Comprehensive Packages
Package 1 — $3000
Package 2 — $4500
Package 3 — $6200
Editing Options for Each Package
developmental editing | copyediting | proofreading
Includes copyediting and proofreading in 2 passes
verification that every statement and citation is factual through independent research
Our pricing tables can only be viewed on a computer or tablet. Please revisit this page on your computer.
Editing Services
| Service | Description | Price | Deliverables | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1
Manuscript Review |
Manuscript Review consists of an initial reading of the book with detailed feedback. This is a creative conversation about the structure of the book and the overall impact of the project. You will receive a document of feedback on the work usually 5-10 pages long detailing the reader response to plot, character development, pace, and coherence. Review is an initial exploration of a writer’s work and a process of identification of the strengths of the book and where it needs work. |
$1,500 for standard wordcount (less than 80,000) |
|
usually 3 weeks |
| CD1
Coaching |
A working relationship between author and editor/coach. It consists of regular meetings to improve and change the manuscript. This is for authors interested in continuous feedback on a work in progress. This is the perfect way to examine the big themes of an author’s work and the overall structure of a book while still in the writing process. An author in the process of rewriting or redrafting a book can also benefit from the support and critical feedback of this process. | $750 per month |
|
ongoing |
| DEV
Developmental Editing |
Developmental edit is done at a very early stage. It may stem from simple idea that the editor helps shape, or the editor may take very rough manuscript and suggest big changes in the structure or narrative. | .035 per word |
|
Depends on length of manuscript |
| LE1
Line Editing / Copyediting |
Copyediting means correcting errors, tightening sentences, and getting the book ready for publication. The copyeditor makes sure style is consistent. Editors deliver a marked-up and commented Word document back to the author who can make their own corrections. | .035 per word |
|
Depends on length of manuscript |
| PR1
Proofreading |
Proofreading occurs is part of the final production process. The layout PDF is marked for errors. The layout is finalized for production. PDFs can’t be directly edited so significant rewrites should be structured under copyediting or developmental. The author receives a marked PDF and has the opportunity to mark their own changes. | .025 per word |
|
usually less than 3 weeks. |
| FE1
Full Service |
Developmental edit, copyediting, and proofreading combined into one seamless process | .08 per word |
|
around 4 months |
| FE2
Full Edit — Corrections |
Copyediting and proofreading combined into one seamless process | .05 per word |
|
around 4 months |
| PPC1
Post-production Changes |
All changes need to be in PDF markup.The author is responsible for new upload fees in addition to the costs listed here. | $400 minimum + $200 per additional version. $125 per hour during edits. |
|
2-3 weeks |
| CON1
Consultation |
We will consult with authors on any writing, editing, publishing or marketing matter. Authors can use this time for any purpose, from discussing story structure in a novel to setting up publishing accounts for production. Authors can pursue their own projects with support using consultation. | $125 per hour |
|
hourly |
Basic Requirements and Limitations
- Authors must own Word, no alternative word processing programs such as Pages. Authors must be able to use Word and understand the track changes and commenting system. We can offer instructions but cannot provide training.
- Authors must be able to send and receive attachments in email.
- Authors must be able to download files from google drive. Some layout files are too large to send through email.
- Authors must be able to comment on PDF layouts using Adobe Acrobat. We can provide instructions but not alternatives.
- We do not work with printouts or any alternative methods of writing.
- We do not scan or adjust images without a work order.
Each phase of editing has a different process. Authors should be aware of these differences and choose the appropriate phase for their work. We are happy to give recommendations.
If an author decides to publish without a proofreading workflow, the finished product will have mistakes. We do not look for errors or make any changes to a manuscript without an appropriate editing workflow in place.
A physical book is always more real. It’s easier to find errors in a printed book then in a PDF. Many authors don’t like reading from a computer screen and so miss mistakes during the editing process. The proofreading process is designed to finalize the book before publication. It is absolutely vital to make the most of proofreading before publication. We can make changes after the book is printed but it is difficult to do and we can’t control when stock runs out and is replaced by the new printing. Our method of perfecting a book is proofreading. Make sure you understand the proofreading process and know how to read a PDF and use PDF markup. Any post-production changes are very expensive. Post production changes often occur when there is no proofreading process. In general it is less expensive to proofread a book properly than it is to skip it and change it in post.
