Should You Hire a Book Editor? Top 5 Book Editing Services for Authors (Including Ours!)
You’ve written a book—first off, congratulations! That’s an accomplishment few people reach. Whether it’s your debut novel, a nonfiction passion project, or a memoir you've been working on for years, finishing your manuscript is something to be proud of.
But if you’re here, you’re probably asking: Should I hire a book editor? And if so, where do I start?
The short answer? Yes, you absolutely should hire an editor before publishing or submitting your manuscript. A professional editor doesn’t just fix typos—they refine your story, clarify your message, and make sure your writing is the best version of itself. Great editing is what turns a draft into a book that feels professional, compelling, and polished.
In this post, we’ll break down why editing is essential, what types of editing you might need, and five of the best editing services available—starting with us, BookReady Editors.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Why Professional Book Editing Matters
Even the best writers need editors. Stephen King has an editor. Margaret Atwood has an editor. That’s because we all have blind spots in our own work. When you’ve spent months—or years—living in your manuscript, it’s nearly impossible to spot inconsistencies, wordy sentences, or confusing passages.
A professional editor brings fresh eyes and deep expertise to help your book:
Flow better from sentence to sentence and chapter to chapter
Maintain a consistent tone and voice
Avoid grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues
Improve structure, pacing, and clarity
Align with publishing industry standards
Whether you’re planning to self-publish or submit to a traditional publisher, investing in editing shows that you take your work seriously—and that makes a huge difference.
The 5 Best Book Editing Services for Authors
If you’re looking for help editing your book, you’ve got options. Here are five of the top-rated services available—whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer.
#1: BookReady Editors: Best for Author-Focused, Professional Editing
At BookReady Editors, we specialize in editing that helps authors confidently bring their books to life. Our team is made up of certified professionals with credentials from the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), ACES: The Society for Editing, and the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). Translation: we know our stuff.
We work with fiction and nonfiction writers across genres and offer:
Developmental Editing: In-depth feedback on plot, structure, and content
Copy Editing: Clear, readable, polished prose
Proofreading: A final check before publishing
Whether you're self-publishing or preparing for submission, we’re here to make sure your manuscript is publication-ready, professionally edited, and unmistakably you. With a flexible approach and fair pricing, BookReady Editors is ideal for writers who want experienced, thoughtful, and supportive editors by their side.
Check out our services here.
#2: Reedsy: Best for Access to a Marketplace of Editors
Reedsy is an online platform where authors can browse and hire freelance publishing professionals, including editors, designers, and marketers. What makes Reedsy appealing is its wide selection—you can see editor bios, client reviews, and compare quotes before hiring.
Reedsy is great if:
You want lots of options
You're confident managing the editing process
You prefer a freelance marketplace setup
Keep in mind that while Reedsy vets its professionals, pricing and quality can vary depending on who you choose. Learn more here.
#3: Editage: Best for Academic and Nonfiction Authors
Editage is a global editing company that works primarily with academic and research-based texts, though they also offer book editing services. Their editors have backgrounds in science, medicine, and scholarly publishing.
They offer:
Developmental editing
Scientific editing
Formatting and publication support
This is a solid choice if you’re writing a nonfiction book that’s research-heavy or destined for academic audiences. Look around here.
#4: Kirkus Editorial: Best for Reputation and Established Authors
Kirkus is well-known in the publishing world for its book reviews, but they also offer professional editorial services. Their editors are typically experienced in traditional publishing and may be former editors at big houses.
You can choose from developmental editing, copy editing, or a combo package. Pricing tends to be higher, but the Kirkus name brings credibility.
Ideal for:
Authors seeking prestige or traditional publishing paths
Those who want editors with Big Five experience
Find more info at this page.
#5: The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): Best for DIY Hiring
The EFA is a professional organization of editors, and their website includes a searchable database where you can find freelance editors based on genre, specialty, and experience.
This is a great route if you want to:
Hire directly without a platform fee
Review detailed profiles and résumés
Connect with experienced freelancers
However, it’s up to you to vet the editors, manage contracts, and oversee the timeline.
Check it out here.
Ready to Work With an Editor?
We’d love to hear about your book.
At BookReady Editors, we work closely with writers at all stages—whether you’ve just finished your first draft or need a final polish before publishing. Our certified team is here to offer honest feedback, technical expertise, and collaborative support to help you reach your goals.
You’ve written the book. Now let’s get it ready.
