Many first-time authors are overwhelmed by the potential costs of self-publishing their book. You have to consider things like software, marketing, formatting, cover design, editing, ISBNs, distribution, printing… How can you possibly fit it all into your budget? What do you actually need?

Editing is a worthwhile investment, but that doesn’t mean it’s not expensive. Here are some ways you can save money on editing without sacrificing the quality of your book.

You’ve written a book that you love, and now you want to get it published. All that stands in your way is one or two or six rounds of editing. You thought about hiring an editor, but that seems expensive—and nerve-wracking. Do you really need one? Can’t you just get that feedback somewhere else?