Self-Publish or Query Your Book With Confidence
Find the Perfect Book Editor
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Prequalified Professional Editors
Personalized Assistance
Free Sample Edits
A Matchmaking Service for Authors & Editors
At Authors’ HQ, we simplify the daunting process of finding a high-quality editor.
By qualifying editors for you, we take the guesswork out of the process, allowing you to confidently pursue publication or queries with a polished manuscript.
How it Works:
Learn about our carefully vetted group of professional editors.
Select one or more editors you’d like to contact.
Submit your form with a short sample of your work.
The selected editor(s) will respond to continue the conversation.
Our Expertise
Book Editing Services
Manuscript Critique
Get an in-depth critique of your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you understand what works and what needs improvement.
Copyediting
Refine your manuscript’s language, style, and clarity while maintaining your unique voice with our detailed copyediting service.
Line Editing
Improve the flow and readability of your manuscript with our precise line editing, focusing on sentence structure and word choice.
Proofreading
Ensure your manuscript is free of grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies with our meticulous proofreading service.
Developmental Editing
Receive comprehensive feedback on your manuscript’s structure, plot, and character development to enhance your story.
Query Letter Review
Craft a compelling query letter to catch the attention of literary agents and publishers with our expert review service.
Why Choose Us?
Prequalified Industry Professionals
Eliminate the guesswork from choosing an editor. Our editors have been thoroughly tested and vetted, ensuring you’ll work with the best in the industry. No need to stress over qualifications—we’ve already handled that, making your decision easier and your path forward clear.
Personal Guidance Provided
If you’re unsure which services you need or which editor is the best fit, we’re here to guide you. Our personalized approach takes the stress out of the decision-making process, ensuring you find exactly what your manuscript needs. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and take the next step with confidence.
A Proven Record of Success
Our editors have a history of helping authors secure agents, win prestigious awards, and even become Amazon bestsellers. With their guidance, you can feel confident that your manuscript is polished and ready to meet professional industry standards.
“Theodora Bryant was the best developmental editor I could have asked for. Her guidance on writing and plot structure was invaluable, always urging me to put a bit more into the story, making it richer and deeper.”
—D. A. Mucci,
Author, The Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw Series
"A beautiful read." —Robin Roberts, Good Morning America
“Stacey became my writing professor, my therapist, my rabbi, and my friend. She showed me how to reach deep into my soul and write of the things that I had chosen to keep private or hide. I was so very lucky to find Stacey. “
—Mark Gellman,
Author, Seven Days of Shiva: Forty-Six Years of Puppy Love
Amazon Bestseller
—Tonya Comer,
Author, In High Heels on a Ladder: The 7 Power Tools for Designing Your Life
Winner of 2024 Gold Nautilus Book award (Business and Leadership category)
FAQ’s
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Pricing is negotiated with the editor you choose. Our editors are independent freelancers, and your agreement is with them, not Authors’ HQ. Pricing is influenced by the type of editing needed, the complexity of the content, and the condition of the manuscript, with each project receiving a tailored quote.
Q: I need help choosing an editor, or figuring out what book editing services are appropriate for my book. Can you help?
A: Yes! You can email us with questions using our Contact Form, or book a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation.
Q: Will you provide a free editing or sample?
A: Yes, all of our editors will provide a free sample upon request.
Q: How are editors vetted for Authors' HQ?
A: Authors’ HQ editors undergo a rigorous selection process, involving tests and thorough verification of their qualifications. Developmental editors are required to have a proven history of successfully edited publications, while copy editors and proofreaders must demonstrate their expertise by passing specialized tests.
If an editor’s biography does not mention “copyediting,” this indicates their primary focus is on content development or substantive editing, not on copyediting and proofreading services.
Conversely, inclusion of “proofreading” in a biography signifies that the editor has successfully completed the highly challenging proofreading test, which boasts a mere 2% pass rate.
Q: What distinguishes a critique from developmental/substantive editing and copyediting?
A: Copy editors collaborate with authors to enhance the clarity, readability, and accuracy of the text. They focus initially on the finer details—words, sentences, and paragraphs—and progressively address broader structural issues.
In contrast, developmental or substantive editors tackle the manuscript from a holistic perspective, concentrating first on overarching elements such as plot and character development. Given that manuscripts undergoing developmental editing often require substantial reworking, it is impractical to copyedit extensive sections that might later be significantly modified or removed.
A critique editor evaluates a manuscript and provides the author with a report highlighting the strengths and weaknesses, along with suggestions for improvements. This process is distinct from actual editing; it does not involve making the changes directly. Unless there is an additional mentoring agreement, the author is responsible for deciding how to incorporate these suggestions. Some critique editors may also offer developmental editing services to help authors restructure and possibly rewrite their manuscripts.
Q: Is my personal information and submitted sample confidential?
Q: How do I get started?
A: Browse the bios of our editors here. You can click through to learn more about them. When you are ready, click the button to contact an editor, which will direct you to the Contact an Editor form.
If you need help, email us with questions using our Contact Form, or book a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation.
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