Frequently Asked Questions About Editing
Proofreading is reserved for finalizing a manuscript that has already been laid out. A layout is set in PDF form and it isn’t directly editable. If you are working with a word document or still making significant changes to the manuscript then line editing or creative development is a better choice. If you have an existing layout from another provider, make sure you have the indesign package as well since you can’t edit a PDF. Proofreading is less expensive than line-editing because it represents “finalization.” It is usually one-directional. The editor finalizes the layout and sends it to the author. The author reviews the changes and can add their own using proofing marks. The layout is returned to the designer who implements everything. The classical editing experience of discussing things with an editor and making suggestions for changes is line editing. Proofreading is necessarily limited in order to finish the manuscript as it is. Editing processes have an order and you might think of building a house. Manuscript review and creative development are drawing up the blueprints. Line editing is building the walls and roof. Proofreading is painting. A manuscript might not be ready for proofreading just because of the state of the draft. A manuscript that needs a lot of work or needs a lot of help should be in line editing or creative development.
Every manuscript has errors. You can use any publishing service we offer without using an editing service, but just know that proofreading before publication is always cheaper and better than post-production changes.
Everyone needs an editor. Everyone makes mistakes. If you think about it you probably have a few spelling errors that are habits you’ll never correct. For me, one of these is the word “instrument.” I almost always put the u before the r and then delete it. There is an important watershed for every author when they abandon the idea that their writing is perfect. It means turning away from your ego and starting the real work. Flattering yourself feels great and justifies the laziness every author feels when they want to avoid the hard work of writing. Walk away from your ego and you’ll always find the work rewarding. No book ever got good until the second draft.
We use the Chicago Manual of Style. We allow for your own style and voice in our editing process, but the Chicago Manual is a great baseline. It’s something every writer should own. It’s easy to understand and easy to look things up.
You can employ an editor at any point in your writing process. A great rule of thumb is to always completely rewrite your book once you finish the first draft. This sounds like a lot of work at first but it can also feel incredibly freeing. Instead of facing the blank page, you are working with something that already has structure, tone and emotion. In our opinion, it is a waste to hire a professional editor when most of their work is absorbed fixing simple errors that could have been caught with spell check. Rewriting beyond the first draft means you are making your book the best it can be before it leaves your hands, and your editor can take it even further. A rewrite of your entire book is certainly a lengthy endeavor, but it’s a great opportunity to advance the manuscript before you send it to an editor. It can be really exciting to be swept away by your own novel!
Publishing Services
Amazon Publishing through KDP
Amazon is an incredible resource for authors and offers powerful tools for publishing, ebook distribution, and marketing. Amazon owns their own press and their books are high quality and cheaper than other services. Amazon doesn’t need to warehouse books or share the profit with bookstores and therefore an author’s revenue share on Amazon can be much greater than any other service. However, cutting out bookstores means exactly that. Books published on Amazon have greater profit potential and are delivered almost instantly but Amazon books never reach bookstores.
Kindle is the best and most used ebook service. Kindle has more readers than all other services combined. Kindle e-books are the most profitable form your book can have, since they only cost 50 cents to deliver. A low priced ebook (3.99) can deliver almost all the profit to the author. Kindle offers great promotions through Kindle Unlimited, and the power of these promotions outweighs all other ebook services. An author might want their book on all platforms, google, apple ibooks, kobo, barnes and noble, etc. We are happy to provide this service but keeping an ebook on kindle only is more profitable.
A publisher account on Amazon is called a Kindle Direct Publishing account. We’re happy to manage your book on our account and send you royalties once a year but the cost for this is 25% of net royalties. We’re happy to prepare a book for your individual KDP account as well, in which case you can retain 100% of your royalties. We can assist you in setting up your account, just check our account setup services section.
