Common questions
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We offer three core editing tiers. Developmental editing addresses big-picture elements such as plot structure, character arcs, argument flow, and chapter organisation. Copy editing focuses on sentence-level clarity, grammar, punctuation, and consistency in style and terminology. Proofreading is the final quality pass that catches remaining typos, formatting errors, and minor inconsistencies before your book goes to print or digital distribution.
Each tier can be purchased individually or bundled for a discounted rate. We also offer a manuscript assessment — a shorter, more affordable option that provides a detailed report on your book's strengths and areas for improvement without line-by-line markup.
Timelines depend on the manuscript length and the type of editing required. A developmental edit for a standard-length novel (70,000–90,000 words) typically takes four to six weeks. Copy editing for the same length generally requires three to four weeks, while proofreading can often be completed in one to two weeks.
If you have a tight deadline — for example, a pre-arranged publication date — please let us know upfront. We offer expedited turnaround for an additional fee and will always confirm whether we can meet your timeline before you commit.
Absolutely, and we love it. A significant portion of our clients are first-time authors who are navigating the publishing world for the very first time. We understand that the process can feel daunting, so we take extra care to explain our editorial feedback, walk you through industry terminology, and answer every question along the way.
First-time authors often benefit most from our manuscript assessment or developmental editing services, which provide a big-picture view of what is working and what needs attention before diving into line-level edits.
Pricing varies based on manuscript length, genre complexity, and the level of editing required. As a rough guide, proofreading starts from approximately AUD $0.012 per word, copy editing from AUD $0.018 per word, and developmental editing from AUD $0.030 per word. We provide a firm quote after reviewing a sample of your manuscript — usually the first two chapters or around 5,000 words.
There are no hidden fees. The quote you receive covers the full scope of work, including one round of author queries and a follow-up review of your revisions. If additional rounds are needed, we will discuss costs transparently before proceeding.
We work across a wide range of genres including literary fiction, commercial fiction, memoir, biography, self-help, business non-fiction, academic writing, children's books, and young adult novels. Our editorial team includes specialists in each of these areas, so your manuscript is always matched with an editor who understands the conventions and reader expectations of your genre.
In terms of format, we accept manuscripts in Microsoft Word (.docx), Google Docs, and plain text files. We use tracked changes and comments so you can see every suggestion and accept or reject edits at your discretion.
Yes. Our publishing consultation service is designed to guide authors through the submission process. We help you craft a compelling query letter, write an effective synopsis, and identify publishers or agents who are actively seeking work in your genre. We also review contract terms and explain royalty structures, rights clauses, and other legal considerations.
While we cannot guarantee acceptance — no ethical service can — our clients have a strong track record of securing representation and publishing deals, thanks in part to the quality of their polished manuscripts and well-prepared submission packages.
Preserving your unique voice is one of our highest priorities. Our editors are trained to enhance clarity and readability without overwriting your natural style. Every suggestion is framed as a recommendation, not a mandate — you have final say on every change.
During the onboarding process, we ask about your stylistic preferences, any intentional rule-breaking, and the tone you are aiming for. This helps your editor distinguish between genuine errors and deliberate creative choices, ensuring the finished manuscript still sounds unmistakably like you.
Yes, without exception. Every member of our team signs a non-disclosure agreement, and we never share, discuss, or reference your work outside of the project. Manuscripts are stored on encrypted servers and permanently deleted from our systems 90 days after project completion unless you request otherwise.
If you would like us to sign a specific confidentiality agreement you have prepared, we are happy to do so before any work begins.
Tips before you submit your book manuscript
A little preparation goes a long way. Here are some things to consider before sending us your work.
Complete your draft first
Editing works best when applied to a finished manuscript. If you are still adding chapters or reworking major plot points, it may be more cost-effective to wait until you have a complete draft before engaging an editor. That way, we can assess the full scope of the work and provide cohesive feedback rather than piecemeal notes.
Run a self-edit pass
Before submitting, read through your manuscript at least once with fresh eyes. Look for repeated words, unclear passages, and scenes that feel rushed or overlong. You do not need to make it perfect — that is our job — but a basic self-edit helps us focus our attention on deeper issues rather than surface-level corrections you could have caught yourself.
Know your goals
Are you preparing to query agents? Self-publishing on Amazon? Entering a literary competition? Understanding your end goal helps us tailor our editorial approach. A manuscript destined for traditional publishing, for instance, may need a different level of polish and formatting than one headed for a print-on-demand platform.
Prepare a style sheet
If your book uses invented terminology, unusual spellings, or specific formatting conventions, jot them down in a brief style sheet. This document helps your editor understand intentional choices versus errors and speeds up the editing process considerably.
Still have questions about your book?
We are always happy to chat. Whether you have a quick question about our process or want to discuss a complex multi-volume project, our team is here to help. Reach out by phone, email, or through the contact form on our home page.
Phone: +61 3 6117 9920
Email: [email protected]
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