I'm a passionate believer in the importance of editing and I frequently get asked for recommendations for copy editing, line editing, and proofreading as well as how the process works.
You can find my list of recommended editors below. They cover the spectrum from developmental editing, through copy editing and line editing, to proofreading. I either know them personally or they have been recommended by readers of this blog/other authors.
Here's more detail on how to find and work with a professional editor.
You should assess what you need against what each provides as well as the cost. Also, consider your timings. You'll need to book editing in advance as professionals are always busy.
** Please note: Rates may change over time – please check the editor's site for up-to-date pricing **
Recommended editors with a professional vetting process
[Please note: I am an affiliate of the following services because they are excellent quality and have been recommended by readers of this blog. That means I receive a small % of the sale for the referral, but at no extra cost to you. Thanks for checking them out!]
Reedsy has a marketplace of vetted editors with experience in every genre. Click here to check out their options. They also have book cover design and marketing professionals and use an extensive vetting process so you can be sure of the quality.
New York Book Editors. A team of professional editors who have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry as well as offering services to indie authors. In-depth manuscript reviews, manuscript critique, comprehensive edit, proposal edit, copyediting and ghostwriting.
More recommended editors
Ebook Launch. Copyediting and proofreading for fiction and non-fiction. (Affiliate link)
Alastair Humphreys. Developmental editing, manuscript critique, consultation.
The Blue Garret. Content editing, copyediting and proofreading with Kristen Tate. [Listen/read an interview with Kristen here.]
Jericho Writers. Editorial options as well as courses for writers.
Mark Posey at Stories Rule Press – Editorial services for new and experienced authors. Developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
Brit McGinnis at Black Bow Communications. Editing. Content audit.
Writership – Partial and full manuscript critiques as well as editing services.
Certified StoryGrid Editor list – includes manuscript evaluations, help with getting unstuck, and 1:1 consultations.
Howard Lovy — Developmental editor who specializes in memoir, business, history, and other nonfiction. He also provides editorial assessment and coaching services.
The Book Editor Show. Editing podcast and also a group of editors offering services including developmental edit, beta read, 10 page review or critique.
Line Upon Line Services – Arnetta Jackson offers proofreading and line editing services. Arnetta proofreads the Penny Appleton books for my Mum. She is very professional and detailed in her feedback.
Jeremy Bassetti – Specializing in travel and nature writing, memoir, or anything with a strong sense of place.
The Novel Doctor – Steve Parolini. Editorial review and other editing services.
Victoria Mixon. Fiction and non-fiction editor handling all types of projects. Extensive information about what you can expect here.
Roz Morris: Book doctor/ Manuscript consulting. Book doctor, developmental editing, manuscript consulting, coaching, copyediting, proofreading. Full details here.
Liz at LibroEditing.com Liz does copy-editing and proof-reading for me and does a great job. She also does transcription work. Non-fiction proof-reading and copy-editing. See here for more rates.
Editcetera. Enabling freelance editors to meet the right authors.
Sarah Kolb-Williams : Editorial assessment, editing, proof-reading, and back cover copy/bio. Prefers science-fiction.
The Literary Consultancy – Manuscript editing and assessment, plus more tailored options.
The History Quill. Specialist historical fiction editing. Offers content editing, coaching, copy-editing, and proof-reading.
Harry Dewulf. Story development, editorial assessment, content editing.
The Book Butchers. ‘We slaughter your writing, so it can rise in glory from the ashes.' Copyediting and proof-reading. Manuscript editing for authors also has bonuses like keyword research, back cover copy help and discounts on book cover design.
The Writer's Workshop – manuscript assessment and editing
Organizations:
Editors Association of Canada: https://editors.ca
Professional Editors Association of Vancouver Island (PEAVI): http://PEAVI.ca
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP): https://www.ciep.uk/directory/
Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders and Indexers (AFEPI): http://www.afepi-ireland.com
Editorial Freelancers Association http://www.the-efa.org/
The Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd) www.iped-editors.org
Other Editors:
Deborah Bancroft. Editor and Writing Coach. DeborahBancroft.com.
Jodie Renner. JodieRennerEditing.com. Manuscript editing and critiquing.
Proofreading by Wendy. http://wendyproof.co.uk/
Debra L. Hartmann, The Pro Book Editor. Editing, proof-reading, manuscript critique.
Edit911.com – A variety of editing services by PhD editors
Joy Tibbs. Joy of Editing. Editing and proofreading
PenUltimate Editorial Services. Arlene Prunkl offers freelance editing, proofreading and manuscript evaluations.
Howard Mittelmark. Editorial services including developmental editing and line editing.
The Expert Editor. Based in Australia but available to authors globally. Academic, business, book and ESL editing.
Book Helpline – story advice and text editing. Story analysis, content edit, copy edit, proofread services available.
LiveWriteThrive – CS Lakin is an author and editor. Critique, editing and proof-reading available.
Sue Copsey – Author and editor. Structural and developmental editing as well as proof-reading.
