Book Editing

Before You Submit

Format Your Document

Use standard manuscript formatting:

12-point Times New Roman
Double-spaced
1-inch margins

Need help? Read this article about manuscript formatting and why it matters.

Choose Your Editing Style

Tracked Changes: Submit a Word doc or Google Docs link. You'll see all edits and comments, and can accept or reject them as needed.

Judgment Call: For shorter documents or ongoing clients. I’ll make clean edits and return the polished version.

Provide an Accurate Word Count

All book editing services are billed by the word.

Please submit a final and accurate (not estimated) word count for the full portion you’d like edited.

Book Editing Pricing

When your manuscript is ready for an editor’s gaze—whether it’s a short story, a novel, or a full-length nonfiction project—Lettal Editorial Services offers a structured editorial process designed to elevate your work at every stage.

You may choose individual services or bundle them together. However, editing phases must always be completed in the following order:

Editorial Evaluation → Developmental Editing → Proofreading

Editorial Evaluation – $0.01/word

A full read-through of your manuscript to identify major issues with:

Plot and narrative structure
Character development and dialogue
Pacing and flow
Tone, consistency, and clarity

You’ll receive margin notes and a summary report of problem areas — it’s up to you to revise accordingly.

This is the first step in the editing process.

Developmental Editing – $0.03/word

A detailed line-by-line edit that improves:

Sentence flow and rhythm
Structural clarity at the paragraph level
Repetition, wordiness, and weak phrasing
Stylistic consistency

Note: This does not address big-picture issues (like plot or character arcs). We strongly recommend starting with an Editorial Evaluation unless your manuscript has already been professionally reviewed.

Proofreading – $0.02/word

The final polish, ideal before printing or digital publication. This includes:

Spelling, grammar, punctuation
Formatting and spacing consistency
Minor syntax fixes or typos introduced in previous rounds

Proofreading should always be the last step, as editing or revisions can reintroduce errors.

Ready to Make Your Book Its Best?

No matter where you are in the writing process—first draft, post-rewrite, or nearly press-ready—Lettal Editorial Services is here to help you bring clarity, polish, and professional finish to your manuscript.

With a transparent, staged editing process and flexible service options, you stay in control of your project while gaining the benefit of a skilled editorial eye at every step.

Whether you need big-picture insight, sentence-level refinement, or a final proofing pass before publication, you’ll receive feedback that’s honest, useful, and aligned with your goals.

Your writing deserves to be taken seriously. That starts with the right editor.

Start Now