WORDSHARP
Editing and Proofreading
22 years in business | 630.360.3043
manuscript editing

Book Manuscript Editing Service & Manuscript Proofreading Service

Helping thousands of authors transform their manuscripts since 1999

Turnaround is currently 3-5 business days.

Transforming a Manuscript into a Literary Work
The best writers understand the need for a book editor's revision. They know after focusing intently on a draft that some issues just become too close to notice. Deficient structure may reduce the level of interest in your book. Sometimes, manuscripts include underdeveloped elements or elements with low impact that reduce their effectiveness. Inexact grammar often leads to lack of clarity.

Service You Can Trust
We guarantee confidentiality and you retain copyright ownership. Our strict privacy and confidentiality policy protects your manuscript and your ideas. Our book editors have all signed legally binding non-disclosure agreements to protect every client's confidentiality and copyright. Your manuscript file is completely secure as well. File transfers are encrypted when using our contact form. We do not sell, trade, transfer, rent or share information with any third party. If you require a separate non-disclosure agreement, you may contact Client Services or we are happy to sign yours.

Meeting Your Deadline

Make certain to meet your next publisher's deadline while maintaining high editing standards. Achieve exceptional results on your timetable by allowing one of our managing editors to oversee your project.

Choose from thousands of fonts for book titles and text.

Professional Book Editors
Our literary manuscript editors have experience writing for publishers and agents. A close examination from an experienced and qualified literary manuscript editor and proofreader can give your project what it needs to be properly noticed.

Experience is Paramount

We can take your project to another level with a literary manuscript editor from our dedicated crew. Whether you need book proofreading services or book editing services for your upcoming best-selling novel, short story or historical biography, we have literary manuscript editors experienced in your genre waiting to work with you. Each year, freelance editors contact WordSharp. Only the best possess the standards, and comprehensive experience necessary to become part of our team. We know you will be happy with our service; that's why we offer you a free sample edit.

Affordable Expert Service
We know these services can get expensive. That's why we proofread and edit for approximately 1 cent per word. Use your cost calculator to determine the exact rate.


Q: What's one of the main complaints in Amazon book reviews?

A: Lack of proper editing and proofreading!

What we can do for your book manuscript

For novels, we make all of the types of corrections shown on our proofreading and editing list. We also consider the following as we pore over your manuscript:
At no charge, when asked, we can make evaluative comments in a brief document covering the following questions.

Our novel editing service, romance novel editing and short story editing are located elsewhere.


Book Manuscript Editing Service FAQ

We proofread and edit book manuscripts of all types and match them to the appropriate manuscript editor.

Yes! We correct grammar as part of our book manuscript proofreading service.

Book manuscript proofreading and editing
Grammar, typographical errors, misspellings, punctuation, clarity, comma splices, sentence fragments, run-on sentences, subject-verb disagreement, and verb tense, flow, phrasing ambiguities, audience appropriateness, organization, structure, theme, rhetorical consistency, levels of diction, lexical register, rhythm, and colloquialisms.

Book manuscript layout
Specific to your needs as an author, including full interior design to highlight the look and feel of your print book or ebook (e.g., front matter, table of contents, page numbering, margins, typeface, style, and much more).

If you send your book manuscript in Microsoft Word format, we can return two copies to you when finished. One is the original with changes highlighted. The other is the final version.

All of our book manuscript editors have years of training as teachers, published authors, and professionals in various disciplines. We provide the right editor for your needs. We default to American English, APA publication style, and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. We’re happy to use other styles and conventions. However, any deviations from these rules must be noted by the author beforehand to avoid re-editing.

No. The editing function has been a long-time feature and the files we send you are for a PC or Mac.

We much prefer Microsoft Word because of its Track Changes feature. However, if you check with us first, we support digital texts in a range of formats (e.g., Microsoft Word, Works, AppleWorks, Pages, Rich Text, and Open Office).

Our editors ensure that your book manuscript complies with your style requirements.

A member of our book manuscript editing staff can usually respond within two to three hours. We complete most manuscripts within a few business days. An editor and proofreader will accept it only if we can have the finished book manuscript back to you before your deadline.