CROSSdiscount
Amazon is running bookstores out of business because their books are less expensive and ship more rapidly. If an author wants to see their book in bookstores Ingram Spark should be used, not Amazon. Books on IngramSpark don’t have the same profit potential, since the bookstore has to make a profit selling the book and requires some of the profit. Authors should understand the different platforms and carefully establish their goals. Any author can use different platforms together. A print book with the same ISBN can be created simultaneously for Amazon and Bookstores. Readers won’t know the difference but the Amazon version will make more money. An author can produce books on IngramSpark and use Amazon kindle at the same time. We can offer substantial discounts for publishing a book on two platforms so an author won’t have to pay for paperback design twice for instance.
| Service | Description | Price | Deliverables | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZHC1
Hardcover |
Amazon hardcover books are high quality and one of the most profitable forms of hardcover in the print-on-demand market. They are casewrap with beautiful full color images on the cover. | $1,500 |
|
usually 1-2 months from the date of the final proofread. |
| AZPB1
Paperback |
Amazon paperbacks are high-quality and very profitable. Pages can be creme or white and covers can be glossy or matte. | $1,500 |
|
1-2 months from finished proofread |
| AZK1
Kindle |
Kindle is the most profitable form for your book, since the files cost only 50 cents to deliver and can sell for whatever price you choose. Kindle books can be enrolled in KU (Kindle Unlimited) which allows authors to use powerful promotional tools. | $1,500 |
|
1-2 months from proofread |
| COV1
Cover Design |
Every edition needs a cover. A cover design can be adapted to any format. This is a finished cover for one format. The process begins with an initial creative session via Zoom. The cover is created and there are two rounds of feedback and changes. Then the cover is finalized. Additional rounds of changes can be separately assessed as needed. | $600 |
|
1-2 months from proofread |
| COVMU1
Multi Format Cover |
adaptation of the cover for additional formats | $150 per additional format |
|
2 weeks |
| COVAD1
Cover adaptation |
adaptation of an existing cover. Work from other designers must always be adapted to fit your finished book. This process is contingent on the quality and availability of the art files. We reject files of the wrong format or poor resolution. | $150 |
|
2 weeks |
Considerations
MULTI50
Design can be adapted from paperback to hardcover. This results in a 50% discount on one form when an author purchases hardcover and paperback together. Kindle is a separate process so must be assessed separately.
We manage your books and send you royalties. Our fee for this service is 25% of net royalties and authors retain 75%. Authors can easily set up their own accounts and retain 100% royalties. We cannot switch books to author accounts after production. Authors should be aware of this choice and act accordingly. See the account setup services section for help with this issue.
Children’s books can’t be created on Amazon due to a recent policy change. The minimum page count is 75 for KDP which excludes most children’s books.
Full-color books can be created and many authors are interested in them. We really don’t recommend it because they are very expensive in this system. In our experience almost everyone who makes a full color book on Amazon regrets doing it since the book is so expensive and the profits are so minimal. If an author has a memoir with many family pictures they generally look nice in black and white.
Publishing through IngramSpark
IngramSpark is a print-on-demand service for authors. It is owned by Ingram group, the major distributor of books for all bookstores worldwide. Creating a book on IngramSpark is the best service for reaching bookstores. Books published only on Amazon usually don’t reach bookstore shelves. IngramSpark is the best choice for authors who would like to be in bookstores.
We’re happy to manage your book on our account and send you royalties once a year but the cost for this is 25% of net royalties. We’re happy to prepare a book for your individual IngramSpark account as well, in which case you can retain 100% of your royalties. We can assist you in setting up your account, just check our account setup services section.
The best way to work across platforms is to build a book on IngramSpark and Amazon simultaneously with the same ISBN. IngramSpark has ebook services for wide distribution but we find Amazon kindle much more effective for ebooks.
Bookstores don’t automatically include anything in their monthly stock orders. If you make a book on IngramSpark it is available for bookstores to order it, but that doesn’t mean they will. Authors should expect to do a lot of campaigning for their book in order to reach bookshops
Warehouse and markup
Ingram will let you know the production cost of the book. Then the book goes to the Ingram warehouse for distribution. Bookstores usually require a 55% markup in order to stay profitable. This means that your bookstore edition will have a much smaller profit margin for the author.
