Manuscript Editing: Strengthen Your Story
Manuscript Editing
Our Manuscript Editing Service will help make your draft the best it can possibly be. You’ll get comprehensive, structural editorial feedback on your entire manuscript. This advice may include style, structure, pacing, characterisation, and marketability. You’ll get detailed advice on how to address any problems raised and an opportunity to ask your manuscript editor follow-up questions.
For more information, download a sample report and see what’s included in your assessment. General Fiction sample report; Historical Fiction sample report.
If you’re not sure this service is for you, book a consultation with us to find out more about our manuscript editing services.
Choose between standard and express manuscript editing services
Please note, during busy periods turnaround times may be extended.
Full Manuscript Assessment
Express Manuscript Assessment
*For 0-60,000- word manuscript, the report will be no less than 2,500 words. For 60,000-word + manuscripts, the report will be a minimum of 3,500 words. For 100,000-word + manuscripts, the report will be a minimum of 4,000 words.
Compare Similar Editing Services
Compare our Manuscript Evaluation, which is suitable for all, with our premium Developmental Editing service, which is best for those with more polished drafts.
Manuscript Assessment | Developmental Editing | |
Price | From £350 (10% discount for Premium Members) | From £680 (10% discount for Premium Members) |
Full editorial report | ![]() | ![]() |
In-text comments | ![]() | ![]() |
Short email follow-up | ![]() | ![]() |
1 hour follow-up | ![]() | ![]() |
Suitable for first drafts | ![]() | ![]() |
Suitable for later drafts | ![]() | ![]() |
2-4 week turnaround* | ![]() | ![]() |
6 week turnaround* | ![]() | ![]() |
View service | View service |
Our Editors
Our editors specialise in trade fiction and non-fiction texts. They include traditionally published authors as well as publishing professionals such as literary agents and Big 5 publishers. Find out more about our editors, here.
Book your manuscript evaluation
Get detailed feedback on your entire manuscript by a professional editor today.
Could you be our next success story?
We’ve helped hundreds of writers like you get published. Many of our clients have gone on to win prizes, become bestsellers, get film deals, achieve huge global sales, and more. Now it’s your turn.
Frequently asked
questions
How do I submit my manuscript?
Do you have manuscript or screenplay in need of a professional set of eyes? Here are the steps to follow to submit your manuscript for our professional editing service:
1) Select your word count in the box above.
2) ‘Click on “Add to basket’
3) Once you’ve made your payment, you’ll be sent an email with a link to upload your manuscript.
How should I format my manuscript?
Please use an easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, 12pt. Don’t forget to also number your pages and use double spacing.
Should I include my illustrations (picture books only)?
You’re more than welcome to include your illustrations when you submit your picture book(s) so your editor can have a look. Don’t have any illustrations? Don’t worry, this isn’t essential and in fact if you’re thinking of publishing traditionally, publishing houses will often provide their own illustrator.
How long will it take to match my manuscript with an editor?
We aim to match you with the right editor within 2-4 days. We’ll get back to you as soon as the choice has been confirmed.
How do you choose the editor?
We match manuscripts based on 15 years of experience working with our editors. We consider editor experience, their genres of interest, and whether they themselves feel they are the right fit for your work. As all our editors are freelance, this depends on availability.
Can I choose my editor?
If you have a particular editor in mind, we will of course do our best to match you with them. We cannot guarantee this, however, as all of our editors are freelance and there are times when they are unavailable due to demand and/or other commitments.
Once you have placed your order, you’re welcome to send a shortlist of 4-5 editors from our website (and we’ll do our best to place you with your preferred editors).
Is there a discount for resubmitting the same manuscript for a second read?
Yes. You’re entitled to a 10% discount if you’re submitting the same manuscript again for a full manuscript assessment. To get the coupon code you need, just get in touch!
What if my book is good enough? Will you help me find an agent?
On some occasions, an editor will flag a manuscript as submission ready. When this happens, a member of the Jericho Writers team will look at the author’s agent submission pack and provide some free advice on it, plus access to AgentMatch. On some occasions, where the manuscript shows real promise, we’ll also approach agents on the author’s behalf.
It’s worth noting however, that this service is reserved for manuscripts which editors believe have strong commercial potential and are of a very high quality. Please don’t be disappointed if yours isn’t selected – most manuscripts require quite a few rewrites before reaching submission standard!
Which editorial service is right for me?
We offer quite a few editorial services, so you’re right to take the time to consider all of your options. The writing process is a long one, so whether it’s line editing or copy-editing, or something on a larger scale, like a manuscript evaluation or developmental edit, we have the service for you. You can take a look at all of our editorial services here. You might also like to read our article explaining all the different types of editorial services. If you’re still not sure, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to offer more advice.
What is manuscript editing?
Manuscript editing refers to the process of receiving comprehensive, structural feedback on your entire manuscript. This professional editing includes feedback on things like structure, pacing, writing style, characterisation, and marketability. It’s helpful whether you’re looking to self-publish, or whether you’re planning on querying literary agents and becoming traditionally published.
Can manuscripts of any genre be submitted?
We offer manuscript assessments for manuscripts of all writing styles and genres, including children’s fiction and non-fiction. We will ensure that you’re matched with a manuscript editor who has experience with your chosen genre.
How do you professionally edit a manuscript?
A manuscript that’s edited by a professional editor will often go through several rounds of edits. The big picture types of editing (developmental edits, structural edits etc) will often be used in the early stages of a manuscript’s development, while other types of editing that focus on the more minute, sentence level details (copy-editing, proofreading etc) are used once a manuscript gets closer to completion and/or publication. Our manuscript editors have lots of experience working in the publishing industry, and they’ll work with you to enhance your manuscript.