Services & Prices
Choosing the right type of editing can feel confusing, especially if this is your first time working with an editor or if you’re unsure what level of support your manuscript needs.
This page provides you with an overview of the fiction editing and book coaching services I offer, along with a brief explanation of what each service involves, who it’s best suited to, and typical pricing. Each service also has its own dedicated page with more details, so you can explore further when you’re ready.
If you’re unsure which service is right for you then don’t worry, that’s completely normal. You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.
How Editing Works
Editing usually happens in stages, with different services designed to support different points in the writing and publishing process. Not every manuscript needs every stage of editing, and many authors choose the level of support that best fits their goals, timeline, and budget.
If you have finished your first draft and want your story reviewed before you dive into line-level editing, then a Manuscript Assessment or Developmental Edit is the place to start. If you’re confident with the big-picture elements and have already self-edited your manuscript, then Polish & Publish or a Complete Line & Copy Edit might be more suitable for you.
If you’re working to a tighter deadline than those listed below, please get in touch to discuss availability. Expedited turnaround may be possible for some projects, subject to scope and an additional fee.
Manuscript Assessment
A professional overview of your manuscript, with clear guidance on next steps.
A manuscript assessment gives you big-picture feedback on your story without in-text editing. You’ll receive a detailed report covering structure, pacing, character development, and overall strengths and weaknesses.
Best for:
Authors who want professional insight before committing to a full edit, or who feel unsure about what their manuscript needs next.
Price:
From $0.006 / £0.004 per word.
Developmental Editing
In-depth feedback to strengthen the foundations of your story.
A developmental edit focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript, including plot, structure, pacing, and character arcs. This service helps you identify what’s working, what needs attention, and how to revise with clarity and purpose.
Best for:
Authors who have completed a draft and want to improve their story at a structural level before moving on to line-level editing.
Price:
From $0.018 / £0.013 per word.
Polish & Publish
Light line and copy editing for clean, professional prose.
Polish & Publish is a lighter-touch edit that focuses on clarity, flow, and correctness, without addressing structural issues. It’s designed for authors who are confident in their story and want their writing to read smoothly and professionally.
Best For:
Independent authors working to a publishing schedule who are confident in the overall content of their manuscript, but want a focused, professional editorial check before publication.
Price:
From $0.008 / £0.006 per word.
Complete Line & Copy Editing
A comprehensive edit to help your manuscript shine.
This service provides detailed line-by-line editing for clarity, consistency, voice, and correctness. it’s designed to refine your prose while preserving your individual writing style, so you can publish with confidence knowing your manuscript is ready for readers.
Best for:
Authors who want to release a professional publication-ready book and feel confident in the quality of their finished novel.
Price:
From $0.015 / £0.011 per word.
Proofreading
A final check for errors before publication.
Proofreading is the last stage of the editing process, focusing on catching typos, spelling errors, and formatting consistencies once all other edits are complete.
Best For:
Authors with a fully-edited manuscript who want a final check before publication or submission.
Price:
From $0.004 / £0.003 per word.
Book Coaching & Strategy Calls
Tailored support for when you need clarity and momentum.
Book coaching and strategy calls provide space to talk through stuck drafts, story challenges, series development, or longer-term publishing plans. These sessions are practical, focused, and tailored to your specific questions.
Best for:
Authors who want guidance, accountability, or help making decisions about their writing or publishing direction.
Price:
One-off calls from $100 / £75 per hour.
Coaching packages from $300 / £220.
FAQs
Do I really need an editor?
Not every manuscript needs the same level of editing, but most authors benefit from professional editorial input before publication or submission.
An editor brings a fresh, experienced perspective to your work and can help identify issues that are difficult to spot on your own, particularly around clarity, consistency, pacing, and reader experience. Whether you’re publishing independently or pursuing a traditional publishing route, editing is an important part of producing a professional, polished book.
What's the difference between the different types of editing?
Editing usually happens in stages, with each service focusing on a different aspect of the manuscript:
- Manuscript Assessment & Developmental Editing focus on big-picture feedback and guidance including structure, pacing, plot and character.
- Line & Copy Editing focus on clarity, flow, consistency, voice, and technical accuracy at sentence level.
- Polish & Publish is a lighter, focused copy edit for manuscripts that are structurally sound.
- Proofreading is the final check for errors once all the other edits are complete.
