Looking for a copy editor?

What is copy editing?

Copy editing is the craft of fine-tuning the text of a book (otherwise known as the "copy") at the sentence level. Its goal is to ensure the language supports the writer's intent — and to create the most readable version of the book. A copy editor does more than correct grammar and spelling: they help authors improve the clarity, cohesion, and consistency of their prose, all while preserving the author’s voice.

Professional copy editors won’t enter into big-picture issues such as characterization, plot, or pacing. Instead, they’ll go through the manuscript line by line to strengthen the rhythm and shape of your prose. They’ll catch scenes in which your antagonist is wearing sunglasses and spectacles at the same time. They’ll save your tone and style from swinging wildly between chapters, then help you check your sentences against a style sheet. In short: they’ll turn a good manuscript into a polished one.

Here’s an example of feedback you might receive from a copy editor:

Copy editing vs. other types of editing

Copy editing comes after developmental editing and before proofreading. Where developmental editing is a “big picture” edit that reshapes the structure and characters of your story, copy editing works at the level of your language. And unlike proofreading, it goes beyond error correction: it’s about ensuring your prose is as clear, consistent, and well-crafted as it can be.

What about line editing?

Line editing means different things in different parts of the world. In the UK, it’s akin to proofreading. Meanwhile, in the US, line editing is an intermediary step between developmental editing and copy editing that specifically addresses the creative content of a manuscript (stiff dialogue, inconsistent tone, run-on sentences, etc) — while copy editing handles the mechanics (grammar, accuracy, consistency). 

At Reedsy, we choose not to offer “line editing” as a distinct service. Our copy editors will both line edit and copy edit, correcting creative content and mechanical issues alike in their editing pass.

Find out more

What Is An Editorial Style Sheet?

Types of Editing

Copy Editing vs Proofreading

What makes a good copy editor?

Anybody can set up a business as a copy editor — which is why authors have to be so careful about who they purchase copy editing services from. A good copy editor has:

• A strong command of the English language

• Excellent attention to detail

• Thorough knowledge of one or more style guides

• Basic computer literacy skills

• Good interpersonal skills

• Self-discipline and the ability to work independently

• Knowledge of current trends and expectations in the publishing industry

Once your manuscript has been copy edited, it’ll be more efficient, accurate, and focused on your voice. In fact, your manuscript will be in such good shape that it’ll be ready to be typeset and then reviewed by a proofreader. Note that we didn’t include a degree or copyediting certificate in our list either. At Reedsy, we value proven expertise and experience over formal qualifications — although some copy editors have both!

Here’s what working with the right copy editor looks like in practice. James Richardson credits his Reedsy copy editor with helping him find the language to reach a much broader audience than he'd initially thought possible.

Hear from more authors who have worked with copy editors on Reedsy below:

• Angela Van Liempt: Copyediting My Novel: How Small Changes Have a Big Impact
• Paul Wilson: My Reedsy-edited Book is Now Sold in Barnes & Noble

Find out more

How to Become a Copy Editor

Copy Editing Certificates: Do You Need One and Where to Get It?

How much does copy editing cost?

Copy editors for hire on Reedsy typically charge 2¢–3.2¢ per word, with an average rate of 2.7¢ per word — that’s $1,620 for a 60,000-word book.

However, copy editing rates vary by genre as well as word count. You can use our cost of editing calculator to get an estimate tailored to your book.

Keep in mind that other factors will influence rates, too. On Reedsy, professionals are free to set their own rates, and someone who has worked on several bestsellers across a decades-long career will likely charge more than a newer copy editor. Likewise, you may see rates change depending on the book’s topic, the state of the manuscript (i.e., whether you need light or heavy copy edits), and the requested deadline.

Find out more

How Much Does an Editor Cost?

How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book in 2026?

How to find the right copy editor

When you hire a copy editor on Reedsy, you can rest assured about quality: we vet all of our freelancers manually and only accept the top 3% of applicants. 

That said, not every copy editor is a good fit for every author. We recommend following these tips to find an editor who’s right for you on our marketplace:

1. Narrow your search to copy editors who specialize in your genre. Look up books they’ve worked on in the past to see whether they’re similar to yours. The best editor for your book is one who understands the genre’s conventions and expectations inside and out.

2. Make sure your copy editor is familiar with your preferred style guide (if you have a preference). Our copy editors are familiar with all industry standard ones. Trade publishers usually default to Chicago, while nonfiction and academic works tend to follow APA or AP. 

3. Choose an editor who has experience working with first-time authors, if applicable. An experienced hand will know how to explain their decisions clearly and walk you through the edit. The copy editors on Reedsy bring the best of both worlds: they often have experience working with Big 5 publishers and debut authors alike.  

4. Check that the editor’s availability aligns with any deadlines you face. Bear in mind that editors may charge premium prices for a quick turnaround. It's also worth asking how they handle unexpected delays on their end, as a professional editor should be upfront about their workload and communicate proactively if anything changes.

5. Ask for a sample edit before making a decision. You’ll get a sense of the editor’s style, how they give feedback, and whether it works for you. 

Hire a professional

Browse more profiles on Reedsy

Available

Michael S.

Editor and book doctor for humanities and social sciences. Published researcher, PhD, extensive experience in academic publishing.

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Available

Bo R.

Editing & Proofreading: 20 years' experience Arts/Business/Construction/ Education/Finance/IT/Health/History/Law/Psychology/Self-Help/Sports

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Available

Penny S.

Deputy Chief Editor then Director of the Oxford English Dictionary; 23 years at the OUP. Now editing texts for a wide range of authors.

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How to Find an Editor Who’s Perfect for Your Book

Reedsy Selection Criteria

Tips for working with a copy editor 

Now’s the exciting part: when you can begin working with your copy editor. 

To get the most out of your copy edit, keep these tips in mind:

1. Before the collaboration, self-edit your prose to the best of your ability. That way, you’ll only receive genuinely helpful feedback, rather than stuff you already know.

2. Trust your editor’s advice — but don’t be afraid to start a discussion. Sometimes, an editor’s feedback may be hard to hear. But remember that you’re both working towards the same goal, and your editor will always have a good reason for their suggestions. If you disagree with a proposed edit, don’t hesitate to query it — together, you can usually find an alternative solution.

Find out more

How to Self-Edit Your Own Writing

4 Essential Tips for Working with an Editor

FAQs