A team of PhD expert fiction and nonfiction book editors dedicated to perfecting your book

Since 1994, our editors and proofreaders have helped over 50,000 authors with writing, proofreading, publishing, and manuscript editing services. You write it and we can perfect it!

Our affordable book editing services are available 24/7. We provide structural, developmental, line and copy editing customized to your needs and publication desires.

We transform writers into authors!

Welcome to the FirstEditing Team.

Why not just self-edit your book?

As an author, you are often just too close to your work to see clearly what needs to be done to take your book from good to great. After all, you’ve been living the subject matter and plot line for months, if not years!

That’s where our professional book editing services come in. It’s our job to clean up and critique your work. We get you onto the author’s career path. We not only improve your finished book, but we also help you avoid future snags and become a better writer overall.

Helping writers from Australia & New Zealand

We believe in personalized communication and customized consultation and support. These aspects are often mentioned in the reviews we get. Our director of customer service, Kathy, usually gets very positive feedback from our clients for her quick and professional responses and customer dialogues. Unlike other companies, we would like to talk to you!

Our latest reviews

“Fantastic work. Clear notes and recommendations.”
Andrew Metford, Australia
“What i liked most was that the constructive criticism felt genuine. My editor had a way of informing me of what was holding back my writing and what I needed to do in a way that was uplifting and positive, making me want to go that extra mile to pursue ...”
Nathan Geraldton, Australia
“The free sample that FirstEditing provided of my work enabled me to see the quality of work that the team offered and gave me the peace of mind to order their help in editing my work in full. FirstEditing packages are affordable and Dr Michael's critique of the manuscript, as ...”
Kate Bigola Plateau, Australia
“Professionalism was excellent and also exceeded the deadline.”
Susan Hawera, New Zealand
“I appreciate the total professionalism of Lee Ann. Her editing was not just helpful, but her comments helped me correct a lot of my faults. I have had several books now edited by Lee Ann and the high consistent quality is outstanding.”
AD Dunedin, New Zealand
“the quality of the counsel and advice. recommendations to re-sequence the chapters and when to introduce characters was exactly the professional advice I needed.”
Dan Auckland, New Zealand

Fiction Book Editing

Fiction authors benefit most from a structural story edit by a Certified Story Coach. Our vetted, professional editors are the first in the world to receive StoryCoach certification. They successfully provide the most comprehensive structural editing. We use an objective approach to evaluate every detail of your story. You receive an in-depth edit and book review. This includes a professional summary letter with a review of over 38 writing elements within your story.

Our fiction editing method includes critiquing your story arc and assessing your key scenes. Chapter strength is determined by the word count of each scene. We compare this with the key characters and their participation in the scenes. We then confirm the themes and balance of your novel.

We outline exactly where, why, and how you need to make revisions to strengthen your presentation. We take our time reading your story and providing solid feedback. This is all embedded in your document and presented via our licensed professional editing software.

Are You a Fiction Author? – I am a storyteller and require an assessment of my plot, characters, setting, and overall story arc. I want reader engagement and require an editor experienced in professional critiques and fiction publishing.

Read more: Fiction Editing Services
Basic

Copy Editing

Your final edit before formatting and publishing

Recommended ONLY for confident writers who have completed all revisions

Necessary as your last edit before formatting

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Standard

Line Editing

Line by line editing of your revisions

Recommended before you share publicly

Necessary before submitting to literary agents or beta readers

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Executive

Content Editing + Rewrites

All-Inclusive, Done-For-You (DFY) Content Edit with up to 20% sentence rewrites and in-line critique

Recommended for in-depth editing and extensive writing support with corrections which are Done-For-You (DFY)

Necessary when you need English writing help & comprehensive editing, plus honest feedback with professional in-line critique of your overall presentation

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Coaching

Developmental Story Editing & Critique

Evaluates the big concept of your story and answers the question “Is it any good?”

Recommended for feedback from a Certified Book Coach. Get an in-depth substantive edit to better structure and develop your story. You will also receive a professional summary letter critiquing your entire presentation.

Necessary for strengthening your story, while REVISING and organizing your narrative. Get a Certified Book Coach to assess and strengthen your storytelling.

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Basic Copy Editing

Basic Copy Editing includes checking your grammar, spelling, and punctuation for accuracy; ensuring consistency in your writing’s word choices, style, and compositional spacing; and eliminating jargon and repetitious words.

