Understanding Editing Timelines, Word Counts, and Who Does the Work
When you’re getting ready for editing, it’s normal to have questions about what’s included, who does what, and how long the process takes. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
Word Count: Before or After Editing?
When you work with selfpublishing.com, your quoted price is based on your manuscript’s word count before editing begins—the original, unedited version you submit. The price will not change, no matter how many words are added or removed during the editing process.
Other editing companies may do things a bit differently. Most will calculate pricing based on the word count at the start of each editing round.
For example:
- Developmental edit = word count at the start of that round
- Copyedit = word count after developmental edits are complete
At selfpublishing.com, we keep it simple: the original word count is what determines your pricing.
Who Does the Editing Work?
This depends on the editing stage! Editing is a collaborative process, and at selfpublishing.com, we want to keep you involved while ensuring your manuscript gets the professional polish it deserves.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Developmental Review & Content Edit (R1 and R2):
You’ll receive detailed feedback, recommendations, and notes from your editor but you will apply those changes and do the writing or restructuring work yourself. - Line Edit (R3):
The editor will make suggested changes and edits for you to review and approve. You’ll go through those edits, decide what to keep, and make final adjustments. - Copyedit & Proofread (R4 and R5):
At this stage, the editor takes the wheel. They’ll directly apply corrections, polish the language, and clean up any remaining typos, grammar issues, or inconsistencies.
In short: early stages are about guidance and structure (you do the work), while later stages are about precision and polish (your editor handles the fixes).
How Long Does It Take?
Editing timelines can vary depending on both the company and the length of your manuscript.
At selfpublishing.com, our standard turnaround times are:
- Developmental Review: 1 week
- Content Edit: 1 week
- Line Edit: Up to 3 weeks
- Copyedit: Up to 3 weeks
- Proofread: Up to 3 weeks
Other companies may calculate timelines differently, but on average, editors complete about 20,000–30,000 words per week.
NOTE: If your manuscript is over 100k words, expect the above timelines to be slightly longer.
Final Thoughts
EditingEditingt is a collaboration between you and your editor, designed to make your story shine. Knowing what to expect—from word counts to timelines—helps you plan your publishing journey with confidence.
If you ever have questions about where your manuscript stands or what happens next, your coach can walk you through the details.