What Is Book Editing?
In a nutshell, the editing process takes an author’s work and prepares it for publishing. And while that process does correct typos, it is so much more! Editorial services will help turn your manuscript into the best version it can possibly be, whether that be via manuscript or developmental editing, beta reading (considered a lighter version of manuscript editing), line edits (sentence-level review), copy editing (technical/grammar), or final proof. It is the secret magic that will keep your readers engaged in your book! And this will lead to better reviews, more sales, and happy readers that will come back for more of your work!
Our Editing Services:
◦ Line Editing Services
◦ Copy Editing Services
◦ Beta Reading Services
◦ Proofreading Services
◦ Bundled Services of any of the above
Line Editing vs. Copy Editing vs. Developmental Editing: What's the Difference?
Manuscript or Developmental Editing
Does the book work? A deep dive into the plot, character arcs, and pacing of a manuscript. This stage should be done early on in the review process, to allow authors the chance to fill plot holes, build out characters, and structure scenes/chapters in a way that flows best for a reader. A manuscript or developmental edit will be a longer process (usually at least 8-10 weeks), and an editor will provide a thorough write-up that breaks down feedback in detail.
Beta Reading Services
A lighter version of does the book work? Considered a “light” version of manuscript editing, where a reader will study the manuscript, looking for things like: obvious plot holes, descriptions or plot points that require more clarity, pacing, engagement, etc. A typical deliverable for a paid beta reader will include a short writeup with detailed feedback on what works or doesn’t work. Note: there are volunteer beta readers to be found, but there are as many cons to engaging a volunteer as there are pros.
Line Editing Services
Is the writing engaging and effective? This type of edit really focuses on tone, flow, voice, word choice and syntax, to ensure maximum impact of your writing. This tends to be one of the more subjective parts of editing. A good editor will make sure to ask you about your personal writing style, so that their recommendations fit your voice.
Copy Editing Services
Is the book readable? This is where an editor fixes grammar, incorrect syntax, cleans up idioms usage, word choice consistency, punctuation, etc. Most editors will have a preferred style guide they use, such as the Chicago Manual of Style. There are also regional conventions to consider that will impact word choice and spelling. A good editor will ask you which ones you prefer.
Proofreading Services
This is your final check! Typos, formatting issues, and any other last-minute corrections before a book is published.
Editing for Independent & Self-Published Authors
Traditionally published authors, those that go through one of the larger publishing houses or their imprints, have the luxury of a publisher that handles all the prep to get a book ready for sale. Those that publish independently or self-publish may not have that same option.
Every step of the process for a self-published author must be done by them. And not all of the items that must be done are areas of expertise for writers. That’s where our publishing services come in! We help de-mystify the process, handle most of the editorial services you will need, and do it at a price that is affordable for someone that has to pay out-of-pocket for getting their books out into the world!
How to Hire a Book Editor: Our Process
Why Authors Trust TDragon's Professional Editing Services
I am a part-time editor, offering my services at a significant discount to market rates, in order to help other indie authors afford this process. The indie author community works best when we all help each other, and I dearly want to help you find the best version of your work possible!
As a side note, I am also an indie author, so I understand both the importance of editorial services and how they can be cost prohibitive to writers who want to publish, but have a hard time affording everything required to self-publish a novel.
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I offer a free sample edit for any potential client, to ensure we are a style and personality fit. This can be 1-2 chapters or up to 5,000 words completely free, which is enough for you to grasp how I edit and how my style translates to editing your work. No commitment is required for a sample edit, and both parties are able to walk away from a sample edit if the fit isn’t quite right.
I am also always happy to refer you to other editors in my network, if my genres or style are not a fit for your needs. At the end of the day, I care about you finding the help you need. That may not be me, and that’s okay!
Most editing services go chapter-by-chapter, page-by-page, line-by-line, and word-by-word through your manuscript. It is time consuming, often requires multiple re-reads, and requires an editor to be flexible to the individual styles of their clients.
Now, think about how long it took you to write your book. To put your story on paper and to shape and craft it into something you think readers would like…if you do not have an editorial, communication, or a grammatically-focused background, wouldn’t you want that added insurance that readers will get the most out of your work?
I may choose to add these services in the future, but given how delicate and time-consuming they are, I would prefer to focus my attention on services I can reasonably accomplish for clients, given I am only a part-time editor.
My specializations are fantasy, science fiction, and romance (including their sub-genres), as these are the genres I write myself and read most frequently. I am also knowledgeable in contemporary fiction, young adult, and poetry. My current clients span: paranormal romance, dark romance, mafia romance, fantasy and romantasy.
I am relatively new to the freelance space, and as a part-time editor, I only take one client at a time.
Bundled Line + Copy Editing + Proofreading: 7 works across 4 authors
Beta reading only: 4 completed, 1 in-progress
Proofreading only: 1 completedI am happy to provide references directly, if requested.
I have a Creative Writing major, an M.B.A., and have taken editorial certification classes.
I have almost two decades of experience in corporate communications, including Senior Executive and Board of Director-level comms.
I am also an author, myself.
* I do not work with clients who use generative AI in the creation or marketing of their work.
* I do not work on erotica. Spicy novels are fine, but true erotica is not my expertise.
* I am not a sensitivity reader, so while I am comfortable with sensitive topics, I am not an expert in most and cannot advice on accuracy or effect. But if I ever see something in your manuscript that might need to be checked by a professional sensitivity reader, I will let you know.
* I am not a fact-checker. If I see something that I happen to know is wrong, I will absolutely let you know, but that is the extent of what I can offer.