Proofreading and editing are approximately 1 cent per word; the exact price can be determined using our cost calculator. Formatting is approximately ½ a cent per word.

We currently accept PayPal, Zelle, SquareUp, Venmo, bank cards, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Visa, Visa Electron, Visa Debit, and Maestro. The method of payment is a secure system with industry standard 128-bit encryption. This is the premier form of encryption available for Internet transactions and is the same level of security used in cash machines (ATMs) and most retail stores. Please note: An account is not required to process your credit card and our staff never see your personal data.

The rate for proofreading and editing is based on word count and your choice between proofreading and editing or formatting too. Unlike other book manuscript editing companies, we do not have confusing editing rates per page or vague quotes. We provide exact figures for our services. Send us your file and specify editing and proofreading and whether you want formatting too.

MS Word has a feature that you can use to obtain a word count. Alternatively, send it to us. We will calculate the amount and send you an email with a link to your invoice and payment options. If you want to calculate it yourself, multiply the number of words in your book manuscript times 0.013 for proofreading and editing or times 0.019 for proofreading, editing, and formatting. For instance: 30,000 x 0.013 = $390 [USD].

Our minimum charge for a project is $25 [USD].

We reword individual sentences. We may rearrange sentences. We may offer suggestions to improve the organization of paragraphs and sections within your book manuscript. Complete rewriting is not an option.

We consider the issues surrounding intellectual copyright and confidentiality to be crucial. Only your book manuscript editor and a managing editor have access to your book manuscript. Each of our staff members is required to sign a copy of the confidentiality agreement, which ensures that under no circumstances can an employee share your book manuscript with anyone. If you require a separate non-disclosure agreement, contact us. Unless you request otherwise, all book manuscripts and related files are deleted after sixty days. We do not sell, trade, transfer, rent or share ANY information with ANY other party. All book manuscripts reviewed by our editors remain the intellectual property of you, the original author. In keeping with our strict confidentiality, we never release names or titles without prior consent. For further information, view our privacy policy.

We make use of the most powerful and updated security measures including the industry standard in encryption (128-bit secure socket layer). This is the highest level of security commercially available and is the same standard of security used in cash machines (ATMs) and by many retail stores. To protect your credit card information, we have partnered with Venmo, PayPal, and SquareUp to offer you the most trusted financial transaction systems on the Internet. The entire payment process is conducted through one of their secure websites. No banking information or credit card data is ever collected or stored by us.

You always maintain ownership and copyright. We make no claim on your copyright, and we do not require credit or acknowledgment beyond the fees for the services rendered. It is a commonly accepted practice for some writers to credit us as their editor and this is always appreciated.

All of our editors and proofreaders must, at a minimum: (a) be native speakers of English; (b) have at least five years of professional experience as a writing editor; and (c) provide samples of their writing, proofreading and editing. A typical editor has more than fifteen years of professional experience and is published in his or her chosen field.

We are confident that our book manuscript proofreading services are among the best in the industry. We are a professional company focused on you providing the best service possible. Each book manuscript is proofread twice before returning it to you. If you are not completely satisfied, you can resubmit your book manuscript for further editing/proofreading. We are committed to your satisfaction.

Yes, although we can nearly always tell when we read something, please specify which form of English you need when you place your order.

Book manuscript editors are available nearly twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Our administrative staff is available between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST (GMT −6); we typically answer messages within a few hours.

Our global headquarters is based in the United States in Chicago, Illinois. Your communications are channeled through this office.

After looking at our FAQ, if you still have a question, its best to contact Client Services by email.

Even the best writers benefit from an impartial, professional and thorough look at their book manuscript. Our editors recognize things in your book manuscript that become unnoticeable to you. After you have done several drafts, reviewing and revising, that familiarity with the book manuscript results in your filling in missing text and skipping over errors when you read.

Your book manuscript will be print-ready subject to the state of the project when submitted to us.

We edit all sorts of styles, dialects, special kinds of formatting and other types of creativity. If there is something you do not want us to alter, mention this when you email the book manuscript. With no additional instructions from you, we will edit your work to conform to the rules of standard English sentence structure and spelling.

