting | $30-$40 per hour | 5-10 pages an hour |
| Proofreading | $30-$35 per hour | 9-13 pages an hour |
Once you know how to calculate these costs and you have a total word count, you’ll be able to budget for an editor to come on board and help you get your story in fighting fit shape!
Whether you’re an indie author looking to get your story into a big publishing house or you’re a self-published novelist venturing out on your own, investing in an editor will improve your chances of selling more copies of your book.
Book Editor Checklist
Before you set off hiring a book editor, use this checklist to make sure you’re choosing the right editor for your manuscript – not just the easiest one to find.
Know Your Editing Stage
- Is your manuscript being revised? → Developmental editing
- Is the story solid, but the writing feels rough? → Line editing
- Is the manuscript finished but needs polishing? → Copy editing
- Is the book ready to publish? → Proofreading
Hiring the wrong type of editor at the wrong time is one of the most common mistakes we see authors making.
Set Your Editing Budget
- Decide what you can realistically afford before contacting editors
- Understand that different editing stages have different price ranges
- Remember: cheaper editing often leads to costlier revisions later on
Being upfront about the budget helps editors recommend their most suitable service
Research Genre Experience
- Look for editors who regularly work within your genre
- Check portfolios, testimonials, or published books they’ve edited
- Genre knowledge matters for pacing, tone, and reader expectations
An editor who understands your genre will strengthen your book, not fit it.
Request a Sample Edit
- Confirms the editor’s skill level
- Shows how they communicate feedback
- Helps you judge whether their edits respect your voice
A sample edit is one of the most reliable ways to tell if an editor is right for you.
Confirm Timelines and Deliverables
- Ask how long the edit will take
- Confirm what you’ll receive (editorial letter, tracked changes, comments)
- Clarify revision rounds and follow-up questions
Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings later on.
Quick Book Editor Hiring Checklist (Save This)
- Identify your editing stage
- Set a realistic budget
- Check genre experience
- Request a sample edit
- Confirm timelines and deliverables
Wrap Up
There’s no getting away from it. Hiring a book editor can feel daunting – especially if you’re working with a limited budget or publishing for the first time. But the right editor isn’t an expense reserved for “perfect writers.” They’re a partner who helps you turn a solid manuscript into the best version your book can be.
Taking the time to understand the different types of editing, ask the right questions, and identify an editor who fits your genre and goals will save you frustration – and money – down the line. A thoughtful, well-matched editor won’t change your voice or derail your story. They’ll help you strengthen it.
If you’re not quite ready to hire an editor yet, consider exploring related steps that can prepare your manuscript, such as working with beta readers, revising strategically, or learning how the self-publishing process works.
Each step you take toward a stronger book makes the editing process more effective – and all the more rewarding.
James has been passionate about storytelling ever since he could hold a pen. Inspired by the epic fantasy and historical dramas he devoured in his youth, his work now centers on dark, psychological tales featuring intense, introspective characters and atmospheric, gothic undertones. In 2025, he founded What We Writing to share his creative journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way with fellow writers and passionate storytellers.