Return editions
Unsold books ordered by bookstores are returned to the author. The author is responsible for any costs that might occur during returns.
| Service | Description | Price | Deliverables | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISHC1
Hardcover |
IngramSpark hardcovers take many different forms. Authors can make dust jackets too! IngramSpark offers many more sizes for hardcovers unavailable through Amazon. | 1500 dollars |
|
usually 1-2 months from the date of the final proofread. |
| ISPB1
Paperback |
IngramSpark paperbacks come in more sizes than Amazon. | 1500 dollars |
|
1-2 months from finished proofread |
| ISEPUB1
epub |
IngramSpark offers epub distribution which will send epub to every platform imaginable. | 1500 dollars |
|
1-2 months from proofread |
| COV1
Cover Design |
Every edition needs a cover. A cover design can be adapted to any format. This is a finished cover for one format. The process begins with an initial creative session via Zoom. The cover is created and there are two rounds of feedback and changes. Then the cover is finalized. Additional rounds of changes can be separately assessed as needed. | 600 dollars |
|
1-2 months from proofread |
| COVMU1
Multi Format Cover |
adaptation of the cover for additional formats | 150 dollars per additional format |
|
2 weeks |
| COVAD1
Cover adaptation |
adaptation of an existing cover. Work from other designers must always be adapted to fit your finished book. This process is contingent on the quality and availability of the art files. We reject files of the wrong format or poor resolution. | 150 dollars |
|
2 weeks |
| KIDS1
Children’s Books |
IngramSpark can be used to create children’s books and Amazon cannot, because the minimum page count for an Amazon book is 80 pages. | 1500 dollars |
|
1-2 months |
Considerations
MULTI50
Design can be adapted from paperback to hardcover. This results in a 50% discount on one form when an author purchases hardcover and paperback together. epub is a separate process so must be assessed separately.
We manage your books and send you royalties. Our fee for this service is 25% of net royalties and authors retain 75%. Authors can easily set up their own accounts and retain 100% royalties. We cannot switch books to author accounts after production. Authors should be aware of this choice and act accordingly. See the account setup services section for help with this issue.
CROSSdiscount
A paperback can be designed for both Amazon and IngramSpark. If the author wishes to use both platforms for a paperback, they do not need to pay a full interior design and cover design for each version, just an additional fee for adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Publishing
Yes. If you are mildly computer-savvy you can set up publishing accounts on IngramSpark and Amazon KDP yourself. You can download a free program called Kindle Create to build resources for KDP, and you’ll find an online cover creator within the KDP interface. KDP allows you to upload a word document to use as your interior. KDP and IngramSpark also give away ISBNs for your use! There are so many ways to spend money when creating a book. If you find a path to save money on production and spend it on marketing instead that’s great! Using the automated tools within KDP result in books that are generic looking and most book stores won’t carry a book with an ISBN linked to Amazon. We are professional layout designers and cover artists and we can use available publishing tools to give you a finished product that is professionally designed. We advocate for authors deeply educating themselves before beginning any publishing or editing process. You can use our account support services to learn all there is to know about these tools and craft your budget accordingly.
Sure, but it isn’t recommended. There are many publishing services out there that are just software overlays for IngramSpark and Amazon. We have found many that dazzle with low rates like “10% of royalties” only to discover that this percentage is on top of normal IngramSpark pricing. Amazon is the main online retailer in the world and Ingram is the main book distributor in the world. An alternative service is usually just a pass-through for using these two publishers.
IngramSpark and Amazon have two different purposes. Amazon makes greater profit by selling directly to the customer. IngramSpark is the major distributor for bookstores. The best platform is to use both services at the same time so that your book is sent to bookstores and sold on Amazon. If you choose to only use IngramSpark it will generate an Amazon page, but the editions will be less profitable when purchased through Amazon.
Absolutely! There are print on demand services that only require you to send a word document. Those services often have a “cover creator” wizard where it will automatically make a cover for you with your image and title. To start with an easy-to-use service, you might want to look at kindle create, which is a simple interface for making ebooks for kindle. Kindle Create is pretty much the same difficulty level as using word. We never try to hard-sell authors our services. We’re happy to point you in the right direction to publish your book yourself if you choose. Just get in touch for a free 15 minute phone conversation.
