Manuscript Editing and Proofreading Services
Fiction and Nonfiction
Mainstream, Genre, Trade, Academic
20,000+ published books, articles, stories, poems, scripts, and screenplays edited
Literary attorney available to review your contracts with agents and publishers
Your work is treated with the highest editorial & ethical standards
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Note: Price quotes and time estimates for individual editors cannot be given over the phone or via chat. This is a network of freelance editors with varying prices and work schedules (see our FAQ). To obtain a price quote please follow the procedures listed on our quotes page. Contact live support if you do not receive a response within three hours. It is possible that your submission was not received. You may also page the network coordinator by leaving voicemail or sending a fax to 469-789-3030. Disclaimer: Your agreement, whether oral or written, is with your freelance editor / proofreader / writer, not with the freelance network as a whole or its coordinator. |
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Articles Is There a Poet in the House? The Publishing House, That Is
Fiction or Nonfiction: True or False?
The Little Problems that Count in Writing
Five Fiction Mistakes that Spell Rejection
Print on Demand Demands Editing
Out-of-this-World Editor
Choosing an Editor for Your Science Fiction Manuscript
Why Use A Copyeditor?
How (and Why) to Choose a Copy Editor
The Difference Between Agents, Publishers, and Editors
Characters & Storytelling Ask An Editor
Spice Up Your Dialogue
Traditional versus Self-Publishing
It's All a Matter of Style
Can Your Novel Survive the Editorial Process? Can You?
The Stepchild of Literature
Seven Essential Points on Literary Agents
Scene Checklist: The Big Twelve
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Mini FAQ What's the average word count of a manuscript written by a first-time writer? * mystery -- 60,000 to 80,000 words; Note: The industry standard for a page is 250 words. Do agents or publishers require that manuscripts be professionally edited? No. If the manuscript you submit is clean and ready to go, our editors will let you know that editing isn't needed. If we find errors/typos in your sample, we'll suggest a once-over before submission. Do freelance editors help writers find agents/ publishers? Generally not. It's an ethical gray area. See our main FAQ. Can I find an editor who, instead of charging me, will settle for a percentage of what my book sells for? No. The term for that is "on spec" (speculation). It is basically asking the editor to work for free. There's no guarantee that a book will see a profit (or even be published). |
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Book reviews by our editors Carr, David. The Night of the Gun: A Reporter Investigates the Darkest Story of His Life—His Own (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2008). O'Donohue, John. To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings (Doubleday, 2008). |
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Book Editing - Fiction and Nonfiction Manuscripts Manuscript Proofreading, Copyediting, Developmental Editing Book Critiques / Evaluations Ghostwriting Book Proposals, Query Letters, and Synopses |
Publishing / Self-Publishing Guidance Technical, Medical, Scientific and Business Writing / Editing Scholarly Journals and Textbooks Website Copywriting and Content Editing / Proofreading Scripts & Screenplays |
About Us
Book Editing Associates is a network of professional writers and editors. They are chosen and retained in the network through a rigorous process of screening, testing, and monitoring. The freelance editors and writers who apply to join must have over five years of experience and a track record of editing traditionally published books (as opposed to vanity or self-publishing). Applicants take several editing and writing tests. In this network, editors may offer only the services in which they excel. Only 2% pass the proofreading test, and they alone may offer that service through the network.
"Copyediting" is a term with numerous interpretations. It is often used interchangeably—and incorrectly—with "proofreading." The use of a service agreement, required of every consultant in this network, will clearly define the services offered and the limitations of that consultant (e.g., a developmental editor may not offer "proofreading" services).
The network coordinator monitors feedback submitted by clients. Repeated (legitimate) negative feedback results in removal from the network. Due to monitoring, this rarely occurs.
Feedback about this network as a whole is posted below.
NOTE: If you do not request contact with specific editor(s), your submission will be sent to several editors who might be a good match for your project. You will receive direct contact from the editors. You are never assigned an editor. Final choice of editor is yours. Your agreement, whether oral or written, is with your freelance editor, not with the network as a whole or its coordinator.
You've probably heard what you're up against. Publishing houses receive hundreds of submissions each day. The eyes of an in-house editor are trained to crush the weak and champion the strong. If you're an unpublished writer, your manuscript should be polished and presentable before trying to get your foot in the door.
You want the publisher to be captivated by your writing, not assaulted by a litany of mistakes. You may have a terrific story, and even have the talent to tell it, but it's your errors that will stand out to the publishing professional.
Literary agents are not book editors, but they appraise your submission with a critical eye and will not submit to any publisher a manuscript that isn't ready. An ethical literary agent will, instead, return it to you and suggest you retain a professional book editor.
Many manuscripts need more than error correction. Substantive editing of a fiction manuscript includes structural and organizational editing with regard to character development, plot, exposition, dialogue, and other critical literary elements. Nonfiction books may also need additional levels of reorganization or rewriting for clarity and logical flow, along with other important aspects beyond simple copyediting.
A manuscript should be noticed for its content and quality. Being noticed for wrong word choices, fuzzy thinking, convoluted sentence structure, stiff and unrealistic dialogue, and point of view flip-flops is not the way to win friends and influence people.
In short, the final part of the writing process is having a professional book editor and proofreader (not your neighbors or your kid's English teacher) polish the manuscript before it's offered to an agent or publisher.**
No editor can guarantee publication, but if you want your work to have the best chance of being read and considered seriously--and if you are open to other opinions about your work--we'll be glad to help you work toward that goal.
** Note: The editors in this network will turn down your manuscript if they do not see a way to improve the material. In this case, however, they might offer mentoring as you learn the craft. They will also decline to edit your manuscript if they determine that your work is in such good shape that paying a freelance editor would be a waste of your money. Although they believe that every manuscript should be read and critiqued by someone other than the author, it may not be necessary to pay a professional to find the few flaws and kinks in an excellent manuscript.
Feedback about our network
"We will use Madge for all our indexing whenever she is available ... It seems strange to be writing this, since I am a member of the network, too (currently on hiatus to do this work). But I know from experience on both sides of the fence that network members are always the best. We also hired a copyeditor for these books through the network, and she is outstanding, too." Faith Brynie, editorial director, The Healthy Travel Company
"As the network coordinator I wanted to thank you for providing an awesome pool of editors for me to choose from." Ryan D. Eldridge, VP Business Development, Financial Freedom Controls
"I was pleased at the speed of contact of the network, and at how well they matched my needs. They got my work into the hands of a consultant that handled my work not only professionally, but also gave my valuable insights and feedback." John DeJordy, Quality Assurance, RCN
"[H]e actually read what I was saying. In doing so, he was able to edit (by rephrasing, adding/deleting) my paper to make it more concise and professional. He returned my work quickly, and provided as much feedback and interaction as I needed...I would also add that I could have found a cheaper price elsewhere, but experience with on-line editing has taught me that getting the cheapest editing isn't worth the money." G. Mahoney (contact info on request)
"Thank you for the wonderful response to my query about editing my manuscript ... The three editors I requested all got back to me within one day with kind and thorough bids. I appreciate that you made it so easy for me to contact these highly qualified professionals." Elaine Rhodes
"Lynda, I have had several responses, and they have all made great suggestions. Now the only trouble is choosing one... At any rate, I really appreciate your help. Because of you this very scary step was made with ease." Martha June Kirby
"Thank you so much for promptly forwarding my email to the various editors. I got some great responses ... I'm looking forward to breathing some new life into my project. Your web site has been of huge service to me, and I'm grateful to you for that." Marcia Augustine
"With a couple a bad experiences under my belt, I was very impressed with your professionalism. The coordinator was most helpful. ... My editor gave the most prompt and comprehensive answers to all my questions, was always available for consultations, and returned the work BEFORE the agreed upon deadlines. Her sense of humor and patience, added to her most proficient editorial skills, turned this project into a most pleasant experience." Contact information on request
"I have received three responses within twelve hours, and am writing to say how pleased I am to have found such an organized association to search for an editor." Anita B.
