Understanding How Editing Works with selfpublishing.com
Editing is one of the most important (and valuable) steps in preparing your book for publication but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Below, we’ll answer your most common questions about how editing fits into our programs, how to find an editor, and why sample edits matter.
Do We Offer Editing?
Yes! selfpublishing.com offers a five-round, in-house editing program for authors in our Elite Package.
Here’s what’s included:
- Developmental Review: Structural and story-level feedback
- Content Edit: Clarity, pacing, and flow improvements
- Line Edit: Sentence-level style and tone refinement
- Copyedit: Grammar, punctuation, and word usage corrections
- Proofread: Final quality check before publication
You’ll also get direct access to the Head of Editing for personalized communication and feedback throughout the process.
If you’re in the Build a Bestseller or Author Advantage Accelerator program, talk to your coach for guidance on the best next steps for your manuscript or consider upgrading to Elite to access the full in-house editing experience.
Why Isn’t Editing Automatically Included?
Our professional, in-house editing package is valued at over $10,000, and is therefore included exclusively with the Elite Package.
That being said, every author, regardless of package level, can join our group coaching calls for editing, available in your Author Portal Calendar. These calls give you direct access to editing experts who can answer your questions, review examples, and help you prepare your manuscript for success, even if your editing is being done outside of selfpublishing.com.
How Do I Find an Editor?
If you’re not part of the Elite Package, there are still great ways to find the right editor for your project:
- Ask your coach for their personal recommendations. They’ll know which editors best fit your goals, genre, and budget.
- Attend the Editing Group Coaching Calls in your Portal Calendar to get advice directly from our Head of Editing or other professionals in the field.
- Consider upgrading to Elite if you want to keep all editing in-house for a seamless, start-to-finish experience.
Should I Request a Sample Edit?
If you’re hiring an editor outside of selfpublishing.com, a sample edit is highly recommended.
A sample edit lets you:
- See how an editor approaches your writing style.
- Understand what each round of editing looks like in practice.
- Evaluate whether their tone, communication style, and level of detail fit your needs.
Most professional editors will offer a paid sample edit so you can see their process before committing to a full round. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your manuscript—and your investment—are in the right hands.
Your Personal Editing Journey
Editing can feel like a big step, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the publishing journey. Whether you’re exploring the process through coaching calls, working with an outside editor, or upgrading to our Elite Package for the full in-house experience, you’ll have plenty of support and guidance along the way.
If you’re unsure what kind of editing your book needs, start by talking with your coach. They’ll help you decide which next step will move your manuscript forward with confidence.