How do I prepare my manuscript for a copyeditor?

Double-space your manuscript with one-inch margins on all sides, using Courier New or Times New Roman at 12pt. Indent the first line of each paragraph to 0.5″, start each chapter on a new page, and begin a new paragraph whenever a new speaker starts dialogue. Use double quotation marks around dialogue; thoughts can be written in italics or regular text.

What if I don’t know how to format my manuscript or just don’t want to?

That’s exactly what our manuscript formatting add-on is for. If the specs above feel like more trouble than they’re worth—or you’re not confident you’re doing it right—we’ll take your manuscript in whatever state it’s currently in and format it to submission-ready standard before your copyedit begins: proper margins, spacing, indentation, chapter breaks, dialogue formatting, and consistent front matter.

It’s a common add-on for first-time authors and anyone submitting to multiple editors or publishers who each expect a clean, properly formatted file. Ask about it when you request your estimate and we’ll fold it into your quote.

What should I send with my request for a quote?

Two to three chapters, preferably from the middle of your manuscript. One complete chapter is the absolute minimum we need. If it’s fiction, make sure your excerpt includes both narrative and dialogue.

What types of projects will WordWiser Ink’s editors not accept?

We don’t edit poetry or material with heavy religious or sexual themes (including erotica). We also don’t offer line or developmental editing; our focus is copyediting and proofreading.

Can I submit my typeset, ready-to-print book for copyediting?

Best practice is to have your manuscript copyedited before typesetting, while it’s still in a text format like Word, Pages, or Google Docs. Proofreading happens after typesetting, on material already formatted for publication. Doing this in the right order saves self-published authors real time and cost.

Do I need a copyeditor if I already used Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or AI?

Yes. Writing tools are helpful for catching some grammar and spelling issues, but they don’t understand context the way an experienced editor does. They routinely miss errors, introduce new ones, make incorrect suggestions, and can’t reliably enforce a style guide across an entire manuscript. Think of them as drafting tools—not replacements for professional editing.

What’s the difference between copyediting and proofreading?

Copyediting improves the manuscript before publication by correcting grammar, punctuation, consistency, word usage, style, and clarity. Proofreading is the final quality check performed after the book has been typeset, looking for remaining typos, formatting issues, and production errors. They’re different stages of the publishing process—not interchangeable services.

Should I hire a developmental editor before a copyeditor?

If your manuscript still has plot problems, pacing issues, weak characterization, structural concerns, or you’re receiving feedback that “something isn’t working,” then yes. Copyediting assumes the content is already finalized. It’s much more cost-effective to resolve big-picture issues before polishing the language.

Can you guarantee my manuscript will be error-free?

No ethical editor can. Editing significantly reduces errors, but no human being catches every single one in a manuscript. Publishing is a collaborative process, which is why professionally published books are edited and proofread multiple times by different people.

Is it a problem if the same editor copyedits and proofreads my manuscript?

Yes, and it’s one of the most common corners cut in this industry. By the time an editor finishes a copyedit, they’ve read your manuscript closely enough that their eyes start filling in what they expect to see rather than what’s actually on the page—which is exactly what proofreading is supposed to catch. A true final check needs a fresh set of eyes that hasn’t already grown familiar with the text. That’s why we treat copyediting and proofreading as separate passes, and why we don’t offer them bundled as one service performed by one person in a single read-through.

Will you rewrite my book?

No. Copyediting improves your writing while preserving your voice. We may suggest smoother wording or point out awkward passages, but we don’t ghostwrite or substantially rewrite manuscripts.

Can I make changes after you’ve finished editing?

Absolutely—but be aware that every new change creates an opportunity to introduce new errors. If you’ve made substantial revisions after editing, we strongly recommend having those sections reviewed again or scheduling a final proofread before publication.

Why do editors charge by the word instead of by the hour?

Because manuscripts vary enormously in quality. Charging by the word allows you to know your cost upfront while allowing editors to accurately estimate the amount of work involved. It also prevents clients from worrying about an unpredictable hourly bill.

Why does my estimate cost more than someone else’s?

Not all editing services are the same. Estimates vary based on manuscript quality, the level of editing required, turnaround time, editor experience, and exactly what’s included in the service. The least expensive quote isn’t always the best value.

Why do you request sample chapters?

A sample tells us far more than a word count ever could. It allows us to evaluate the writing, determine the level of editing required, prepare an accurate estimate, and ensure we’re the right fit for your project.

My friend is an English teacher. Can’t they edit my book?

They certainly can if they have professional editing experience. However, teaching English and editing books are different skill sets. Professional editors work with publishing conventions, style guides, consistency, and manuscript preparation every day.