A tried-and-true book editing process which pairs you with an experienced, professional editor who is invested in your book and its success.
Share your work with us through our form
Get matched with a book editor who is right for you
Get a risk-free trial edit to confirm your great match
Determine which edit your manuscript needs
Transform your manuscript into the best possible version of itself
When you receive an editor's profile, it means we have selected that editor based on a tested methodology developed over years of helping authors find their ideal match.
In an editor’s profile, you'll see their extraordinary track record at a major publishing house and the award-winning books they've worked on—but there's also a lot you won't see. You won't see that they communicate with the clarity and specificity that emerging authors need, or that they selected your work because it resonates with them personally.
Those qualities are the foundation of the process we use to select the editors on our team, and the heart of the promise we make to authors who trust us with their work.
Learn more about our Matching Methodology below.
Once you're impressed by your editor's profile, you can choose to receive a risk-free Trial Edit.
Writers have found that the Trial Edit gives them a clearer understanding of the editor’s professional voice, approach, and editing style before making a bigger commitment. It’s an opportunity to “try before you buy” to ensure you both are the best match.
You'll receive edits and notes on a sample of your work and then discuss your editor's feedback over the phone.
A Trial Edit includes:
- A 2,500 word read-through
- A 1,500 word line edit with margin comments
- A brief memo with the editor’s thoughts
- A 20 minute phone call
Fee: $165
The fee is fully refundable if you don't believe the Trial Edit was beneficial to you.
At this stage, you know you’ve found the right editor, the person with whom you want to build a long-lasting editorial relationship.
Now we do a complimentary Manuscript Evaluation.
Your editor will review your manuscript and recommend the type of edit that would benefit you most at this stage of your development. This is an important step. The recommended edit will either be a Manuscript Critique or a Comprehensive Edit.
You’ll receive a detailed proposal that explains what the edit includes and offers different follow-up options. If you are unsure of which option to choose, we will guide you through the process of making the best decision for you.
When the edit is underway, your manuscript will be in your editor's responsible hands for approximately 3-12 weeks.
Once the deadline arrives and you receive your edited package, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Seeing the strengths and weaknesses in your work from the perspective of a professional editor is a valuable learning experience—one of our authors said, "It's like getting an MFA on steroids."
Take some time to absorb your editor's feedback and when you're ready, you may decide to schedule a follow-up call. This is the time to delve deeper into your editor's comments and changes to your work, and to get guidance and advice on how to approach any challenges you may be having with the manuscript.
You will realize that the power of the edit goes beyond a single book—it helps you hone your craft as a writer in a way that will influence your work for the better as you move forward.
The rewards of working with the right person are legion. This is why we put so much emphasis on finding the ideal editor for you and your work.
Our editors were superstars at their major publishing houses. They have extraordinary track records working on notable books and, just as importantly, their peers think highly of their soft skills.
Starting with the right team is the most important part of this process.
A review of your form submission form begins with a genre check.
Genre can be tricky. Some authors get theirs right, others get it mostly right, and some discover they're writing in a completely different genre than they thought. Genre mislabeling can lead to the wrong editor match and potentially an edit that isn’t worthwhile because it doesn’t address the conventions of the genre.
Our objective review makes sure this doesn’t happen.
This is one of the most important unrecognized factors in finding the right editor.
Some editors are better-suited to working with authors who are just beginning to hone their craft while others prefer authors whose skills are already very developed. We know our editors' preferences and we take this into account during the matching process.
The style, theme, and purpose of a manuscript are factors that readers connect with on an emotional level. This connection is important when choosing an editor for your project.
Some of our editors gravitate to social causes, others appreciate bawdy humor. Whether your book is a sci-fi novel or business how-to guide, we look beyond its genre to make sure your editor will connect deeply with your work.
After a full review of your application, we submit your writing sample to the editor we believe is your perfect fit.
If your work doesn't resonate with the editor, they're encouraged to pass.
This is because we know that magic happens when your editor understands and deeply appreciates what you're trying to accomplish.
Our process is designed to find that special connection.