13 Editors for Self-Published Authors + Hacks for Finding More
Bella Rose Emmorey
book editor, rogue behaviorist, digital marketer, writer, brand builder, plant aunt, and cheese enthusiast.
Editors aren’t all created equally. And yes, you do need your book edited, especially if you want your book to be well-reviewed and not contribute to the (thankfully) dying reputation that self-published books are all trash.
Editors are important for more reasons than just those.
Even if you $ self-edit your book$ , you can’t experience your book for the first time. Meaning, you’ll be blind to opportunities to improve the book and fulfill your goals for it. Not only do editors polish up that one specific project, but good editors help you become a better writer.
But if you’re self-publishing, you don’t have an editor assigned to your book the same way you do at a publishing house. You have to do the finding yourself, and that’s where we come in to help.
Below you’ll find 13 editors, their rates, and their specialties.
TIP: Before you hire an editor, give your book a good self-edit with this $ editing checklist$ . This can trim down the cost of a professional edit.
Reliable Editors for Self-Published Authors to Hire
Most of these editors are small scale, which in my world is typically synonymous with better-than-huge-companies. So you’re likely to have a more intimate (aka personalized) experience.
As with any recommendation, do your own research to make sure the editor suits your specific needs and goals. These editors have been vetted digitally, but I have not personally used all of them. (That would be hella expensive, and I haven't written enough books for all that.)
Request your sample edit if they offer it, and go with someone who not only specializes in your genre, but who you feel confident working with.
1. Bella Rose Pope
Ha! Isn’t that the author of this blog post? Yes. Yes, it is. I’m an editor, and you can hire me to edit your book! I know what you’re thinking: Doesn’t this make the blog post seem self-serving? And to that, I will also say yes. I'm also a digital marketer—what can I say? ;P
Now, I’m currently editing a decent amount of nonfiction, but am also looking to edit romance novels and fantasy.
Specialities: Instructional design for teaching-style nonfiction. Basically, if you want to teach a reader something specific or ensure they get the takeaway you’re after, I can help.
Rates:
- $.02 per word for copyediting
- $.03 for developmental editing.
- $.042 per word for both bundled
2. Motif Edits
Shavonne runs Motif Edits, a small-scale editing company in the process of expanding. She’s edited well-rated books like Mortality Bites and is a go-to rehire for many authors. That means her work is great, and she tends to work with authors long-term. Whether an editor has repeat customers is a great way to gauge their quality.
Plus, Motif Edits offers 1,500 word sample edits to determine if you’re a good fit to work together.
Specialties: While she doesn’t have a specialty listed, it’s clear she does quite a bit of urban fantasy, along with romance.
Rates:
- $.025 per word for line editing
- $.03 per word for line editing + proofreading
- $.035 per word for developmental editing
3. Bluebonnet Editing
Annette, a Texas-based editor, is the owner of Bluebonnet Editing where she not only edits novels, but offers coaching packages. She also offers writing and rewriting services if you’re looking for someone to truly take over your manuscript.
Specialties: Her website lists memoir, fiction, and nonfiction as her specialties, so further inquiry will be needed to determine specifics.
Rates:
- $.02 per word for copyediting
- $.03 per word for developmental editing
- $.04 per word for line editing
4. Shadowcat Editing
If you’re the type to have your cat nearby (or even on your desk, like I do now) when writing, you might find this editor a fit! I’m a fan of distinct branding, and this editor claims to help you make your book perrrrfect.
They didn’t spell it like that, but man, what a missed opportunity!
For real, though, Robin is the editor here, and she’s been writing forever. She’s a member of ACES: The Society for Editing and has several great testimonials.
Specialties: urban fantasy, thrillers, romance, self-help, memoirs, and finance.
Rates:
- $12 per 1000 words for manuscript assessment
- $20 - $30 per 1000 words for line editing
- $14 - $25 per 1000 words for copyediting
- $12 - $14 per 1000 words for proofreading
5. Magic Words Editing
"Transform your words into magic" makes it clear who this editor is for. Shawna works with writers looking to self-publish, as well as traditionally published authors. She’s a member of all kinds of editor associations and has a timeline of when she’s open for booking available at the top of her website.
Specialties: fantasy, sci-fi, horror
Rates:
- It looks like you have to first submit before getting the prices for each service
6. Starweather Press
This editor is Heather A. Busse, based out of Minnesota, where she not only edits, but runs the blog on her site for helping fiction writers grow their craft.
Specialties: no specialties listed other than fiction, but has information for nonfiction and business books as well
Rates:
- $.015 per word for fact-checking (nonfiction)
- $.02 per word for proofreading
- $.025 per word for structural edit
- $.025 per word for copyediting
- $.025 per word for line or style edit
- $.025 per word for for organizational (nonfiction)
- $.035 per word for for developmental editing
- *specialized rates for bundle options*
7. Lora Rovegna Proofreading
If you’re looking for a last step after a developmental edit, or don’t want the developmental edit in the first place, this editor might be your best match!
