Once you’ve decided what type of editing you’re looking for, it’s important to determine your budget. Whether you’re editing to self-publish or editing to submit to an agent, your manuscript could use some polishing!

Editing prices are all over the map, and knowing what you can afford will help you decide where to look. You might check out the Editorial Freelancer’s Association’s or Reedsy’s calculators to help you decide what’s reasonable for your manuscript. Prices fluctuate with time, genre, type of editing, and number of words, so it’s a good idea to have an understanding of typical ranges. Once you have a number in mind, you might start looking for:

Someone you know personally.

If your budget is very small compared to current market conditions, consider who you know. While professional edits are preferable, it’s not always that simple. Your budget doesn’t have to hold you back from your goal! Do you know anyone who studied English or literature in school? Do you have a friend who proofreads on the side? What about your bookworm cousin?

While you might have to sacrifice on speed and intricacy, a friend-of-a-friend who self-published a book five years ago could be a more affordable option that still improves your writing. And who knows, you might inspire the launch of your neighbor’s new editing company!

A freelancer.

If your budget is small to medium compared to current market conditions, or you’d just prefer to avoid a large company, freelancers are the winners. There are many freelancing websites where you can browse people and services, or you might find a small editing company.

The pros of freelancing websites are that your money is protected should something go wrong, and you have many potential editors all in one place. The pros of a small editing company are that they’re frequently more affordable than freelancing websites, which charge fees on both ends, and that you have more direct contact with your editor, something freelancing websites limit.

Freelancers vary greatly in terms of skill, pricing, and professionalism, so take your time to find someone who specializes in your genre, gives you a clear quote and timeframe, and has a reputable portfolio of past work. (Some might even have scholarship and discount programs. You’ll never know if you don’t ask!)

An editing company.

If your budget matches current market conditions, or you’d just prefer a traditional editor, consider an editing company. These companies have many reputable, educated editors on staff so you can be matched with the perfect one for your work. This is a great option for authors looking to build industry credibility, especially those who want to publish traditionally. (If you decide to go with an editing company, make sure they’re a real company. It’s easy to get scammed as an independent author!)

Whatever route you decide to take, your opening message might look something like this:

[Greeting, name!] [Introduction if necessary] [Confirm that you’re interested in developmental editing/copy editing/etc] [Offer some brief details about your manuscript such as the genre and word count] [Ask if they offer samples] [Ask for a price quote] [Thank them for their time] [Signed, name.]

Whatever your budget looks like, you can find a great editor. You’ll know you’ve found the right one for you when you get a friendly response, a price quote that fits your budget, turnaround that suits your schedule, and a sample edit that makes your writing better. It’s okay to try out multiple editors before making a final decision.

(By the way, an editor may or may not charge for a sample edit.)

In the coming articles, we’ll be addressing some more of the most frequently asked editing questions from new (overwhelmed) independent authors.

• I’m scared for people to read my work.
• I can’t afford any of this!
• What is an advance reader copy?
• Can I format my own book?
• What is a vanity publisher?

~Allison of Sigmon Editorial

From idea to ISBN, Sigmon Editorial’s got your back.