Manuscript Editing
& Professional Proofreading
Transform your manuscript from good to great.
Publishing a book is a big deal, and it’s hard to see every issue in your own manuscript when you’ve been living with it for months (or years).
That’s where professional book editing services come in. Thoughtful manuscript editing helps clarify your ideas, smooth out your writing, and tighten up your message, while book editing and proofreading services catch the small details that can slip through the cracks before your book reaches readers.
Get a complimentary manuscript review to see what kind of editing support your book could benefit from and take the next step toward publishing with confidence.
HAPPY CLIENTS
Professional Book Editing Services
Here’s a quick overview of the book editing and proofreading processes.
CONTENT EDITING
Also called developmental editing, content editing involves making suggestions on reorganizing information, developing content, rewriting, placing artwork, front and back matter, and overall writing clarity. The end result is a manuscript that enhances a reader’s connection to and understanding of the stories and insights you have to share.
COPY/LINE EDITING
Copy and line editing are for manuscripts that are structurally sound but need evaluation of grammar, usage, flow, coherence, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. In this phase, we may also check phrasing to ensure you don’t encounter any legal or compliance risks, and involve chapter heads and front and back matter, including the index.
PROOFREADING
Professional proofreading services involve a final reading of the text to make sure all edits were made and no new errors were introduced into the manuscript during the editing stages. Proofreaders will look for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and conformity to the applicable style manual. Think of it as your final safety net before publishing.
The Four Stages of Editing
Most manuscripts benefit from all four stages of professional book editing and proofreading services, with thoughtful revisions at each step.
- Content editing: Ensure your content is organized, complete, and clear.
- Line editing: Evaluate flow, style, and word choice for a smooth and impactful read.
- Copyediting: Refine technical details and polish the mechanics of your copy.
- Proofreading: Make final adjustments and ensure style guide adherence for a final draft.
OUR BOOK PUBLISHING PROCESS
Manuscript Development
• Ghostwriting
• Indexing
• Illustrations
• Editing
• Critiquing
Pre-Press Production
Manufacturing: Printing & Binding
Marketing, Sales & Distribution
Completed Book
Not only does Jenkins Group produce high-quality work, but they also help authors navigate the complex publishing process from start to finish. I’ve been working with Leah for a few years now. She is sharp, and a joy to work with.
Why Choose Jenkins Group?
Editorial Expertise You Can Trust
While it’s possible to find and contract freelance editors and proofreaders online, you get a completely different experience when receiving book editing and proofreading services from Jenkins Group.
When partnering with Jenkins Group, you can expect:
Managed Editorial Oversight
Unlike piecing together manuscript editing services from multiple freelancers, Jenkins Group provides coordinated editorial oversight from start to finish.
Your manuscript is reviewed with continuity in mind, reducing conflicting feedback and producing a clearer, more cohesive final manuscript.
Professional Standards Across Every Stage
Our professional book editing services are designed to scale with your manuscript’s needs, from developmental editing to line editing, copyediting, and final proofreading.
Working within a publishing-house framework, our editors maintain consistency in tone, style, and accuracy while preparing your manuscript for production.
Confidentiality, Continuity, and a Clear Editorial Process
Editing is an intimate process, and trust matters. With Jenkins Group, your manuscript is handled with confidentiality, consistency, and professional oversight at every stage.
Our goal is not only to refine your manuscript, but to ensure it is fully prepared for publication.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Manuscript Editing and Proofreading
How much will manuscript editing services cost?
Because every manuscript has unique needs, editing cost expectations vary. Generally speaking, the more work your editors have to do on your manuscript, the higher the cost. Contact Jenkins Group for a free review to find out what you can do to minimize costs and effort.
How long will the book editing process take?
The editing timeline depends on what kind of editing services you engage and how many rounds of editing you’ll need. The Jenkins Group team will ensure transparency and oversight during the editing process.
What’s the difference between editing and proofreading?
Editing involves an in-depth review of different aspects of your writing to ensure coherence, correctness, flow, style, and, above all, clarity. Think of it as shaping your book into the best version of itself.
Proofreading is the final stage of manuscript preparation. It ensures that any errors missed or introduced during the editing and revision stages are caught and corrected. Think of it as the finishing polish on your book’s content.
Do I really need professional editors to help me prepare my manuscript for publication?
Professional book editing and proofreading services help you produce polished, high-quality content. They offer fresh eyes on a manuscript for an objective review.
While you would expect to do some of the editing yourself, and not just as part of the revision process, authors are too often so immersed in their books that it’s easy to miss errors, inconsistencies, and more.
Let's Talk About Manuscript Editing
When you need professional book editing and proofreading services, turn to the trusted team at Jenkins Group. Jerry Jenkins, the experienced owner of Jenkins Group, has over 35 years of expertise in the publishing industry.
Complete our contact form and Jerry will connect with you to discuss your project in detail.