Helen Baggott. Proofreading and copy editing.
Coinlea Services. Copyediting and proofreading. Layout formatting. Technical writing.
Katharine D'Souza. Editorial services including structural editing, quick critique and copyediting.
Katie McCoach. Freelance developmental book editor working with traditionally published, self-published, and first time authors.
Maya Rock. Book editing services. Editorial letter. Line editing. Writing coaching. Synopses. Query letters.
Jessi Rita Hoffman. Professional Book Editing. Developmental editing, substantive editing, copy editing, ghostwriting, proofreading, and author coaching.
M.L. Davis. Last Stop Editing Academic editing, copy editing, beyond proof-reading.
Global English Editing Specialist editors. Affordable rates.
Editor Deluxe. Helping authors with their finished manuscript or their writing goals to go where they want to go: having a finished, polished manuscript ready to be published.
Leigh Hogan. Quality editing for the golden age of indie publishing.
Sally Vince Editorial. Proofreading, Copy-editing, Editing, Writing and Rewriting.
Megan at Extra Ink Edits Combining college teaching experience, editing and writing knowledge to help you perfect your writing through professional editing services!
Cassandra Dunn Editing Services 20 years of professional copyediting experience, an MFA in creative writing, and years of experience in publishing.
Zero027 Editing and Proofreading
Thelma Mariano Editor for women's contemporary fiction, manuscript editing as well as initial story critique
Close Readers Group Full spectrum editorial services
Fiction-Atlas Press LLC Editing, Book Cover Design, Marketing and Publishing
Charlie Wilson, Landmark Editorial. Ghostwriting, Developmental Editing, Copyediting, Proofreading and more.
Carrie O'Grady, The Hackney Fiction Doctor. Expert, friendly editing service and literary consultancy
Anna Proofing Proofreading and Editing Services
Christina O'Shaughnessy – Worldwide Writing. Developmental editing, copy editing and proofreading. Specializing in non-fiction.
Julie Gray Story & Substantive Editing for fiction and non-fiction manuscripts from a Hollywood perspective
Athans & Associates We will find your best voice, not just your best book.
Victory Editing Helping you put your best book forward.
Ashley Conner Your Editing Solutions Partner. Professional. Efficient. Reliable.
ServiceScape Freelance Editors
Bear's Editing Manuscript assessment, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading for reasonable, guaranteed rates.
Writing.co.uk Literary Consultants and Professional Book Editors
Elizabeth Buege – Critiques and editing. Ghostwriting for non-fiction
Lee Clarity Consulting Your book. Your voice. Made its best.
Editage Book Editing, Translation, and Cover Design Services
Invisible Ink Editing Lose the errors. Keep your voice.
Enago English editing service.
Shayla Raquel Developmental editing, content editing, copyediting and more.
Deborah Bowman Editing, Proofreading and Publishing
Valerie Francis Certified Story Grid Editor
Michael Mohr Professional Book Editor
Dickson Telfer Editing and Proofreading
Jess Beebe, Waxwing Book Studio Developmental Editing and more
Savannah Gilbo, Certified Story Grid Editor
A New Look on Books Freelance editing
Lopt & Cropt editing services Editing and other services for romance authors
The Quantum Cat Reasonably priced editing by CK Gurin
Book Editing Associates Find the perfect book editor for you.
Ginger Moran Developmental editing.
Editing for Indie Authors and Self-publishers Affordable fiction editing for independent authors.
The Darling Axe Manuscript development by editors who are also award-winning writers.
David Haviland Writer, editor, and literary consultant.
Natasha Raulerson Editorial services.
Top Shelf Editing Proofreading, line editing, and content editing services.
Ethos Writing Books written, edited, and designed for print.
Taylor Your Writing Editing and proofreading with Georgette Taylor
Bridget Gevaux English Proofreading and Editing
Kristen Hall-Geisler Editing for fiction and nonfiction, especially works translated to English.
Taylored Content Specializing in non-fiction book editing with an emphasis on business-related content.
Affordable Editors Bringing perfection to your passion.
Bespoke Writer Christine Editing and proofreading.
Kendall Ashley Creative Content Editing. Content Creation.
YA Book Editor Children's and Young Adult book editing.
Victoria Goldman Writing. Editing. Proofreading. Reviewing.
Nerd Girl Edits Fiction Editing, Proofreading and Manuscript Assessment. Unlock your book's potential.
Kristin Noland The Honest Editor.
The Literary Gamut Agency Editorial services for literary works.
Stephanie Lehmann Author. Editor. Book coach.
Samantha Hanni Specializes in non-fiction copy editing for new authors.
Lyss Em Fiction editing for romance and erotica authors.
I.M. Proofreading So you don't have to.
Aryl Edits Let's make your book shiny!
Novelty Editing High quality novel editing at an affordable price.
Fabled Planet Specialist fantasy and science fiction editing. Offers content editing, line editing, copy-editing, and proofreading.