If you’re unsure which service is right for your manuscript, I’m happy to help you decide.
Will by book get a publishing deal, or better sales or reviews once it's been edited?
No editor can guarantee publication, sales or reviews—and anyone who does should be treated with caution.
What I can do is help you produce the strongest, clearest version of your manuscript, aligned with your goals and your intended readership. Editing improves the quality and professionalism of your work, but outcomes will always depend on a range of factors beyond an editor’s control.
How far in advance should I book?
Availability varies depending on the service and the time of year, but booking several weeks to a few months in advance is recommended, particularly for developmental editing and complete line and copy editing.
If you’re working to a specific deadline or publishing schedule, it’s always best to get in touch as early as possible so we can discuss options.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. I completely recognise that editing and book coaching can be a big investment so I offer payment plans on most services.
Details can be discussed at the quotation stage, once the scope and timeline of your project are clear.
Do you offer sample edits?
I currently offer limited sample edits for my line and copy editing services (Polish & Publish and Complete Line & Copy Edit) where appropriate, to help ensure we’re a good fit.
Please get in touch to discuss whether a sample edit would be suitable for your project.
Do you offer discounts if I need multiple types of editing?
Yes. I offer a limited number of combined editing packages and series packages for authors planning multiple stages of editing or ongoing work. These are priced individually based on scope and timeline.
Do you offer discounts on multiple books?
Yes. I offer discounts for authors booking multiple books, either as standalones or as part of a series, reflecting the continuity and efficiency that comes from ongoing collaboration.
If this applies to you, please get in touch and we can discuss the best approach to meet your needs.
How do your prices work?
Prices are based on the scope of work, word count, and the level of editing required.
My prices are set to be fair, transparent, and sustainable, reflecting the time, care and professional expertise involved in editing and coaching fiction.
I believe that publishing shouldn’t be gatekept by excessive costs, and I aim to keep my services accessible while maintaining high professional standards. All projects are quoted individually, so you’ll always know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
Will you keep my manuscript confidential?
Absolutely. Everything you send me—including your manuscript, notes, and correspondence—is treated as confidential.
Your work is always yours, and I will never share it with anyone without your explicit written consent.
What happens if I don't agree with one of your edits?
Editing is a collaborative process, and you’re always in control of your story.
I’ll explain my suggestions clearly and thoughtfully, but you decide what stays, changes, or goes. My role is to offer professional guidance, not to override your voice or intentions.
Will my manuscript be completely error-free after editing or proofreading?
I work carefully and thoroughly with the aim of delivering a clean, polished manuscript you can feel confident about.
That said, no editor can guarantee a 100% error-free text. Even traditionally-published books occasionally contain the odd typo. What I can promise is professional standards, close attention to detail, and genuine care for your work.
What Happens Next?
Once you contact me, I’ll ask a few questions about your manuscript, goal, and timeline. From there, I’ll recommend the most suitable services and provide a clear quote and next steps. There’s no obligation to proceed unless you’re happy to do so.
Still have questions? You’re very welcome to get in touch—I’m happy to talk through your project and help you work out the right next step.
Kind Words of Praise
Curious about what it would be like working with me? Check out these reviews from authors who have worked with me in the past.
This company was recommended by another editor who was unable to accommodate my needs, and Nicky was punctual, affordable and thorough.
The edits were excellent and she reworked some jarring transitions to smooth them out. I cannot imagine the number of hours she put into my manuscript, and I know it's a million times stronger because of her time, effort and skill. Highly recommend.
Nicky is a true homie. She got my manuscript back to me a couple of days before the agreed deadline, and she was SO SO kind with her feedback and edits.
I 10/10 would recommend her services.
As someone with a demanding career and chronic procrastination issues, the services provided by Nicky have been invaluable. I can confidently say I wouldn't have achieved what I did with Nicky if I had been on my own.
With Nicky's help, my publishing goals are slowly becoming more of a real possibility instead of a daydream.
When I signed up for this I had no idea what to expect. I had just begun writing my umpteenth story and I was just kicking around the idea in my head with no real purpose. I figured having someone to talk to might help with my constant evasion of completing a story. Spoiler alert, it did.
It really was like having a bookish friend to talk to about struggles only a writer would be going through, and having that friend provide positive feedback and a gently kick in the pants in the right direction.
