You've written a book. Now you need an editor who gets your vision and your budget. Here are five services worth knowing.
The Evolving World of Book Editing
Book editing has moved from traditional publishing houses to a vibrant freelance and boutique market. Authors now have more choices than ever, from solo editors to full-service platforms. This shift means you can find tailored support for developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading, and even ghostwriting. But with more options comes the need to choose wisely. You want an editor who understands your genre, your goals, and your timeline. The five services below represent different models, each with its own strengths.
How We Evaluated These Services
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, and fit for different author needs. For Sasha Knight, we noted the personal, freelance approach and focus on book editing. Book Butchers stood out for its comprehensive packages and free sample edit. Mary Kole Editorial impressed with its depth in children's and YA categories. Reedsy offered a marketplace model with transparent pricing and a wide roster. Jericho Writers combined editing with courses and agent resources. Each service has a distinct profile, so you can match it to your project.
Here's a quick look at the five services, their specialties, and who they serve best.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Book Butchers | Authors who want aggressive, comprehensive editing with a free sample |
| HOME | sashaknighteditor | Authors seeking a personal, freelance editor for book manuscripts |
| Mary Kole Editorial | Children's and YA authors needing developmental editing or ghostwriting |
| Reedsy | Authors who want to compare multiple editors and prices in one place |
| Jericho Writers | Authors who want editing bundled with courses and agent resources |
A Closer Look at Each Service
#1 Book Butchers
Book Butchers brings a no-nonsense, meat-cleaver approach to editing. They promise 'more red ink, fewer typos' and offer a free sample edit to prove it. Their services cover proofreading, editing, and manuscript review for both fiction and non-fiction. You can also get help with ghostwriting, book marketing, and cover design. If you want a team that will cut deep to make your book publishable, this is a strong choice. Their website is packed with resources, including writing tips and a blog.
#2 HOME | sashaknighteditor
A screenshot of the HOME | sashaknighteditor website.
Sasha Knight is a solo editor who treats your manuscript with the care of a fellow reader. Her site features testimonials and past projects, giving you a sense of her style and experience. She offers editing services for books and other written works, with a personal touch you won't find at larger firms. The welcome message quotes Betsy Lerner: 'Editors are still the world's readers.' If you value a one-on-one relationship with your editor, Sasha Knight is worth a look. Her site is simple and direct, focusing on the work itself.
#3 Mary Kole Editorial
A screenshot of the Mary Kole Editorial website.
Mary Kole is a well-known name in children's and young adult publishing. Her editorial services cover picture books, early readers, chapter books, novels, and memoirs. She offers both developmental editing and ghostwriting, with done-for-you packages for revision. Her site includes a wealth of resources, like articles on how to revise a novel and how much editing costs. If you write for younger readers, her expertise is hard to beat. She also provides consulting for book proposals and submission materials.
#4 Reedsy
A screenshot of the Reedsy website.
Reedsy is a marketplace that connects you with vetted freelance editors. You can browse profiles, compare prices, and hire directly through the platform. Services include developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and editorial assessment. Pricing starts at $20 per 1,000 words, making it easy to budget. Reedsy also offers writing courses and a writing app to support you beyond editing. If you want choice and transparency, this is a solid option.
#5 Jericho Writers
A screenshot of the Jericho Writers website.
Jericho Writers is a UK-based service with a strong US presence. They offer a range of editing options, from manuscript assessment to developmental editing and copy editing. You can also get an agent submission pack review. Beyond editing, they provide courses, mentoring, and a literary agent database. Their editors are experienced, and they have a track record of success stories. If you want editing plus community and resources, consider Jericho Writers.
How to Choose the Right Editor for You
Start by identifying your genre and the level of editing you need. Do you need developmental feedback, line editing, or just proofreading? Next, consider your budget and timeline. Some editors offer free samples, which can help you gauge fit. Look for testimonials and past projects that align with your book. Finally, think about the working relationship: do you want a solo editor or a team? A marketplace like Reedsy gives you options, while a boutique like Mary Kole offers specialized expertise. Match your needs to the service's strengths.
Streamlining Your Editing Workflow
You can use tools to manage your editing process. For example, track revisions with Google Docs or Scrivener. Set up a shared folder for your editor to upload feedback. Use project management apps like Trello to keep deadlines on track. If you hire through Reedsy, their platform handles contracts and payments. For direct hires, create a simple agreement outlining scope and timeline. Automating these logistics frees you to focus on revisions.
The Bottom Line on Book Editing Services
No single service is right for every author. Book Butchers offers aggressive, comprehensive editing. Sasha Knight provides a personal, reader-focused approach. Mary Kole Editorial excels in children's and YA. Reedsy gives you a marketplace of vetted editors. Jericho Writers combines editing with valuable resources. Consider your genre, budget, and preferred working style. Then reach out, ask questions, and request a sample. Your book deserves an editor who understands it.