Manuscript editing
Editing that strengthens the book without overwriting the author.
Developmental editing, line editing, copy editing and proofreading, each stage carried out by a named editor and returned with a written report you can act on.
Overview
Four distinct stages, in the order that saves you money.
Most manuscripts do not need every stage. We read a sample first and tell you plainly which level of editing the text is ready for, because paying for a line edit on a manuscript that still needs structural work wastes both the fee and the effort.
Every stage is performed by a human editor whose name appears on your scope of work. Editors work in tracked changes so that every intervention is visible, reversible and explained in a margin comment rather than applied silently.
Your voice governs. Where an editor proposes a change of meaning, register or narrative order, it is raised as a query for your decision and the resolution is recorded in the query log delivered with the files.
What is included
Scope, in detail.
Everything listed here appears as a line item in your written scope, with the responsible lead named.
01
Manuscript assessment
A written read-through report covering structure, pacing, characterisation, argument and market readiness, with a recommended editing level.
02
Developmental editing
Structural work on plot, chapter order, viewpoint, argument and cuts, delivered as an editorial letter plus in-manuscript notes.
03
Line editing
Paragraph and sentence level work on rhythm, clarity, repetition and register, always in tracked changes.
04
Copy editing
Grammar, punctuation, consistency, fact flags and continuity, governed by a per-title style sheet.
05
Proofreading
Final pass on typeset pages or EPUB for typographic errors, bad breaks, spacing and residual slips.
06
Non-fiction apparatus
Citations, notes, bibliography, index briefing and permissions checks for scholarly and business titles.
Method
How the work runs.
Each stage ends with something you can read, hear or check before the next stage starts.
Stage one
Sample read
We read 3,000 words and the synopsis, then confirm the editing level, the editor and a fixed fee before any payment.
Stage two
Full read and report
Your editor reads the complete manuscript and returns an editorial letter with prioritised recommendations.
Stage three
Editing pass
The agreed level of editing is applied in tracked changes, with queries raised rather than resolved unilaterally.
Stage four
Author revisions
You accept, reject or discuss each change. A follow-up call is included at this point.
Stage five
Clean file and proof
We deliver a clean manuscript, the style sheet and the query log, and proofread the typeset proof if commissioned.
Deliverables
What you receive.
Files, documents and reports are yours. We keep no rights over deliverables beyond what a signed agreement states.
Editorial letter
A written assessment of what works, what does not and what to change first.
Tracked manuscript
Clean and tracked versions in DOCX so nothing is changed invisibly.
Style sheet
The spelling, hyphenation and naming conventions applied, reusable for sequels.
Query log
Every judgement call, with the decision you approved recorded beside it.
Reference
Editing levels, side by side.
Indicative lead times for a manuscript of 80,000 to 100,000 words. Your quotation confirms exact dates before work begins.
| Level | What it addresses | Returned as | Indicative lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manuscript assessment | Structure, market readiness, next steps | Report, 8-12 pages | 2-3 weeks |
| Developmental edit | Plot, argument, order, cuts, viewpoint | Letter plus in-text notes | 4-6 weeks |
| Line edit | Sentence rhythm, clarity, repetition | Tracked changes | 4-5 weeks |
| Copy edit | Grammar, consistency, continuity, fact flags | Tracked changes plus style sheet | 3-4 weeks |
| Proofread | Typographic and layout errors | Annotated PDF or EPUB | 1-2 weeks |
Scale
Context for planning.
Indicative figures to help you plan. Project-specific numbers are always confirmed in your quotation.
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Distinct editing stages
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Sample words read before quoting
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Named editor on your scope
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Changes delivered tracked
Questions
Frequently asked.
How do I know which level of editing I need?
You do not have to decide. Send the manuscript and a synopsis; we read a sample and recommend the level in writing, including the option of no editing yet if the draft needs more author work first.
Will editing change my voice?
No. Editors work in tracked changes and raise anything that alters meaning or register as a query. You accept or reject every change, and the reasoning is recorded in the query log.
Do you edit translated manuscripts?
Yes. Translated texts are edited against the source by a second editor, and the query log is shared with the translator and the author together.
Is my manuscript kept confidential?
Yes. Files are held in a private, access-controlled store, editors work under a confidentiality agreement, and you keep every right in your work.
Next step
Send a sample chapter for a read
Three thousand words and a synopsis are enough for us to recommend the right editing level and quote a fixed fee.