Basic Copy Editing is your FINAL edit after multiple revisions. You request this level when you are done. You have no further changes planned before formatting, proofreading, and then publishing.

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Standard Line Editing

Line Editing is your ideal choice when seeking professional editing services for ongoing revisions. Your Line Editor addresses your writing style, creative content, and use of language at the sentence and paragraph level.

Line Editing focuses on how you communicate with your reader. It corrects your sentence and paragraph structure, checks for subject-verb agreement, and inserts transitional phrasing as appropriate. Standard Line Editing includes our Basic Copy Editing services (correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage; eliminating jargon and repetition; ensuring style consistency; and adjusting compositional spacing). Line Editing is a more technical editing style which adheres to your chosen style guide.

Your professional line editor improves the continuity and flow of your writing and support statements. You also receive in-line editorial remarks, suggestions, and feedback throughout your manuscript.

Line Editing is the writing industry standard. Publishing agents and university professors recommend this as the minimum level of professional editing prior to submitting for review and consideration.

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Advanced Content Editing

Content Editing is your ideal choice for completing your manuscript’s first draft when you desire honest feedback and thorough professional guidance on your overall presentation. Choose content editing for your first round of editing and always prior to peer review or public distribution as it is comprehensive.

Content Editing critiques your written presentation, flow/continuity, and consistency of thoughts. Your content editor provides professional, structural assessments and feedback on your manuscript throughout your document’s comments section. It ensures support of all statements, and it provides formatting according to industry style guides, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, etc. Your content’s structural edit includes basic copy and standard line editing which corrects spelling, grammar, and punctuation; reviews your word choice; eliminates jargon and repetition; guarantees writing consistency; revises inappropriate verb tenses; and inserts transitional phrasing.

 

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Executive Content Editing + Rewrites

Executive Content Editing is your ideal choice for advanced English editing corrections. This in-depth writing assistance encompasses Content, Line and Copy Edits for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and consistency of verb tenses.

You get our in-line professional Editorial Critique of your English writing strengths and challenges. You will receive sentence rewrites of up to 20% of your entire document, when necessary.

Executive Content Editing ensures you have a smooth English presentation which reads easily. Your in-line editorial critique evaluates your writing’s overall substance, organization, and presentation. You have insight into your writing, along with improvements made on your behalf. Upon completion, you can use the positive professional editorial commentaries to enhance your book marketing.

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Coaching Developmental Story Editing & Critique

Get a Developmental Edit with a Certified Book Coach who evaluates your story and gives you professional insight and instructions at the highest level. Strengthen your story arc, character development, and plot. We use a checklist of 38 elements for every scene for an objective edit to show you exactly where and how to strengthen your writing.

Our Certified Developmental Editors structurally organize and professionally critique your manuscript’s story. You get a high-level, substantive review with specific feedback for making revisions. Your book coach helps strengthen your presentation before you contact an agent. This allows you to overcome rejection due to common foundational weaknesses. Get help from an experienced publishing professional first.

Receive an in-depth Developmental Edit with analysis of your writing, reader engagement, and structural strength, plus a professional summary letter critiquing your entire presentation. The Developmental Edit includes an outline of your story arc with instructions for improvement. We also confirm your 5 key scenes and show you how to create the ideal story form. You receive a comprehensive evaluation of the word counts per scene and per character. Well recommend adjustments for your genre’s pacing to ensure theme consistency and overall balance. All of this is outlined in a professional summary letter which references your necessary revisions, highlights what you do well, instructs you where and how to solve specific issues, and explains why we recommend such. The developmental edit includes in-line changes, syntax rules, and feedback.

Developmental fiction editing focuses on story development, such as the plot, scene, point of view, characters, tone, voice, dialogue, pace, setting, readability, organization, and more. It is the most in-depth editing service available for storytellers.

Get a certified Story Coach who has unique publishing experience to assess your writing. They will developmentally edit and analyze your novel to show you HOW to make your story shine.

Delivery time is approximately 5-7 weeks.

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Nonfiction Book Editing

As a nonfiction writer you need editing expertise from a Book Coach specialized in your specific genre. You receive a comprehensive nonfiction edit, book review, professional summary letter, and evaluation of over 20 distinct elements within your manuscript.

Our nonfiction editing method includes evaluating your book’s structure according to your objectives as an expert author, the expectations of your readers, and the promised purpose of your book. Our editing goals are to ensure your book has logic, structure, and an engaged audience. Without these foundations, a nonfiction book fails.