Certainly you may explain things to your book manuscript editor. Once it arrives, your manuscript is quickly routed directly to a chief editor who is familiar with, and appreciates, your type of book manuscript. A client services representative will be happy to relay your comments and queries to your book manuscript editor and then send the answers back.

Any feedback you receive from your book manuscript editor is for the purpose of improving your work.

Our editing and proofreading service most closely resembles what is often called copyediting with some additional checks and benefits. As mentioned earlier on this page, at no charge, and only when asked, we can make evaluative comments in a brief document and explain corrections and suggestions covering the following questions:

  • How can the marketability of your manuscript be improved?
  • Does the book's content have any major structural or organizational problems?
  • Have you missed any essential elements or underdeveloped any topics or scenes?
  • Is your book too brief or too protracted and, if so, why?
  • Are there stereotypes or clichés that render the manuscript weaker?
  • Are the characters imaginative and developed fully?
  • Is there too much interior monologue or description and exposition at the expense of dialogue and/or action?
  • Is there the proper amount of suspense, believability, tension, conflict and action?
  • Are there other things that you, the author, can do to improve the book's content?

What we do would not be considered developmental editing or content editing. See here for a further description of what not to expect from any editor.

Contact us directly with your book manuscript editing questions. One of our chief editors will be more than happy to discuss your book manuscript with you and provide any additional information you may require.


FREE SAMPLE
manuscript edit

Use our contact form or email your first chapter (ten pages of text or more) and ask for a sample. We'll proofread, edit and format a section for you.

Reliable and Affordable Service
Fast Turnaround Time
Easy To Use
No Sign Up Required
Exceptionally Qualified Staff

Client Comments
I was very impressed with the self-publishing services. Extremely fast, priced affordably. Took away the heavy burden off my shoulders. I've spent a great deal of time asking friends to review my work but the job was never done well. Would highly suggest your company to others.
-Owen

This is not the first time I've used the self-publishing services. If you need to have a flawless ebook, you MUST use WordSharp! Very satisfied with the service. I'll also ask for more advice later on. Really enjoy using them.
-Zoe

You edited my book. And you got finished ahead of schedule. It’s great that you kept me up to date during the process. I expected that. The editor did a great job. Your turnaround time was so fast, which was a major concern for me and your rates were really fair and really worth it. I wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone who wants value, quick turnaround and nice people.
-Elias

I tend to read what I meant to say instead of what's on the page. Corrections they made were amazing. And objective feedback and review! Will use this self-publishing service again if I ever get back to my second novel. Result was better than good.
-Henry

I can't proofread. I've tried about a half dozen services before and these guys are the only ones I trust. People are helpful and the proofreading is done in a timely manner. Absolutely recommended. Expert advice, responsiveness, and customer service are unmatched. Appreciate your self-publishing services on my book manuscript including the prompt return time, helpful comments, and cost.
-Jayden

When you become desperate, all you can do is trust. Will definitely use the service again. The staff was very helpful and fast. Like seeing their honest feedback about my book. Proofreaders are great and do a good job.
-Hannah

Needed an ebook edited for flow, grammar and overall copyediting. I am ecstatic with the work of my proofreader. Finished the proofreading quickly and even added a few good suggestions. Now I can publish my workbook with confidence. Woohoo, Charlie and the team.
-Layla

They turned it around for me really fast. Will use them again. A high quality proofreading service. Somehow understood my inner feelings on certain sentences. Once again, they provided excellent self-publishing results.
-Dillan

Second time using your self-publishing service. Worked on every single small detail. Very impressed and will send my materials to them in the future. Like the flexibility of their hours. Produce great quality insights. :)
-Lucy

Since the self-publishing service was cheap, I told myself, let's go for it. Most helpful and friendly crew. Customer service is very nice. I love my manuscript now. Keep up the good work! :D
-Gabriel

After doing samples with a bunch of editors, your advice seemed the most useful. You did the best job with my book. Is that normal for you to find so many errors? I was positive I had checked everything really well. The book is ready to submit to publishers now. You need to work your magic on the book I’m currently writing too. Your service is brilliant.
-Reagan

You did an awesome job. Are you the person that I need to go through to get a professional book cover for print and e-book and an ISBN number?
-Erika