How to Hire a Book Editor
If your manuscript feels more like a collection of thoughts than a book — and you’re quietly Googling “when should I hire a book editor for my manuscript?” or “how do I hire the best editor for my book?” — you’re in the right place.
Many authors — especially those self-publishing — aren’t sure when or how to bring in professional help. Should you hire an editor after finishing your first draft? Or do you need to finish all of your revisions, first?
Self-publishing a memoir? Wrestling a novel into shape? A good editor can save your draft — and your sanity. This guide unpacks everything you need to know about book editing services — from the types of editing your manuscript might need to how much freelance book editors charge, and how to hire the right editor without losing your mind (or your plot).
As a developmental editor and ghostwriter with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped Olympians, founders, and authors shape their stories — and I’m here to help you get clarity on your next steps, too.
The 3 Types of Book Editing Explained: Developmental, Line Editing, and Proofreading
If you’re looking for book editing services, it helps to understand what kind of support your draft actually needs. There are three main types of editing:
1. Developmental Editing
This is my specialty — big-picture editing services that help shape your story’s structure, themes, and emotional arc. Think of a developmental editor as your story partner: someone who can spot pacing issues, unclear character arcs, or scenes that don’t land emotionally.
Years of breaking story in writers’ rooms when I worked as a TV writer in Hollywood taught me how to structure narrative arcs that keep people turning pages — whether they’re binge-watching or reading on a beach. That means I approach editing with a strong sense of narrative momentum and reader experience. Writers are often too close to their own work to know how it truly lands — which is where a great developmental editor can make all the difference.
If you’re self-publishing, you’ll want to hire a developmental editor after you’ve written a full draft — ideally the most complete version you can produce on your own. If you’re aiming for traditional publishing, developmental editing can significantly improve your chances of landing an agent or book deal.
Want to learn more about developmental editing? I wrote an article all about when (and how!) to hire a developmental editor here.
2. Line Editing
Line editing is a close-up edit that polishes your language, sentence structure, and flow. A good line editor will flag awkward phrasings, repeated words, and inconsistencies. They won’t fix your story’s structure — but they will flag every awkward sentence and gently rescue your manuscript from overused metaphors and accidental eye color changes.
Some line editors bundle light proofreading into their services, but they’re primarily focused on clarity, tone, and voice. If you’re self-publishing, it’s ideal to hire a line editor after your developmental edits are complete and your structure is solid.
3. Proofreading
The final step. Proofreaders catch grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors before your book goes to print. They won’t change your sentences — they’ll just make sure you’ve dotted every “i” and closed every quote.
I always recommend hiring a separate proofreader, even if your line editor offers one last pass. Extra eyes = fewer Amazon reviews complaining about grammar.
How to Hire the Best Book Editor for Your Self-Published or Traditionally Published Book
Finding the right editor isn’t just about cost — it’s about chemistry, communication, and genre expertise.
Here’s what to look for:
Genre experience. Especially important for developmental and line editing. Editors familiar with your genre know the conventions — and when to break them. They’ll also know when your medieval fantasy novel has used a word or popular idiom that doesn’t belong in a world pre-Internet, or when your memoir could benefit from acknowledging the moments when you’re not being honest enough about your experience.
Clear communication. Your editor should explain their process upfront and offer a contract or agreement that outlines what’s included. You’ll also want to make sure you vibe with them on your initial Discovery Call!
Aligned values. You want someone who respects your voice and vision while offering honest, actionable feedback. Take a look at your editor’s portfolio, website, and past work. Does your book sit well with what they usually work on? Do they seem like a reliable professional with a polished online presence?
Browse their website, book a call, and trust your gut. A good editor’s site should reflect care, clarity, and — let’s be honest — a total absence of Comic Sans.
What Do Book Editing Services Cost?
The truth is: it depends. But here’s what you can generally expect — especially if you’re looking to work with experienced professionals:
Q: How much does developmental editing cost?
A: My developmental editing rates start in the five figures. The price depends on how long your book is, how complex the material is, and how close your draft is to being finished. Some books need a full structural reset. Others just need a sharper frame. That’s why I always suggest sharing your draft first — so we can figure out what kind of support you really need.
Q: Why do some editors charge flat rates instead of per-word?
A: Flat-rate pricing reflects the time and care it takes to elevate your story. It’s not just about word count. It’s about the depth of collaboration and how involved the work is. Some of the best editors I know work this way because it leads to better results and a smoother process.
Q: What should I expect to pay for line editing?
A: Line editing typically falls into the four-figure range. The exact price depends on the shape of your draft and how much polishing it needs at the sentence level — things like tone, clarity, and rhythm.
Q: Is proofreading more affordable?
A: Yes. Proofreading is usually the least expensive stage. It’s the final pass that catches lingering errors, and the cost depends on how long your manuscript is and how clean it is after line editing.
Q: Is hiring a full editorial team really worth it?
A: It is. Strong editing can take your book from “fine” to unforgettable. It protects your reputation, improves your reviews, and gives readers a better experience from page one.
When Should You Hire a Book Editor?
One of my clients came to me with what she called a “disaster draft.” Turns out, it wasn’t a disaster at all — it just needed structure and a bit of coaxing to bring out the heart of the story. That’s the magic of editing: helping you see the forest through the typos.
But when do you need to hire each time of book editor?
Here’s my breakdown:
Developmental Editor. You should pursue developmental editing services once you’ve completed a full draft, or you’re feeling stuck with your structure or other big-picture problems. For memoirs and complex nonfiction, early feedback can save months of rewrites.
Line Editor. Hire a line editor after developmental edits are finished and you’ve revised your manuscript accordingly.
Proofreader. Only hire a proofreader after all structural and line edits are complete — ideally right before publishing.
Each stage builds on the one before it. Skipping ahead too early wastes time and money. Don’t send a rough draft to a proofreader, and don’t ask a developmental editor to fix typos — it’s important to do this process correctly (and in order) to give your book the best shot possible.
Why I Recommend Self-Publishing (Most of the Time)
Even traditionally published books suffer from poor editing — I’ve seen it firsthand. Many publishers cut corners, rush timelines, or assign junior editors with too many books on their plate.
When you self-publish, you get to choose your team — and control the quality. That’s why many of my clients — even those with big platforms who could easily land book deals — ultimately decide to publish independently. You’ll keep more royalties and retain your creative vision.
You can read my self-publishing guide here!
Ready to Hire Your Book Editor?
Ready to take the next step? Reach out below to discuss developmental editing, line editing, or full-service book editing support for your memoir, novel, or nonfiction book:
