Recommended Book Editing Services: Your Secret Weapon Writerful Books, 5 November 20245 November 2024 As an author, finding the right book editor can feel like navigating uncharted territory. It’s fair to say that most authors rely on Google searches when looking to hire a book editor. Yet, the overwhelming presence of sponsored ads and algorithmic biases can obscure the true gems amidst the plethora of book editing services. While Google offers a convenient way to find services, it can sometimes lead authors down a path that prioritises large, corporate service providers over smaller, more personalised editing services. This can be an unwise move, as it often leads to a less than ideal editing experience and a subpar final manuscript. The Dominance of Sponsored Ads and Search Engine Algorithms The dominance of sponsored ads and search engine algorithms significantly influences the visibility of different editing services. Large companies with substantial marketing budgets can easily outbid smaller, independent book editing services, pushing them to the top of search results. Search engine algorithms by their very nature prioritise websites with high traffic and authority, favouring well-established companies. As a result, smaller, independent book editing services, who often offer more personalised attention and tailored services, may struggle to compete in the digital marketplace. This can be detrimental to authors seeking a truly collaborative and supportive editing experience. The Drawbacks of Large, Corporate Editing Services While large, corporate editing services may seem appealing due to their brand recognition and extensive resources, they often come with certain drawbacks. These services may prioritise efficiency over quality, leading to a more standardised, template-driven approach to editing. Also, their higher overhead costs may result in less competitive pricing. While the allure of cheap editing services on large platforms might be tempting, it’s crucial for authors to exercise caution. These unregulated services often lack the expertise and professionalism necessary to provide high-quality editing. Inexperienced editors may introduce errors, inconsistencies, and stylistic flaws that can undermine the credibility of your work. Investing in a reputable book editing service ensures that your manuscript receives the attention and care it deserves, leading to a polished and impactful final draft. The impersonal nature of large, corporate editing services can hinder the development of a strong working relationship between the author and the editor. This can be particularly important for authors who require a high level of support and guidance throughout the editing process. The dominance of these larger editing services has led to a race to the bottom, where companies prioritise quantity over quality. In an effort to attract more clients and maximize profits, these services often hire less experienced editors who rely on automated tools to streamline the editing process. This approach can result in rushed, superficial edits that fail to address the nuances of individual manuscripts. As a result, authors may end up with a finished manuscript that does not meet their expectations. The Advantages of Smaller, Independent Editing Services In contrast, smaller, independent editing services such as Writerful Books offer a more personalised and tailored approach to editing. Our services are run by experienced editors with decades in the industry who are passionate about their craft and committed to helping authors achieve their goals. By working closely with each author, independent editors can gain a deep understanding of their unique vision and writing style. Independent book editing services are more flexible in terms of pricing and payment plans. We are able to offer competitive rates and customised packages to meet the specific needs of each author. By building a strong working relationship with a book editor, authors can benefit from a more collaborative and supportive editing experience. How to Hire a Reliable, Experienced Book Editor When searching for a reliable book editor, it’s important to prioritise quality over quantity. While Google Search may be a starting point, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and consider other factors, such as recommendations and online reviews. Here’s what our authors had to say.. - Jennifer B. Thank you so much. This feedback was extremely helpful and I think it will be crucial in assisting me to tell the story I want. I greatly appreciate it! Sincerely, Jennifer Byrd - Jennifer B.Read Moreread less - Liljana F. Thank you so much - this is exactly what I needed to be able to improve my manuscript. Your notes are well-considered, and I believe they'll be tremendously helpful. Now to begin the rewrite...Thanks again, Liljana. - Liljana F.Read Moreread less - Matthew L. Very many thanks for this - hugely appreciated! I am grateful both for your highly encouraging compliments and your suggestions for improvement. I do know what you mean about the danger of repetition with the animals chapters - I had looked at them to try and avoid that happening but I’ll go back and look again! Originally it was one long chapter but I split it up so that it didn’t get in the way of the chronology. I shall ponder and play around with it! Meanwhile, I’m delighted you found it so relatable and that it made you laugh! Many thanks again for your work and kind wishes. Matthew. - Matthew L.Read Moreread less - Jodi L. I just read your comments and am feeling deeply grateful. You've given me a new confidence that the subtleties I was hoping to convey are coming through to a caring and thoughtful reader. I will certainly work on the few words you suggested reconsidering. One one of them ("knacker") I was wondering about myself ... whether it had too many other meanings to be clear in that context. Indeed I struggled with hating to use the language of the era, but knowing it was how the characters would speak. I am glad you felt that was a reasonable choice. Also, as this was a new epilogue (after several tries that weren't working all that well), I am quite grateful that you've given it a stamp of approval. I do feel that I'm finally ready to send this book to agents... to let it out of my own little world. It's been a very long road of discovering this challenging craft, and readers like you make it worth it. Many thanks to you, and I quite expect I'll get back in touch for the next one. Rinse and repeat.... that's a writing life! - Jodi L.Read Moreread less - Morgan G. Thank you again for taking the time to look over my work. I never thought it would actually go somewhere so I'm beyond excited to have a stranger think it has potential for more. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Best Wishes, Morgan - Morgan G.Read Moreread less - Russell T. Thank you for the assessment. I will make some of the changes you suggested and go forward. I don't know if the work is good enough for publishing, either by a commercial publisher or by self-publishing. Do you think I should try to publish it? Thanks for your input. RT - Russell T.Read Moreread less - Hugh A. Thanks for your report and your encouraging remarks, as well as your advice and criticisms. Your detailed comments under the various headings are invaluable to me. I accept your point about the beginning, introducing the protagonist rather than the protagonist. I’ll work on it. [...] As for the other issues that you’ve highlighted, I’ll work through the story and fix them as best I can. - Hugh A.Read Moreread less - Philip K. Hello Declan – I have been through your further assessment, thanks for those insights I can certainly work with those and will follow up on the contacts you suggest asap. I’m pleased to report that after many months of research and writing I have finally been able, this week, to self publish on Amazon the novel named “Treaty or Treason”! A close call with Penguin Ireland sadly didn’t work out for traditional publication. I would like to pass on particular thanks to Declan at Writerful Books (Dublin and Melbourne) who assessed the manuscript and helped me with many comments and kept me trudging or swimming on. Some famous author once commented that writing a book is like swimming the English Channel, you don’t know where you are, don’t know how far you have come or how far it is to go, but you have to keep swimming! Couldn’t agree more. Philip Kerrigan. - Philip K.Read Moreread less - Terry M. Very helpful, I'll read through your edits a few times and may step into Gus' shoes as you suggest and try the three act - although I have possible further incursions in mind for a second book, if I ever write one. Wish me luck, it was all OK when I was writing for family and friends and children's books for grandchildren - who will be gentle with feedback - and when I made the foray into a novel I knew I was not well positioned - I really did write it for a circle of people who would be used to and appreciated my sense of humour and 'who cares about structure' etc. But I will move outside that circle and rewrite. You have been helpful in giving me that kick. Regards, Terry. - Terry M.Read Moreread less - Margaret D. To cut a long story short. Could you improve the story and if so what would it cost me to do so. I'm thinking that a bit of tweaking will help the story tremendously. Margaret - Margaret D.Read Moreread less - Paul B. Declan, just read your report. I'm hugely relieved by your comments. Thank you so much for your thorough assessment. I'll ensure you get a mention in the acknowledgements. - Paul B.Read Moreread less - John D. That’s terrific, exactly what I was hoping for (would have been better if I’d sent the final edit version). I would like to purchase another $110 worth in a couple of weeks, if available. John Dawson. - John D.Read Moreread less - Mark M. Hi Declan, what can I say? I'm thrilled and flattered by your response to the book, and I can't thank you enough for your thoughtful commentary. The report was so well structured and insightful, extracting multiple examples and delving deep into the complexities of the characters and plot and themes and subject matter... I don't know how you were able to process everything so quickly but I'm beyond impressed. I almost wish I had more work for you! So please feel free to weigh in on the other aspects! 😉 As you know, I was hesitant to get into the report... partly because you turned it so quickly I assumed you had a miserable experience! but mainly because it's difficult for me to anticipate or accept any form of praise after so much rejection (even more difficult to actually feel authenticity from someone you *hire* for their feedback). That said, and at the risk of overusing superlatives myself, I am appreciative of your work and your in-depth attention to the story---for both what was on the page and not. [...] I digress. In short, thank you for giving me a bit more confidence in what has so far been a soul-bruising journey. Looking forward to your thoughts. Cheers, Mark - Mark M.Read Moreread less - Danielle B. Thank you so much for your detailed responses to all of my specific questions and also your general feedback! This all helps SO much. The two most important things I took from your feedback was that 1.)[...] I just thought of some scenes/ideas of how I can do this so now I just have to write them out and see which ones work best 🤞 2.) There needs to be a stronger hook in the first chapter. I can see now that where I started the story probably isn't the best place to start it. And 3.) there definitely needs to be downtime between the intense scenes. Someone actually suggested this to me before but I was wary because I was afraid of slowing down the story and boring the reader but I think I just have to figure out a balance. [...] Best, Danielle Brown - Danielle B.Read Moreread less - Liljana F. Writerful Books’ comprehensive manuscript appraisal was exactly what I needed to take my work to the next level. Declan’s thoughtful comments and practical advice helped me pinpoint issues with my characters, structure and style that I wouldn’t have picked up myself. I’m very happy with the constructive criticism I received, and now feel more optimistic about the future of my book. Thanks again! - Liljana F.Read Moreread less - Tom F. Sorry it has taken so long to get to you. I’ve been swamped with day-job work. I also want to thank you for reading and providing thoughtful comments. - Tom F.Read Moreread less load more We take pride in offering high-quality book editing services that are tailored to the individual needs of each author. Our experienced editors are passionate about helping authors bring their stories to life. By choosing Writerful Books, you can rest assured that your manuscript will receive the attention and care it deserves. Why Work With Us? The dominance of sponsored ads and search engine algorithms can make it challenging for authors to find the best editing services. While large, corporate editing services may have a strong online presence, they may not always be the best option for every author. We are an independent book editing service provider that offers a more personalised and tailored approach that helps our authors achieve their publishing goals! Hire a Book Editor Here! Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastEmail *Service Required *Beta ReadingCopyeditingDevelopmental EditingLine EditingManuscript EvaluationManuscript AssessmentSensitivity ReadingOther ServiceCountry / Currency *Australia (AUD)Canada (CAD)Ireland (EUR)United Kingdom (GBP)United States (USD)OtherTurnaround Time *Wordcount *Any Questions?For example: specific areas to request the book editor focus on.Submit Your Manuscript Click or drag a file to this area to upload. WebsiteSubmit * We respect your privacy and will always protect your copyrighted work. We accept manuscripts from authors in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States. Articles Book Editing ServicesHire a Book Editor