Are You a Nonfiction Author? – I write inspirational, motivational, or enlightening topics based on philosophy or experiential knowledge. I am an expert and focus on a unique audience or market. (Note: Research requires an Academic Editor for references, citations, etc.)

Read more: Nonfiction Editing Services
Basic

Copy Editing

Order a Copy Edit LAST before formatting and publishing.

Recommended ONLY for confident writers after completing all revisions and preparing to format

Necessary as your FINAL edit before publishing and as a formatting check before distribution

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Standard

Line Editing

Order a Line Edit as your final REVISION before sharing publicly or distributing your manuscript.

Recommended BEFORE sharing, distribution, review or publication

Necessary MINIMUM edit before submitting to organizers, agents, and publishing houses

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Book Coaching

Order a Package Edit to achieve confidence that you are READY to share your manuscript publicly.

Recommended as a COMPLETE editorial service. Get a Content Edit, feedback and a final Copy Edit.

Necessary MULTIPLE EDITS organizing and presenting your ideas. Get assistance with the English language and an extensive assessment of structure.

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Basic Copy Editing

FINAL EDIT

Basic Copy Edit is your FINAL edit after multiple revisions with no planned changes before formatting, proofreading, and then publishing.

Copy editing your nonfiction book includes checking your grammar, spelling, and punctuation for accuracy; ensuring consistency in your writing’s word choices, style, and compositional spacing; and eliminating jargon and repetitious words.

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Standard Line Editing

INDUSTRY STANDARD REVISIONS

Standard Line Edit corrects your sentence and paragraph structure, checks for subject-verb agreement, and inserts transitional phrasing as appropriate. Your Line Editor addresses your writing style, creative content, and use of language at the sentence and paragraph level. Line editing focuses on your language and communication with your reader.

Standard Line Edit includes our Basic Copy Editing services (correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage; eliminating jargon and repetition; ensuring style consistency; and adjusting compositional spacing).

Your professional Line Editor improves the continuity and flow of your writing and support statements. You also receive editorial remarks, suggestions, and feedback throughout your manuscript.

Line editing is the writing industry standard most recommended by publishing agents prior to submitting for review and consideration.

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Executive Content Editing

IN-DEPTH EDIT

Executive Content Edit is your ideal choice when you desire honest feedback to revise your overall manuscript. Your Content Editor evaluates if your book is achieving your inspirational, motivational, or instructional goals in writing.

Content Editing critiques your manuscript’s flow, continuity, and consistency of presentation and thoughts. Your novel’s Structural Content Edit includes basic Copy Editing and standard Line Editing which corrects spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Your Content Editor reviews your word choice; eliminates jargon and repetition; guarantees writing consistency; revises inappropriate verb tenses; and inserts transitional phrasing.

Your Content Editor also provides essential professional guidance, developmental assessments, and continual feedback on your manuscript throughout your document’s comments section.

Achieve professional guidance on your overall concept and presentation. Choose Content Editing prior to sharing with beta readers or the public in general.

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Plus Book Coaching

PROFESSIONAL CRITIQUE & SUBSTANTIVE STRUCTURAL CONTENT EDIT

Receive structural revisions while evaluating your presentation, proposition, point of view, and call-to action. Your best career investment.

Recommended as a COMPLETE editorial service. Get a Content Edit, feedback and a final Copy Edit.

Necessary MULTIPLE EDITS organizing and presenting your ideas. Get assistance with the English language and an extensive assessment of structure.

Secure a professional CONTENT EDIT AND CRITIQUE to ensure your success!

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We transform writers into authors

Achieve your dream and become a bestseller

Whether you are self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or seeking a traditional publisher, contracting professional book editing services is essential to your success.

Find a professional book editor

Find the editor that is right for you and your book manuscript today! Your book editor is your secret weapon to success. Use their insight, experience, and skills to build a strong manuscript and a solid reputation. Let us polish your writing while you turn your attention to the query letter, cover designs for your book cover, and more.

Get a Free Sample

What book editing services mean

Professional book editors read and examine every single word. We consider every sentence, paragraph, plot point, argument, grammar rule, style guide, and more when editing. Your professional editing coach ensures that your writing is coherent throughout the entire manuscript by resolving any consistency issues.