Our services will give you a professional and artistic interior layout and cover of the highest quality and allow you to reach more readers on amazon and in bookstores across the country. If you want a finished, professional look for your book that will look good next to any novel from a big publishing house, you’ve come to the right place.
Account Set Up and Registration Services
Authors have our full support in creating and managing their own publishing accounts. Publishing accounts aren’t technically difficult to maintain. They require computer competency close to the level of sending an email. We help set up Amazon KDP and IngramSpark accounts. Owning your account means that you have 100% of your royalties and can make changes to your books as you wish.
Proper copyright registration and submitting for a Library of Congress Control Number is something every author should do. An LCCN number enters a database for libraries so that your book is available to order at any library. A formal submission of copyright isn’t strictly necessary since every author’s creative work is automatically copyrighted, but a copyright document brings the assurance that your work cannot be taken from you or sold without your permission.
An ISBN is the catalog number of your book. Any publishing package includes an Emerald Books ISBN, but it is quick and easy to purchase your own ISBNs. This means you control your own imprint and creates a foundation for future publications.
| Service | Description | Price | Deliverables | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REG1
Copyright and LCCN Registration |
We register your book for copyright and for a Library of Congress Control Number using our own accounts. The registrations are sent to you. | 300 dollars |
|
usually 3-5 weeks from date of registration. |
| ACCT1
Account Creation Assist |
We help you create your own accounts for IngramSpark and Amazon KDP | 200 dollars |
|
instant |
| REG2
Registration Guidance |
We show you how to do all registrations yourself and where to buy ISBNs. | 200 dollars |
|
instant |
Art & Design
| Service | Description | Price | Deliverables | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unique maps, charts, and graphs
CHART |
Graphic designer will create maps, charts, and graphs to supplement your book. | From $250 |
|
within 3 weeks |
| Illustration
ART1 (Black & White) ART2 (Full Color) |
Artist creates logo, drawing, or digital paintings to enhance book. Can be an add-on for a cover | $200 (B&W)
$300 Color) |
|
within 3 weeks |
| COV1
Cover Design |
Every edition needs a cover. A cover design can be adapted to any format. This is a finished cover for one format. The process begins with an initial creative session via Zoom. The cover is created and there are two rounds of feedback and changes. Then the cover is finalized. Additional rounds of changes can be separately assessed as needed. | 600 dollars |
|
1-2 months from proofread |
| COVMU1
Multi Format Cover |
adaptation of the cover for additional formats | 150 dollars per additional format |
|
2 weeks |
| COVAD1
Cover adaptation |
adaptation of an existing cover. Work from other designers must always be adapted to fit your finished book. This process is contingent on the quality and availability of the art files. We reject files of the wrong format or poor resolution. | 150 dollars |
|
2 weeks |
Marketing Services
Marketing is essential for every author. Marketing can take many forms, from direct advertising and reviews to social media campaigns. The best place to start is working with our marketing specialist Michele Barard who can give advice on other advertising tools to use from this section. An author can invest in large scale ad campaigns but it should be noted that there are many free publicity opportunities as well, especially reading at bookstores.
It often takes authors years to build a following. Don’t overspend on one big advertising push, instead think of the long game to engage more readers and get the word out about your book. Kirkus reviews are standard but there are many free review opportunities. Work with a marketing specialist to develop a plan and budget you feel comfortable with. Social media is a powerful tool for marketing. There is no “magic bullet” or “pay for sales” solution. Marketing is a creative process that requires the author’s full participation.
Work with a Marketing Specialist
Our marketing specialist, Michele Barard, provides specially-tailored guidance through a marketing process created specifically for each author.
