At what price should I list my book?

Our services don’t include tracking pricing trends or recommending book prices. Effective pricing depends on genre, length, target audience, and competing titles in your category — we’d rather leave that to specialists in book marketing and focus on being experts at editing.

I’m planning to self-publish. What should I do during the editing stage?

Your first draft is never your final draft. Set it aside after finishing it so you can revisit with fresh eyes, then self-edit using resources like Self-Editing for Fiction Writers . If you have a writers’ group or beta readers, get it critiqued — a professional manuscript analysis is worth considering too.

Once you’ve incorporated the feedback you want to keep, send it to a freelance editor. We’d suggest reaching out to at least three, submitting the same 2-3 sample chapters and estimate request to each, and requesting a sample edit from each on the same pages so you can compare their work before choosing.

After copyediting, have your manuscript professionally typeset and your cover professionally designed. Hire someone other than your copyeditor to proofread the typeset version, and get objective feedback on your cover design before finalizing it.

Should I copyright my book before publishing?

In the United States, your work is automatically protected by copyright as soon as it’s created in tangible form. Registering your copyright provides additional legal benefits if you ever need to enforce your rights, but registration isn’t required before hiring an editor or self-publishing.

Do I need an ISBN?

If you’re self-publishing and want your book sold through retailers or libraries, yes. Whether you need one depends on where and how you plan to publish, as well as the formats you’ll offer.

Should I buy my own ISBN or use the free one?

Buying your own ISBN generally gives you more control and lists you (or your publishing company) as the publisher of record. Free ISBNs offered by some publishing platforms typically list that company as the publisher.

Should I publish through Amazon KDP or go wide?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Publishing exclusively through Amazon can provide access to certain promotional programs, while publishing wide makes your book available through multiple retailers and libraries. The best choice depends on your publishing goals.

Can I design my own book cover?

You can—but unless you have professional design experience, we recommend hiring a cover designer. Readers absolutely judge books by their covers, and an amateur design can hurt sales regardless of how well the book is written.

Do I really need professional formatting?

Yes. A professionally formatted interior improves readability, creates a better reader experience, and helps your book meet the technical requirements of print-on-demand and ebook retailers.

How long does publishing usually take?

Every project is different, but publishing generally takes longer than first-time authors expect. Editing, revisions, proofreading, cover design, formatting, uploading files, and reviewing proofs all take time. Rushing the process usually creates avoidable mistakes.

Should I publish as soon as my editor returns my manuscript?

No. Editing is one step—not the last one. You’ll still need to review the edits, make final decisions, have the manuscript professionally formatted, proofread the finished book, and carefully review your print and ebook proofs before publishing.

Is self-publishing easier than traditional publishing?

It’s often faster, but not necessarily easier. Instead of a publishing house handling editing, design, formatting, distribution, and marketing, you’re responsible for coordinating those services yourself.

Do publishers expect a professionally edited manuscript?

Absolutely. Whether you’re querying literary agents, submitting directly to publishers, or self-publishing, your manuscript should be as polished as possible before anyone sees it. Professional editing demonstrates professionalism and allows your writing—not avoidable errors—to make the impression.

Can AI edit my book instead of hiring a professional editor?

AI tools can catch some surface-level grammar and spelling issues, and they’re a reasonable first pass. But they don’t understand context, nuance, or your voice the way a professional editor does, and they can’t reliably enforce consistency across an entire manuscript. AI is a useful supplement—not a substitute for a trained editor’s judgment.

Typesetting do’s and don’ts