A copy edit involves a professional editor reviewing your manuscript to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar, while also flagging issues with clarity, consistency, or repetition. More thorough than proofreading, a copy edit ensures your book enters production as polished as possible.
Proofreading is the final quality check of your manuscript after it has been formatted for print. It focuses on catching spelling, grammar and typographical errors. As a self-published author, you approve all corrections before your book is published, giving you complete control over the final version.
For non-fiction authors, our professional indexing service produces clear, high-quality indexes designed for readers. Our indexers take an objective approach, ensuring consistency, accuracy and ease of use so that information can be located quickly and efficiently. This adds a polished, professional finish to your book, enhancing its usability and credibility.
If you have a manuscript and aren’t sure what to do next, we’re here to help. Whether over the phone, email or in person, our experienced team of self-publishing experts can answer your questions and explain how self-publishing with Troubador can help you achieve your goals.
How much will it cost to have my book edited?
The cost for our editorial services is based on the word count of your book and on the amount of work required. Bespoke editorial costs for your book will be included in your quotation.
How long will it take to edit my book?
Whether a copy edit or a proof read, our editorial services take approximately 4–8 weeks to complete as, although it may only take a week to carry out the work, an editor may not be immediately available to edit your book as they have other work booked in.
Should I get a copy-edit or proof read, or both?
Both a copy edit and a proofread are incredibly useful for getting your manuscript into the best shape it can be for publication. However, they provide very different services, which must be considered when thinking about what to opt for. A copy edit is an in-depth, corrective edit of a manuscript prior to typesetting/layout, which looks for any mistakes in spelling, grammar, consistency and style. It’s a deep dive into your story to make it as accurate and publishable as possible. A copy edit is not a critique of the manuscript. A proofread is a final read-through of the typeset book to ensure there are no remaining surface-level errors.
Will the editor of my book comment on its structure, pace and characterisation?
The two editorial services that we offer (a copy edit and/or a proofread) are corrective, not opinionated, and therefore the editor will not comment on aspects such as characterisation, pace or structure.
Will I have ongoing contact with my editor?
If you have any questions, queries, or comments about an edit, our editorial team can assist you. You will have a consistent point of contact for all editorial matters.
Market leading production and design services for authors at every stage of their self-publishing journey.
Quality ebook and audiobook publishing and worldwide distribution.
A full range of active trade, retail and publicity services to get your book in front of the trade and readers.
Bookshop, retailer and wholesaler sales managed from our dedicated distribution centre.
