An Ode to Affordable Book Editing

A key consideration for many book authors when it comes to professional editing is affordability. Book authors may have big dreams, but most aren’t yet as wealthy as JK Rowling.

Most book authors aren’t as wealthy as her!

Professional book editing can be expensive. If an editor spends three weeks dissecting your book, looking at language, structure, flow and character development, the cost could easily exceed $5000. Some authors require this level of service and are happy to pay for it. For many others, however, it’s unaffordable.

I think a “typical” author – one who has written a book and wants it to be successful – requires book editing that is more affordable. In their eyes, professional editing is mandatory before they present their book to an agent, publisher or straight to the (e)printer. However, they can’t necessarily pay an exorbitant amount for it.

This is where an online editing service can be useful. They’re generally a more affordable option than a freelance editor or editing provided in house by a traditional or self-publishing service.

Online editing services have a bad wrap in some quarters. A few churn through work, using substandard editors that are cheap to employ. I’ve spoken to enough authors to realise that some online editing companies provide a poor service.

However, not all online editing companies are like this. Some are affordable and provide a very compelling book editing service. How?

Firstly, they use quality editors that can genuinely help make a book successful. Exceptional editors are attracted to working for an online service. They get to work from home. More importantly, editors receive regular work and don’t have to spend a dollar advertising or marketing themselves in a pretty competitive industry.

Secondly, an online editing service offers greater flexibility. They generally have a large number of editors on their team, and someone will usually be available to begin work immediately. If an author has a short deadline for publication, this is particularly helpful.

The key question is how to find a quality online book editing service that is affordable. My advice is to do your research. Use Google and speak with other book authors. Most importantly, probe editing companies via email and ask them questions. It’s your book, after all, and an editor should always accommodate an author.

The following should be key considerations in choosing an online book editing service. Will your editor be a specialist book editor? Will the company tell you who is doing your editing, and the editor’s experience and background? What sort of editing will they do – copyediting, developmental editing or mere manuscript proofreading? How do they define each service? Do they have a history of successful work? You have to be an informed consumer.

If you’re a book author who values affordability when choosing a professional editing option, don’t overlook online editing services. Do your research and you’ll find one that is right for you – in terms of affordability and the quality of editing they’ll provide.