Advertisements and Tools
| Service | Description | Price | Deliverables | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR1
Kirkus Review |
A kirkus review is the best way to get the word out there about your book. This price includes the cost of the review. | 700 dollars |
|
usually 5 weeks from date of submission. |
| FR1
Foreword Review |
Foreword is a great place for book reviews, and sets the industry standard. Price includes the cost of the review | 700 dollars |
|
usually 5 weeks from submission |
| PRAD1
Print advertisement package |
We prepare print ads for your book in Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, and other applicable publications. This price includes the cost of the advertisements. | 5000 dollars |
|
ongoing ads. |
| EDL1
Edelweiss Listing |
Edelweiss is the main catalog used by booksellers. We submit the book to Edelweiss | 600 dollars |
|
6-month listing |
| KU1
Kindle Unlimited Campaign |
Your book is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited so that the kindle version can be free for 5 days every 90 days. We coordinate promotions during the free days and manage the promotions. | 1500 dollars |
|
5 days every ninety days |
| KU2
Assisted Kindle Unlimited Campaign |
Your book is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited so that the kindle version can be free for 5 days every 90 days. You set up promotions and let us know what dates you would like to be free. This is a great resource for working with Michele Barard, who can help you find promotional opportunities and set up a calendar. | 150 dollars |
|
5 days every ninety days |
| KDPCAT
KDP Categories and |
Amazon uses its own catalog system that is different from BISAC. We use our API to connect to Amazon and analyze categories and keywords. We create a list of new categories for your book and submit them to Amazon. Placing your book in more categories helps more readers find it. During the setup process, KDP allows you to choose only two categories but we can add up to ten. This is for Amazon books only. This can be used on an individual account or on the Emerald Books account. | 250 dollars |
|
done at the time of publication |
| PITCH
Book Pitch, Summary, and Back Cover copy |
We write summary and sales copy for your book. This copy is used on the back cover and on the sales page for Ingram and Amazon books. We write compelling ad text that can be used in Amazon ads and other advertisements. | 300 dollars |
|
usually done while editing but can be done separately. |
Creative Resources
| Service | Description | Price | Deliverables | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDV1
Editorial Video Review |
We write and record an editorial video review for your book. Video reviews are usually 1 to 2 minutes. The video is published to our YouTube channel and is available to share for promotional purposes. | 500 dollars |
|
1 month |
| EAUTH1
Emerald Author Page |
We create a web page advertising your book. Author pages are found at emerald-book.com/authors. Author pages can be used in many ways for promotion and to interact with readers. | 500 dollars |
|
1 month |
| A+AZ1
A+ content |
A+ content is used to create appealing graphics on an Amazon sales page. | 300 dollars |
|
2 weeks |
Creating a book is not an investment. Even large publishers expect to make 5,000 dollars for a successful book. We recommend every author go slowly and budget for a sustainable creative life. You could spend thousands of dollars on reviews and ads and end up with bad reviews for your book. Writing is still an artform and the best thing you can do is create the best book you can. Success looks different for different people and there are many strategies for reaching readers and presenting your book to the public, but there is no formula for success. Writing is a journey.
There is no magic formula for marketing. There are incredibly effective things you can do for free, such as talking about your book on TikTok or Instagram. It’s always best to work with a consultant or other marketing professional to help you articulate your goals for the book. There is no guaranteed result with a formulaic input and output (like spend x expect y sales). For most authors, marketing is a decades-long process of connecting with readers and getting the word out about their work. You can sign up for the conference room at your local library and do a book signing for free. You could place a full-page ad in the New Yorker for 20,000 dollars. The most important thing is to make sure you feel confident in your chosen strategy. If you are uncomfortable with social media or find it difficult to use, then don’t use it. Mailing your book to bookstores and regional newspapers with a nice handwritten note can be much more effective than constantly tweeting, especially if you don’t like doing it.
Web Design
Big Easy Web Design
Our book marketing expert, Michele Barard, owns an excellent website creation company. One of the most important tools for any author is a website. An author website isn’t just a static page about you, it is a dynamic experience where readers and authors interact. A Big Easy website is just another way to publish, and a key piece of any author’s marketing strategy.
Visit this page for an in-depth description of our process.
Our process page will tell you everything you need to know about working with Emerald Books and can answer most of your questions about editing, design, production, and marketing.
Every design & publishing package includes work with a marketing professional and one-on-one consultation to give you the best possible book launch. Marketing services vary according to package.
*We review every manuscript to make sure our services are right for your project. We offer full editing services for every project.