Book Editing Services

What are the stages in editing?

Each writer is at a different stage of their writing process and needs different editorial support.

Each of Now Novel's editing packages follow on from each other and we recommend progressing from manuscript assessment to proofreading.

• Comments on the content of the manuscript, including but not necessarily limited to plot progression, characterisation, dialogue, and setting
• An evaluation of the structure of the narrative and suggestions for improvement
• The identification of major narrative issues, including plot inconsistencies or weaknesses
• An appraisal of the manuscript’s marketability, based on the intended audience and genre you identify
• Detailed answers for up to three direct questions you pose
• Advice on how to proceed with submission to traditional publishers or self-publishing

• Also known as ‘substantive’, ‘content’ or ‘line’ editing
• Your editor delves deeply into the mechanics of your story to identify problems and suggest potential solutions in detail
• Your developmental editor will help you finesse plot development and fix continuity problems, characterisation, weak or unnatural dialogue, and other stylistic and structural issues
• Comprehensive consultation with your editor who will help you with the content and style of your manuscript
• It’s an in-depth and lengthy process, designed to help you to produce your best possible work
• Culminates in advice on how to proceed with submission to traditional publishers or self-publish

• Smaller in scope than developmental editing
• Addresses problems with grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Highlights any unclear or awkward dialogue and descriptions (in addition to grammar and punctuation)
• Brings to attention any other stylistic inconsistencies

• It's the least intensive form of editing and thus usually the most affordable per word
• Last step in the book editing process
• Your proofreader will look for small errors that may have slipped through the previous editing stages
• Before proofreading, all manuscripts need to be professionally edited by a developmental or copy editor to ensure larger errors or inconsistencies have already been addressed

When you need editing services for novels, Now Novel will help you polish your final draft. Free novel editing services such as beta readers will help you iron out basic spelling, punctuation and grammar errors. Even fix weaker points in your story. When you hire an editor for a novel, however, you get line-editing insights or hands-on corrections, depending on which editing service you choose. Professional manuscript evaluations, developmental editing, copy-editing and novel proofreading are crucial for a high, consistent level of finesse. Make your final draft novel the best version of your story.