Best Online Editing Services for Authors & Long-Form Writers
Long-form editing is its own craft. Whether you're polishing a novel, a thesis, or a non-fiction book, these are the editing services authors actually trust.
For novels and creative non-fiction: Reedsy (curated freelance editor marketplace), Scribophile (peer + paid editors), Kirkus Editorial Services. For academic long-form (theses, dissertations, scholarly books): TutorsGallery USA, Scribbr, Editage. For business books and white papers: gotham Ghostwriters, Page Two. For self-publishing prep: BubbleCow, Andrea Hurst. Pricing for book-length editing typically runs $0.04–0.12/word depending on edit depth. The most important thing for long-form: hire the same editor for the whole project, consistency matters more than any single edit.
What to look for
- Genre or discipline match
Novel editors and dissertation editors are different breeds.
- Sample edit before commitment
Test 1,000 words before signing for 60,000.
- Multi-pass editing options
Developmental → line → copy → proof.
- Long project management
Editors should run a clean milestone schedule.
- Reasonable per-word pricing
Beware of flat fees that don't match scope.
Frequently asked
What's the best online editing service for authors?+
Reedsy and Kirkus Editorial Services lead for fiction; TutorsGallery USA and Scribbr lead for academic long-form.
How much does book editing cost?+
Copyediting runs $0.02–0.04/word; line editing $0.04–0.08; developmental $0.08–0.15. A 60,000-word book runs $2,000–8,000+.
How long does book editing take?+
Copyediting a 60,000-word book typically takes 3–4 weeks; developmental editing 6–10 weeks.
Can I edit a self-published book myself?+
You can copyedit your own work, but hiring a developmental editor and a final proofreader is universally recommended before publishing.