Book editing services offered by
self-publishing companies, POD,
and vanity presses

With the ease of self-publishing, readers are flooded with choices, and the unedited free expression of every wannabe writer gives self-publishing a tarnished reputation. Polishing isn’t just for publishers and agents—it's also for the readers. The solid stories that have been polished with an editor’s expertise will rise to the top through word of mouth and reviews over those that suffer from common writing mistakes.

If you choose a publishing/printing package that includes book editing services, you are taking a leap of faith and may not get the kind of quality attention your book deserves. Book editing is a labor-intensive activity and an art. Most POD or self-publishing companies or “vanity presses” offer editorial services charged at a fixed rate. They operate like editing mills. You have no personal relationship with your editor and no back-and-forth communication. The book editor gets paid only a portion of the total charge and will want to finish up with you as quickly as possible to move on to the next job. This approach treats an organic process as though it is a one-size-fits-all commodity. Almost all books end up needing more attention from a book editor than is at first apparent. Some POD/vanity publishers shop the web for the lowest price "editors" and have no screening process since the hiring agent is not qualified to grade a proofreading or copyediting test.

Before self-publishing, hire an experienced hands-on book editor who will engage in direct back-and-forth communication with you and not rush through your project. This is the only way to ensure a quality product that you are proud to release to the world.

If you intend to self-publish, please see, "It’s the Book Editing, Stupid. Why You Need a Good Book Editor." Excerpt from The Fine Print of Self-Publishing: Everything You Need to Know About the Costs, Contracts, and Process of Self-Publishing, by Mark Levine.

More> Traditional Publishing: Acquiring a Literary Agent or Submitting Directly to Publishers

Writing and Publishing Advice

The Care and Cultivation of the
Author-Editor Relationship

Mark Levine Interviews Lynda Lotman

Need help with your submission? Call 1-855-EDITING (553-3484) Monday - Friday, 10a-7p central.

The coordinator is not able to provide price quotes or turnaround times for the freelance editors in this network but can confirm that your submission was received and expedite responses.