Kuttura Proofreading & Editing Full manuscript critique, content editing, copyediting, story development, editorial assessment, proofreading, and other editing services.
The Copymancer I make things better.
The Word Slayers We'll kill all your darlings and then give them a literary resurrection.
Ashleigh Bonner Developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, copywriting. Books, blogs, websites. Turning messages into masterpieces.
Sarah Chauncey Developmental editor and storytelling coach for memoir and nonfiction.
Jamie Fleres Editing that makes your stories and ideas shine.
London Proofreaders Quality proofreading services UK.
Heather Sangster (Strong Finish). Manuscript evaluation, substantive editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, and production support.
Iris Marsh Edits. Developmental editing, copyediting, line editing, proofreading, chapter and manuscript critiques.
Debbie Emmitt. Editor, proofreader.
Hatters Editorial. Fiction and non-fiction proofreading.
R. Jean Mathieu. Editing services.
Jenn Lockwood. Copyediting, proofreading.
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1 2 3 … 6 Next »Do you have any suggestions for someone with an interest in BECOMING an editor for other writers?
Hi Alex, probably follow http://victoriamixon.com/ and have a look at her blog - but I don't really know about this :)
Thanks so much for this list. I have been stuck with a finished manuscript for 2 years now for lack of wisdom on this point and today, I selected a editor and am on my way again. Thanks.
Do you have a similar list of recommendations for book marketers as after I am published, I will be looking to possibly outsource marketing as I still have a day job?
Hi Craig, I generally recommend that people do their own marketing - after all, no one knows your book better than you (or cares more!)
Here's a stack of stuff on book marketing for you:
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/marketing/
Hi Ms. Penn, if you're still reading this section -- To quote from the musical von Trapp family, I am sixteen going on seventeen... and going for broke. I don't have that kind of money to spend on a worthwhile editing service. Do you know if editors are willing to work on a sliding scale or with payment plans for poor folks like me, or am I out of luck because the up-front cost needs to be paid in full? :(
Please don't say "get a day job." Writing is my job, and it's a lot more enjoyable and fulfilling than the stress I'd have to endure at Mickey Dee's or going to high school. I of course plan on doing edits of my own, but it's not likely that at any point in time I'm just going to have three grand to bandy about. Is there any hope for people like me (aka "the ninety-nine percent") who just can't afford the pros but nonetheless want to aim high? :(
There are lots of options for young writers - grants, competitions and organizations that aim to encourage and help you in the process. Here's a post that points to some of them:
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2011/07/20/resources-for-young-writers/
I hope that helps!
Joanna, After enjoying & exhausting all your podcasts on a long road trip, I've taken to exploring your site. Yours is the most relevant site for indie authors. You are the BEST!
Hope this comment is somewhat relevant at this late date: Agreed, all indies should hire a pro.
To help me determine the best one, I emailed five authors from each prospective group to ask how they viewed their experience. (I had not run across your friend at WinningEdits.com at that time.) I went with, TheEditorialDepartment.com, because they had 20+ years experience and all of their published authors said it was worth twice what they paid-no reservations or hesitations. To me, referrals and testimonials are the best way to determine value over price.
Thanks for creating such a great site.
Very valuable information here! Thanks for providing this. I'm working my way through the links and videos (love your accent, by the way). I've bookmarked this page for when I'm ready to begin vetting editors (hopefully, early next year).
Hi Jo,
Thanks so much for the list it's really helpful adn has saved us so much time. You're right about booking them in advance Steve Parolini, who I was very impressed with, is booked up until next April. Yikes, think we might need to re-think the timeline for Mikes first book launch if others are equally busy (note to self, plan a bit further ahead, Doh!).
Did chuckle at the irony...checked out Bubble Cow and found 3 typos in their paragraph on detailed line editing and not sure if it's intentional. I sent them some email feedback so hopefully they'll change it, but thought you might want to know if you're recommending them. I know it's not always easy to be squeaky clean and things get missed, but if they don't proof read their own website, not sure i'd trust them with a manuscript.
Thanks so much again for all the great value add on the pro-writers course. Mike and I would be scuba diving the murky depths without a reg if it weren't for you :)
Hi Jo and anyone else reading this worried about BubbleCow by my last comment.
Since sending my email feedback to them, I got a reply almost instantly and they've already corrected the typos on their site, so hurrah for good customer service :)
p.s I had to chuckle at myself as re-read my comment above and noticed two typos so i'm not that squeaky clean either :)
Hi all,
I am a freelance editor looking for work--preferably new fiction writers. Please contact me for more information and/or a quote.
alliejflowers@gmail.com
A very useful list. I have finished and won the NaNoWriMo of this year and i'm entering the editing process. I have an alpha and a beta readers, I've already taken some notes for my futur edit jot down more idea. I want to make it professionnal and i can't seem to find any good local (Québec) ressources. Do you know any (french)canadian editor?
Joanna, what would I do without you?
Thank you so much for this! : )