eBook Editing

What is eBook Editing?

eBook editing means improving manuscripts before publication. You help authors with everything from grammar and spelling to structure and flow. The goal is making their book the best it can be.

With self-publishing booming, authors need professional editing more than ever. Most can't afford traditional publishing houses, so they hire freelance editors.

Why This Path Works

Growing Market

Self-publishing continues to grow:

• Amazon KDP has millions of authors
• Business owners write eBooks for marketing
• Coaches and consultants create content
• Everyone needs editing help

Perfect for Remote Work

• Work is entirely digital
• No meetings required
• Flexible deadlines
• Work from anywhere with internet

Low Barrier to Entry

You need:

• Strong language skills
• A computer
• Internet connection
• That's basically it

Types of Editing Services

Levels of Editing

Type	What It Covers	Typical Rate
Proofreading	Typos, grammar, punctuation	$0.01-0.03/word
Copy editing	Sentence-level clarity, consistency	$0.02-0.05/word
Line editing	Style, voice, flow	$0.03-0.08/word
Developmental editing	Structure, content, big-picture	$0.05-0.15/word

What Authors Need Most

Most self-publishing authors need:

• Copy editing (most common)
• Proofreading (always needed)
• Sometimes developmental help

Building Your Skills

Core Knowledge

• Grammar rules (know them cold)
• Style guides (Chicago Manual is common for books)
• Manuscript formatting
• Track changes and comments

Practice

• Edit your own writing
• Volunteer for beta reading
• Take small free/cheap projects
• Study published books critically

Resources

• Chicago Manual of Style
• Self-Editing for Fiction Writers (book)
• Online editing courses
• Grammar references

Finding Clients

Where Authors Look for Editors

Platforms:

• Reedsy (curated marketplace)
• Upwork
• Fiverr

Communities:

• Self-publishing Facebook groups
• r/selfpublish on Reddit
• Writing forums
• Author conferences (virtual)

Marketing Yourself

• Build a simple website
• Share editing tips on social media
• Offer free sample edits
• Collect testimonials

Specializing

Niche down for better positioning:

• Romance novels
• Business books
• Memoirs
• Children's books
• Academic eBooks

The Editing Process

Typical Workflow

1. Sample edit - Show your style on a few pages
2. Quote - Provide price and timeline
3. Agreement - Terms in writing
4. Deposit - Collect partial payment
5. Edit - Do the work
6. Return - Send edited manuscript
7. Final payment - Collect remainder

Communication

• Be clear about what you will/won't do
• Set realistic timelines
• Explain your changes
• Be diplomatic with feedback

Tools

• Microsoft Word (Track Changes)
• Google Drive for collaboration
• Notion for project tracking
• Style guides and references

Pricing Your Work

Per-Word vs. Flat Rate

Model	Best For
Per-word	Standard, easy to quote
Flat rate	Repeat clients, defined scope
Hourly	Uncertain scope, consultations

Calculating Rates

Factors:

• Type of editing needed
• Condition of the manuscript
• Your experience level
• Turnaround time
• Genre complexity

Sample Pricing

For a 50,000-word novel:

• Proofreading: $500-1,500
• Copy editing: $1,000-2,500
• Developmental: $2,500-7,500

Growing Your Business

Building Repeat Clients

• Deliver quality work
• Be reliable and professional
• Offer package deals
• Stay in touch between projects

Raising Rates

As you gain experience:

• Increase rates for new clients
• Grandfather existing clients (or raise gradually)
• Specialize for higher rates
• Build reputation for premium work

Adding Services

• Formatting for Kindle/print
• Book coaching
• Proofreading as separate service
• Writing workshops

Common Challenges

Difficult Authors

Some authors don't handle feedback well:

• Be diplomatic
• Focus on improvements, not flaws
• Ask clarifying questions
• Know when to decline projects

Scope Creep

"Can you also just check this one more thing?"

• Define scope clearly upfront
• Have a change order process
• Be willing to say no

Inconsistent Income

Project-based work fluctuates:

• Build a pipeline of clients
• Offer retainer arrangements
• Diversify income sources

Working While Traveling

Why It Works

• Laptop-only work
• No real-time collaboration needed
• Flexible scheduling
• Quiet work is productive work

Tips

• Set clear deadlines
• Communicate availability
• Batch your editing sessions
• Use cloud backup always

Who Should Do This?

Good fit if you:

• Love language and grammar
• Notice errors others miss
• Enjoy improving writing
• Like working alone
• Can give constructive feedback

Not ideal if you:

• Find grammar boring
• Dislike detailed work
• Struggle with diplomacy
• Want constant variety
• Prefer collaborative work

Getting Started

1. Assess your grammar and editing skills
2. Study style guides and editing fundamentals
3. Practice on volunteer projects
4. Create profiles on Reedsy, Upwork
5. Offer sample edits to attract clients
6. Build portfolio with testimonials
7. Specialize as you grow

The Bottom Line

eBook editing is accessible remote work for people who love language. The self-publishing boom creates steady demand, and the work is completely location-independent.

Start by being genuinely good at catching errors and improving writing. Build a portfolio through small projects. Find your niche. Deliver quality work and let referrals grow your business.

Every author needs an editor. Be the one they trust with their manuscript.