Lora offers proofreading and copyediting services and has plenty to offer.
Specialities: romance, erotica, historical, suspense, and young adult, as well as memoir, autobiography, and self-help
Rates:
- $.012 per word for proofreading
- $.015 per word for copyediting
8. Mountain Creek Book Services
Kara runs this book services company, so she’s more than a book editor. Her services range from book coaching, designing, to yes, book editing. You can see testimonials and a list of books to peek at to decide if she’s right for you.
Specialties: memoirs, biographies, creative non-fiction, and fiction
Rates:
- $300 for an overview manuscript critique
- $600 for a comprehensive manuscript critique
- $.045 per word for line editing
- $.06 per word for developmental edit
9. Literary Pearl Editing Services
Meghan Kleinschmidt is the editor here, and she offers any editing services you might need. While she takes on most types of books, she does have a limit to the spice level, so erotica writers are likely suited better elsewhere.
Otherwise, give her a shot and see if you’re a good match to work together.
Specialties: YA/NA fantasy and romance, contemporary romance, cozy mystery, mystery/thriller, urban fantasy, and literary fiction
Rates:
- $2.25 per 1000 words for proofreading
- $5 per 1000 words for copyediting
- $6.50 per 1000 words for line editing
- $8 per 1000 words for developmental editing
- $10 per 1000 words for line and copy editing package
10. Editing 4 Indies
Specifically for indie publishers, this editor can help you get your work up to standard at a reasonable rate. Plus, you can peek at their client roster to get a good idea of what types of books they cover and how those books performed.
Just remember, though, that a book’s rating isn’t always reflective of the editor. But well-rated books typically have good editing.
Specialties: none listed, but check the site for the types of books they have listed under "clients"
Rates:
- $10 per 1000 words for two passes of line and copyediting
- $7.50 per 1000 words for one pass of line and copyediting
11. By the By Editing
Sarah will edit your story and make it shine. After raising her three boys and volunteering at their schools, she’s decided to shift into a career of editing fiction. You’ll see great testimonials and some of the books she’s edited on her site to peruse for yourself.
Specialties: romance of any kind, including contemporary, fantasy, historical, or paranormal and any spice levels
Rates:
- $.015 for line editing
- $.02 for developmental and line editing
- $200 for 50,000 words or less beta reading
- $300 for 50,000+ words beta reading
12. Anima Editing
Anima Editing is run by Crystal, who’s been editing since 2017. She has plenty of testimonials listed for you to take a peek into the world of the writers she works with, as well as a portfolio and which type of editing she performed for it.
Specialties: none are specifically listed, though the website linked here is for fiction books, as she has another one for $ nonfiction$ .
Rates:
- $.007 per word for proofreading
- $.0085 per word for copyediting
- $.0135 per word for line editing
13. Jennifer Kay Davies
Jennifer offers several services, book editing being one of them! While she offers formatting and manuscript critiques, she also includes the other editing needs for indie authors.
Specialties: none listed
Rates:
- £8 to £15 per 1,000 words for proofreading
- £12 to £25 per 1,000 words for line and copyediting
- £15 per hour for formatting
- £400 for up to 60k words manuscript critique
- £500 for up to 80k words manuscript critique
- £600 for up to 120k words manuscript critique
Other Methods for Hiring Book Editors
Going through an individual editor (rather than a bigger company or website) is the best way to hire, because they keep all the income (which can mean a lower cost for you). That said, you can use other websites and apps to find editors, but those host sites will keep a percentage of the profits.
Here are a few other ways to find book editors:
1. $ Reedsy$ : This site has a ton of information and tools for writers, but their book $ editing roster$ is one of the better ones. Here, you can search for a lot of specific criteria, request quotes, and see reviews in one place. Keep in mind that Reedsy will take up to 10% of the fee when you book editing through them.
2. Upwork: $ This site$ has long since been used for freelance writers, editors, designers, and one-off contract work. The tricky part here is ensuring the work is trustworthy. Follow the guidelines on the website and look at the reviews thoroughly.
3. Fiverr: Just like Upwork,$ this is a site$ where freelancers can sign up and make themselves searchable. Include genre specifications when seeking an editor and look at the reviews.
4. Facebook Groups: If you want to work directly with an individual and bypass the extra fees, opt for looking in Facebook groups. You can create posts in general writing groups or find groups specific to certain types of editors. Ask for editor recommendations for your criteria and let the recommendations come in. After all, if an editor is recommended by another writer, chances are they’re at least trustworthy in doing the job.
As with any of these, make sure you vet the editor thoroughly, especially in places like Fiverr and Upwork. While cheaper rates might be nice, that may be due to the editor not being a native English speaker, which is often a big need for many authors. Always read the rules and regulations of the websites.
Getting a quality editor is important! If you find one you like that makes you a better writer, hold on tight and try to work with them long-term. The better an editor knows you, the more they’re able to improve your writing.
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