Careful editing strengthens your manuscript without compromising your unique voice. I provide clear, constructive feedback in all my services, and you have the chance to ask any questions at every stage in the process.
You can request a free 500-word sample edit here
I edit the following genres: YA · Fantasy · Sci-Fi · Dystopian · Horror · Thrillers · Mysteries · Romance (including dark romance and all spice levels) · Non-fiction (health & wellness)
Developmental Editing – £140/$188 per 10,000 words (£0.014/word)
Example cost for a 70k-word manuscript: £980/$1316
For manuscripts that need structural clarity and big-picture refinement.
Developmental editing focuses on plot cohesion, pacing, character development, thematic consistency, and overall readability for your target audience.
You will receive detailed, in-line commentary alongside a comprehensive editorial report outlining strengths, areas for improvement, and practical revision strategies.
This is best suited for early or mid-stage drafts, for fiction and non-fiction authors who need in-depth manuscript critique before self-publishing or submitting to agents.
After developmental editing, you will have actionable feedback to improve your structure, pacing, characterisation, and more. This enables you to produce a clearer, stronger framework with confidence.
Line Editing – £110/$148 per 10,000 words (£0.011/word)
Example cost for a 70k-word manuscript: £770/$1036
For manuscripts that are structurally sound but require stylistic precision.
Line editing refines your writing for clarity, style, and readability, strengthening sentence flow while correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation, all while preserving your unique authorial voice. When line editing, I use The Chicago Manual of Style (US writing) or The Oxford Guide to Style (UK writing) as a basis.
You will receive a tracked-changes copy and a clean copy of your manuscript for full transparency and ease of reviewing changes. You will also receive a comprehensive style sheet outlining the style guide used, grammar/punctuation conventions, a detailed list of characters, any setting descriptors, unconventional words/phrases used in your manuscript, and a chapter-by-chapter summary. Most authors find this invaluable for improving their work.
This is best suited for late-stage drafts and authors preparing for submission or publication of their manuscript.
Proofreading – £80/$107 per 10,000 words (£0.008/word)
Example cost for a 70k-word manuscript: £560/$749
For manuscripts that are nearly publication-ready.
This final pass addresses grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and formatting issues. It ensures your manuscript is clean, accurate, and ready for agents, publishers, or self-publication.
You will receive a tracked-changes copy and a clean copy of your manuscript for full transparency and ease of reviewing changes. You will also receive a basic style sheet outlining the style guide used and any punctuation/grammar conventions in your manuscript.
This is best suited for final drafts, and authors preparing for print or digital release following line editing. This service ensures your book is ready for print-on-demand platforms and eBook distribution.
All services come with the following:
- Free blurb editing.
- Free editing for front matter and back matter (including dedications, acknowledgements, and author bio pages).
- Ongoing email support throughout the process.
- Payment plans are available on all services with a 50% deposit upfront and the remaining balance spread over 3 or 6 months.
- Discounts: If you book more than one service (for example, line editing and proofreading), you will be eligible for 10% off the total cost.
Pricing
All rates are calculated per 10,000 words, with custom quotes available for longer projects. After reviewing your sample, I will confirm the scope, timeline, and total cost before work begins. There are no hidden fees.
Process:
- Contact me to obtain a free 500-word sample edit and a full quote.
- The timeline, total cost, and booking will be confirmed.
- Receive your edited manuscript with clear, actionable feedback.
- Review your edits and ask any follow-up questions.
- Publish with confidence.
If you’re looking for a freelance fiction editor, a developmental editor for novels, or proofreading services for self-published authors, I’d be happy to discuss your manuscript.
If you’re unsure which service is right for you, send me a message and I’ll be happy to help!
Rebecca Holmes Editing 