Use this guide when your manuscript is ready for professional help, whether you plan to self-publish or submit to agents. Have a complete draft, a rough budget and a target publication date. The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading has a directory and guidance on types of editing.
Step by step
Decide which edit you need
A developmental edit looks at structure and content, a copy-edit at language and consistency, and a proofread at final pages. If the structure is not settled, a copy-edit is premature. Be clear which stage you are at.
Find and shortlist editors
Look for editors who work on your kind of non-fiction, using professional directories and recommendations from other authors. Shortlist three and read their websites for experience and processes.
Ask for a sample and a quote
Send the same short extract and a brief description of the book to each. Ask for a sample edit, a quote and available dates. Compare how well they understand your aims, not just the price.
Agree a written brief
Put the scope, fee, payment terms, deadline, file format, style preferences and what happens if the schedule slips in writing. Include whether a follow-up question round is included.
Prepare the manuscript
Send a clean, final draft with consistent formatting and a short style note, such as spelling choices and how you handle numbers and headings. Do not keep editing your copy while the editor has it.
Work through the edit
Read the editor's notes in full before reacting. Accept, reject or query each change, keeping the author's final say. Note recurring issues so you can fix similar problems throughout.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Type of edit chosen
- Three editors shortlisted
- Same sample sent to each
- Written brief and fee agreed
- Clean manuscript and style note sent
- Editing dates in calendar
- All changes reviewed
- Queries sent back in one batch
Practical tips
- Book good editors early, as many are busy for weeks or months ahead.
- Keep the edited file and your accepted version clearly named to avoid confusion.
- Budget for a separate proofread after design, even if you had a copy-edit.
Common problems
The feedback feels harsh.
Take a day before responding. Focus on the problem each comment points to, even if you choose a different solution.
The quotes vary widely.
Check that each covers the same type of edit and word count, and compare sample edits. The cheapest option is not always the best value.
The editor has missed the deadline.
Refer to the written agreement and ask for a revised date. Agree what happens if it slips again.