Our certified book editors love to read and polish your manuscript while remaining true to your voice and intentions as an author. Even a near-perfect piece of work can benefit from a keen editorial eye. Our goal is to provide the essential corrections while weeding out illogical statements, bad writing, and inconsistencies.

We ensure your readers remain engaged throughout your writing.

You’ve done all the hard work of getting the words down on the page: now’s the time to put your feet up and let our editors clear up any oversights. You can direct your attention to your designs and formatting.

Professional book editors

Our various types of editors have advanced degrees and over 20 years of experience with publishing, editing, and writing. They have extensive experience in providing substantive edits in a variety of genres, including literary fiction, creative nonfiction, Christian writing, textbooks, biographies, romance, westerns, sci-fi, self-help, urban, children, picture books, and young adult–the list goes on!

We have over two decades of priceless experience in the writing, publishing, and editing industry. With our history of as an editing business with successfully published books and articles. Unlike other freelance editors, we promise a satisfaction guarantee for all our clients.

Professional book editing services for every step of your story

Book editing often encompasses basic copy editing (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.) as well as larger development elements of your manuscript. Professional book editors review the important writing and elements necessary for success in your genre and types of book.

Fiction Editing Services

  • Plot Structure
  • Storyline
  • Point of View
  • Character Development
  • Tone, Voice & Dialogue
  • Pace & Setting
  • Readability & Organization
  • Message Effectiveness
  • Target Audience
  • Focus

Storytellers – Get a certified Story Coach to structurally edit & critique the story arc, plot, characters, and scenes of your novel or series. Discover our fiction editing services here.

 

Nonfiction Editing Services

  • Author’s Purpose
  • Reader’s Expectations
  • Book’s Promise
  • Organization & Support
  • Development, Tone, & Voice
  • Genre appropriate pace
  • Message Effectiveness / CTAs
  • Audience Engagement
  • Viewpoint
  • Narrative Techniques & Style

Experts & Authorities – Get executive editing and book coaching services to publish successfully your book and share your message clearly. Explore our nonfiction editing services here.

 

Evaluating what your book needs based on these three pillars

Professional, vetted editors experienced in your genre provide comprehensive and personalized editing based upon:

  • Your editors’ detail-oriented, professional evaluation
  • Which stage of the editing process you are in
  • How much editing & coaching you desire for your specific goals

It is easy to get started

1. SUBMIT. Simply submit your manuscript via our secure form. Share the genre, word count, and special instructions to get an instant price quote.

2. RECEIVE. Get a free editing sample within 24 hours from an editor specializing in your genre, such as a certified Story Editor or structural Book Coach.

3. START. Our vetted editors will start working on your book as soon as you confirm the editing services that best suit your needs.

Get Started With a Free Sample

Insights you get from your free editing sample that will help you make the right choice

When you hire an editor, you get expert advice and insight. We love to build relationships with authors that last for years.

As each author is unique, it is vitally important to first determine what your individual needs are through a professional editing sample and editorial critique. This manuscript review includes providing professional recommendations from your editor regarding which specific editing level fits your project.

Gain insight into your writing via:

  1. Personal editing of your writing and the exact editing cost for your project
  2. Professional recommendations from your editor regarding your manuscript’s unique needs
  3. Confirmation of your specific instructions and requests, along with a timeline of how we will deliver these promises
  4. Examples of the different editing levels we provide for your evaluation, such as structural, substantive, line, or content editing
  5. Summary letter sample, which outlines the deliverables of a premium edit

It is easy to determine if our editors are the right “fit” and worth the price for you. Get a free editing sample of your writing. We’ll provide a professional recommendation for which editing level is best for you.

Get Started With a Free Sample of Your Book
Client Reviews
“I appreciate the editing which caught several questions of why or made me support my research. It was a very helpful and professional editorial review.”
Cynthia Whitehouse, Texas, USA
“My editor gave great advice! He made a bunch of changes that made wordy sentences better without changing the tone of the character. I am still working through the changes, as some will affect the following books. I am excited to work with Michael on future projects.”
Taryn Kitchener, Canada
“I like the personal communication with my editor! It's been a couple of years since I had my first book edited through FirstEditing, and I'm glad I could use the same editor this time too!”
Vincent Osaka, USA
“Lee Ann was amazing. From the sample piece that she did to my full book, her feedback was so assuring and professional.”
Tiffany Sandy Ridge, USA
“Thank you very much for the valuable comments and suggestions. It helped me substantively improve the content of the document. ”
Christelle Sion, Switzerland