In addition to our publishing packages, Luminare offers professional editing services at any level you require. We suggest that, at a minimum, every published author have his or her manuscript copy edited by a professional, and that the final copy be proofread before making the book available for sale.

For a detailed analysis of the need for editing, read this article by Carol Fisher Saller, a senior manuscript editor at the University of Chicago Press, who offers great insight into the process.

How much will editing cost?

Type of editing



Editing price
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The different types of editing

Here are the various editorial services we offer. (Parts of the following have been excerpted with permission from the Northwest Independent Editors Guild.)

Copy editing is the minimum level of editing that a manuscript will need before publication. It includes any or all of the following:

  • Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage while preserving the meaning and voice of the original text
  • Checking for or imposing a consistent style and format
  • Querying the author about redundancies, apparent errors, or inconsistencies
  • Cross-checking references, art, figures, tables, equations, and other features for consistency with their mentions in the text
  • Preparing a style sheet that documents style and format, proper names, and unusual spellings
  • Preparing a manuscript for the next stage of the publication process

Proofreading is the reading of the typeset book (the proof) and is done by a copyeditor as a final check before printing. Proofreaders will adhere to the book’s style sheet and double-check that the correct copyedits are in place.

Line editing includes copy editing as well as a more substantial examination of the manuscript in order to improve it in any or all of the following ways:

  • Identifying and solving problems of overall clarity or accuracy
  • Suggesting reorganization of paragraphs, sections, or chapters to improve the order in which the text is presented
  • Offering possible approaches for rewriting segments of text to improve readability and flow of information
  • Suggesting text revision for any or all aspects of the text to improve its presentation
  • Consulting with others, if necessary, and suggesting solutions for issues of concern

Be sure that you and your editor are in agreement on the work to be done by following these guidelines:

  • Determine the scope of the response you are seeking: do you want someone to correct grammatical errors, comment on character development, suggest rewording? It’s important that your editor knows what you want edited, and that you both agree on how you would like the changes noted in the document.
  • Agree on a price, either per word or per page. If you agree on a page price, each page should be formatted in Times New Roman, 12-point with 1-inch margins on all sides. There’s no point in paying more if you like to work in a larger font, and conversely, no using a small font or narrow margins to decrease the page number.
  • Request a sample edit of ten pages. Should you choose to have Luminare copy edit your book, we will provide a sample before you engage our services.
  • Agree on a style book to use as a guide. Book publishers typically use the Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Request that the editor provide a final style sheet, specific to your manuscript. This should include a list of proper names, unusual spellings, and any style or formatting issues particular to the manuscript. Feel free to use these to guide you should you hire your own editor, or see Luminare rates above.