After you’ve let your manuscript rest, and tweaked what you wanted to tweak, it’s very important that you acquire a second pair of eyes. The most common thing to do is hire an editor, which you can do through several different platforms, such as Reedsy (where I go to hire mine).
There are a few different types of edits, and they have different prices depending on what you’re looking for:
Developmental edits ($0.025 - $0.055 / word): These are the most expensive kind, but can really help new authors hone their craft. During a developmental edit, your professional will help you with more structural details of your story, resolve plot holes, help flesh out characters, and any other story-based edits that need to happen.
Copy edits ($0.020 - $0.030 / word): These are the most common edits, and your professional will go through your manuscript line by line and resolve grammar issues and spelling issues. It aims to refine your voice, maintain consistency, and improve clarity. This is the best edit to use if you’re already seasoned in authorship and want to improve your prose.
Editorial assessment ($0.015 - $0.030 / word): This is a full manuscript overview that is typically anywhere from 2 to 5 pages in length that will be delivered as an editorial letter of feedback. It’s goal is to help provide direction for your story.
Proofreading ($0.015 - $0.020 / word): This is one of the more inexpensive costs, where your professional will go through final edits and correct small spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Fact-checking (cost varies): This type of editing is great for nonfiction or historical fiction novels that rely on facts. A fact-checking professional will ensure that all your facts are accurate.
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