What if I can’t afford an editor?

Many first-time authors are overwhelmed by the potential costs of self-publishing their book. What makes it worse is that the money you put into your book doesn’t always come back to you—at least, not right away. 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?

Everyone has their own priorities. Even so, editing is almost always a worthwhile investment. A well-edited book isn’t as attractive as a pretty cover or shiny new website, but it keeps readers happy. And happy readers are more likely to leave positive reviews, send your book to friends, and keep an eye out for your future projects. You’ll build a stronger and more loyal following.

But understanding the value of a good editor doesn’t mean you’re in a position to pay one. Here are some ways you can save money on editing without sacrificing the quality of your book.

Roll up your sleeves.

If you can’t find room in your budget for a professional editor, don’t stress. It just means you’ll be doing more work on your own. Take some time to brush up on your editing skills: read books, watch videos, attend webinars, and practise as much as you can. Study the different types of editing and find a method that works for you.

Even if you plan on hiring an editor, it’s a good idea to revise your own book, anyway. Editors often charge by the word or the hour—a cleaner, tighter manuscript means less work for us and a smaller bill for you.

Know your strengths.

It’s great to have an editor at every stage, but the costs can add up quickly. Consider what type of editing will bring the most value to your work. If you’re great at creating fun characters and engaging scenes, but you’re not as confident about your grammar skills, you would probably benefit more from a copy editor than a developmental editor.

If you don’t hire an editor, you still need to edit. This goes for every stage of self-publishing: decide what you’re comfortable doing on your own and what you would prefer to outsource.

Try a partial edit.

Some editors offer partial edits or packages that focus on the most important sections of your book, like the first three chapters or first fifty pages. Some provide shorter, more limited editorial letters at a lower cost. You will receive professional feedback on the areas that you’re worried about, and you can use that feedback to help you revise the rest of the book on your own.

After receiving a partial edit, you might decide that it’s worth it to invest in an editor for the entire book instead.

Have a clear budget.

Not every editor will fit in your budget, and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to tell us what you’re willing to spend. (At the very least, you’ll save yourself some time.) Most editors are happy to work with authors to find something that suits everyone. They might give you a few options—like a partial edit, a service bundle, or a payment plan—or they might refer you to another editor who better fits your needs.

Please don’t ask an editor to lower their rates just for you. Do ask if we offer first-time discounts or other promotions. Many of us do!

Research your options.

Don’t hire an editor on a whim. Take your time to find someone that you like and trust to handle your manuscript with care. See if your writer friends have recommendations, reach out to potential editors, ask questions, and request sample edits or consultations.

There are many wonderful editors out there. We all have different rates depending on our individual circumstances. You can almost certainly find someone who fits in your budget and, more importantly, you can find an editor that you feel good about hiring.

Use beta readers.

Whether you plan on getting a professional edit or not, it’s always useful to share your work with someone else—especially people who are frequent readers and are familiar with your story’s genre. Beta readers often provide their services for free or at a lower cost than an editor.

Their feedback may not be the same as a professional editor’s, but it’s still valuable. They can help you identify the weak spots in your story and come up with ways to make your book stronger.