"I cannot commend the network highly enough for the level of professionalism and customer service of its associates. Best wishes, Martin Walker"
"WOW! Talk about prompt, efficient and thorough service... It was a difficult choice... so much talent on offer. I am very impressed. Thank you." Lee K. Curtis, Northern Correspondent, Wildlife Australia Magazine
"Thank for guiding me towards a great person, someone I feel very at home with. Your level of service is 2nd to none." D.J. Churcher, UK
"You've already done the background work. We just have to pick one and go with it. So easy." Achuth Menon
"The site made it easy for me to have access to many experienced editors and then choose the one that best fit my work. It made me feel much more secure in my choice." Joshua LeBlanc
"I think this is a well organized editing group. Everyone I have been in contact with has been very knowledgeable and professional." Deneene
"Thank you for your email and professionalism, which is quite refreshing in these days of impersonal e-business. Thus far, your service and contractors are remarkable! And I will be very, very pleased to recommend you to others here in Saudi Arabia where outsourcing of English material is very much in demand." RD Muslim
"If Linda is an example of the quality of people in your organization, then the services you offer are TOP NOTCH!!" Debra Cree, utilities co. rep.
"Just a quick note to let you know of my very positive experience with two editors. Both responded extremely promptly to my original letter and to subsequent emails. Their work was of exceptional quality and I had a good, strong ethical sense from both, as well. They were consummate professionals. I had a difficult time deciding between the two. They both represented your service well! Thanks." Bart Borsky
"I was extremely pleased with expedience of the network. Everyone was friendly, helpful, accommodating, and supportive. There was not one bit of the network I was displeased with or uneasy about from the first day I found the site." Joshua Miller
"I had a wonderful experience thanks to your service! Please keep up the good work." Marianne Bellotti
"Floyd did an outstanding job with my manuscript, his attention to detail, knowledge, and professionalism surpassed my expectations. I could not have been happier with the final product, or picked a more qualified editor to work with. I'll definitely be using his services again in the future." D. W. Naef
"I am currently working with Tim on my children's book, and he is proven to be an absolutely OUTSTANDING editor!! I am thrilled you have brought such top-notch editing talent together into a one-stop-shop for writers!" (Contact info on request)
"I am most impressed with the network—and my consultant. The process is handled in a most professional manner, and the editing and suggestions were right on target." Eve Carr, freelance writer
Network coordinator: Lynda Lotman
Lynda Lotman has earned a sterling reputation in the publishing industry—for good reason. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering business integrity have won her the respect of her peers and the admiration of scores of contented authors. Lynda rigorously tests all prospective editors seeking to join her networks and closely monitors client feedback so she can confidently assure authors looking for editorial help that they'll find only cream-of-the-crop editors and writers in her freelance networks.
Fiction
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Nonfiction
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The Bottom Line
Top-Notch Writing Assistance, Book Editing, Proofreading,
Book Design, and Promotional Services at Affordable Prices
Although our quality and ethical standards are among the highest in the business,
our prices are not.
Our goal is the best possible service at a reasonable price.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation
sample edit and estimate
Be Informed
Remember to check Preditors & Editors before contacting a book editor, agent, or publisher
WritersWeekly.com Warnings
Writer's Union - Writer Alerts!
Absolute Write - The Bewares Board
Copyright Violations
The owner of a site is responsible for the material on the site, even if another person/company built the site. A copyright violation by an editing or writing service is extremely serious, therefore a listing here may be permanent. Consider this a "hall of shame."The following sites/site owners have taken copyrighted material from our various sites:
Magic Graphix and HelpPublish.com (both registered to Yvonne Vermillion)
Editordesk.com
Writers-Publish
ClarityEditing.com
BlueStocking Ink Limited
Kama Creative
Asian-emphasis.com
The Mystical Indian
J Allan Writing and Design Studios
Hi-Tech Export (India)
In-the-e-zone (Kathryn Laskowski)
Bob Miller Writes
Adventures in Great Writing (Karen Vertigen)
Harbor Lights Press
EverythingEditorial.com
Across The Board Communications
InternetBusinessAngels.com
multitaskofficesolutions.com
Prizewriter.net
internationallinx.com
educationalwriting.net
futureimpressions.org
The Learning Achievement Center (http://www.tlac.ca/html/index.php)
Removed from this network: Angela Faith Brown
Please contact the network coordinator if you can provide location/contact information.
Link Partners
Alliance of Statistics Consultants
WritingNetwork.com
APAWriting.com
Editing-Writing.com
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