You finished writing your manuscript and can’t wait to share it with the world. Wait just a minute, friend. Are you ready for the world to read every word and note your every idea? Chances are you did great and there are no major mistakes. Before you release that manuscript from its protective cocoon, run it by a professional editor first. We can help you clearly communicate your ideas and avoid embarrassment from errors large and small.

The different editing types can be explained similarly to three popular ways to cook eggs:

• Proofreading is akin to cooking a poached egg. It requires dedicated focus but is fairly straightforward. Proofreading covers the final version of your book before it goes to print. Similar to a copy edit, this final run-through double-checks for spelling errors, punctuation mishaps, and poor word choice, with an added layer of a visual check for consistency with page numbers and headings, as well as bad line breaks, etc. Even if your publisher offers an in-house copyeditor, you may benefit from hiring your own proofreader before signing off on the proof. Prices start at $0.035/word or $875 for a 25,000-word manuscript.

• Copyediting is like cooking an omelette. There are dozens of ways to prepare one, and each can be great in its own way. This can range from a simple omelette to one with all of the fixings. Authors rely on copyeditors to get their manuscript in good shape for the publisher. Copyediting covers grammar mistakes, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and issues of consistency in tone or style. A good copyeditor can elevate your manuscript from amateur to professional. Prices start at $0.08/word or $2,000 for a 25,000-word manuscript and include two rounds of copyediting.

• Developmental editing requires the mastery of cooking a quiche. The pieces are all there but you need an expert to bring them together to keep the crust flaky and the ingredients perfectly blended. This is also called conceptual editing or manuscript appraisal. Developmental editing includes a high-level view, focusing on structure more than punctuation and grammar. If you get stuck midway through writing a manuscript, a developmental editor may be able to dig you out and put you back on the path to finishing the book. Prices start at $0.10/word or $2,500 for a 25,000-word manuscript.