Sage Publishing
Editing Services
Transforming Manuscripts into Masterpieces:
Book Editing Services by Sage Publishing
Sage Publishing is proud to offer professional book editing services for authors who want their manuscripts to shine. Whether you’re an independent author, a freelance writer, or one of our valued clients, we understand that editing can feel overwhelming and time‑consuming. Our team of experienced editors is here to handle the details so you can stay focused on your creative work.
We believe every book has the potential to become a masterpiece. With our high editorial standards, exceptional professionalism, and efficient turnaround times, we are committed to helping you elevate your manuscript to its fullest potential. Our editing packages are tailored to your needs and budget, offering competitive pricing without compromising quality.
While lower‑cost, inexperienced editors may seem appealing, they often deliver disappointing results that can harm your book’s reputation. Our skilled editorial team provides the expertise and care your work deserves, ensuring your book stands out in today’s crowded market.
Let us help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today and take the next step toward transforming your manuscript into a polished, compelling work of art.
Understanding the Cost of Editing Services
Editing costs vary based on the editor’s experience, the type of editing required, and the length and genre of your manuscript. Marketplace data from 2022 shows that hiring an editor for a 60,000‑word book typically ranges from $2,400 to $3,400.
For reference, here are common per‑word rates:
Copy editing: approximately $0.021 per word
Proofreading: approximately $0.015 per word
To give you a clearer picture, here is an estimated breakdown for editing a 75,000‑word literary fiction novel:
Editorial assessment: ~$1,448
Developmental edit: ~$2,085
Copy edit: ~$1,665
Final proofread: ~$1,103
These figures can help you plan your budget and choose the level of editing that best fits your project.
Don’t Wait — Get Started Today
Your manuscript deserves expert attention.
Submit your manuscript today and begin your editing journey with Sage Publishing.
Editorial Assessment
An editorial assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your manuscript that provides detailed feedback on key elements such as structure, characterization, plot, pacing, and style. Its purpose is to give you a clear understanding of your book’s strengths and weaknesses so you can determine whether additional editing services are needed. This assessment acts as a roadmap, helping you gauge the overall quality of your work and make informed decisions about the next steps in your revision process.
Receiving an editorial assessment is often one of the most valuable early investments an author can make. A professional editor reads your entire manuscript and delivers thoughtful, in‑depth feedback on plot development, character arcs, structural consistency, thematic clarity, and stylistic execution. This insight can spark meaningful revisions and significantly elevate your manuscript. By identifying what’s working—and what isn’t—the assessment empowers you to create a focused, effective revision strategy that strengthens your creative vision.
Finding the right editor is essential. A professional with experience in your genre ensures that the feedback you receive is accurate, relevant, and aligned with industry expectations.
An editorial assessment can be beneficial at multiple stages of the writing journey. Some authors seek this feedback after completing a first draft, while others request an assessment after several rounds of beta reading or even after prior professional edits. Because it examines deeper elements such as theme, nuance, characterization, and structure, the assessment often leads to substantial improvements.
Even authors who have already self‑published can benefit. With the ease of updating ebook editions, an editorial assessment can help address issues affecting sales or reader reviews. Unlike a typical online review, which may point out flaws without offering solutions, an editorial assessment provides clear, actionable guidance for fixing them—objective, specific, and grounded in professional expertise.
This service can also help you determine whether your manuscript is ready for querying. When paired with a query‑letter review, an editorial assessment ensures your submission package is polished, compelling, and competitive before approaching literary agents.
For many authors—especially those early in the revision process—an editorial assessment is an accessible, cost‑effective first step toward producing a stronger, more market‑ready manuscript.
Rate
$2.00 per page (Industry standard: 1 page = 250 words)
Our Editorial Assessment Includes
A full, careful read‑through and analysis of your manuscript
A comprehensive written report evaluating all major story and structural elements, including commercial potential
Clear, constructive suggestions to guide your rewriting and strengthen your manuscript
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is a vital stage in the creative writing process. It focuses on the “big picture” elements of your book—plot, character development, structure, pacing, theme, world‑building, and narrative tone—ensuring the foundation of your story is strong before moving on to finer stylistic details. Investing in developmental editing helps your manuscript resonate more deeply with readers and positions it for long‑term success.
A developmental editor works on substantive revisions to your manuscript. Rather than correcting grammar or polishing sentences, they examine the architecture of your story and identify issues such as plot holes, flat or inconsistent characters, pacing problems, unrealistic dialogue, point‑of‑view slips, excessive exposition (“telling”), sagging middles, info dumps, or weak conflict. Their goal is to help you strengthen the core of your narrative so every scene, character, and plot thread works together effectively.
Your editor will read the entire manuscript and provide an in‑depth written analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. They also leave comments throughout the manuscript to highlight specific opportunities for improvement. While they typically do not rewrite your text, their insights can transform your story and deepen your understanding of the craft. Many traditional publishers now expect authors to complete this level of revision before submitting, making developmental editing more essential than ever.
What Developmental Editing Includes
Story Structure & Plot
Evaluation of overall story arc and cohesion
Identification of plot holes, logic gaps, or missing connective tissue
Analysis of pacing, tension, and escalation
Review of subplot integration and resolution
Character Development
Depth, motivation, and consistency
Strength of character arcs and emotional journeys
Effectiveness of protagonist/antagonist roles
Purpose and balance of supporting characters
World‑Building & Setting
Clarity, immersion, and internal logic
Integration of setting into plot and character experience
Over‑ or under‑explaining world details
Point of View & Narrative Perspective
POV consistency and effectiveness
Avoidance of head‑hopping
Narrative distance and intimacy
Voice, Tone & Style (Macro Level)
Consistency of narrative voice
Tone alignment with genre and audience
Identification of over‑telling or repetitive patterns
Theme & Emotional Resonance
Clarity and execution of thematic elements
Opportunities to strengthen emotional impact
Conflict & Stakes
Internal and external conflicts
Clarity and escalation of stakes
Satisfaction of resolution and payoff
Scene‑Level Effectiveness
Purpose and structure of each scene
Scene transitions and momentum
Identification of filler or redundant scenes
Dialogue & Interactions
Realism and distinct character voices
Use of subtext vs. exposition
Dialogue that advances plot or deepens character
Market & Genre Alignment
Fit with genre conventions
Commercial viability
Target audience clarity
Rate
$5.00 per page (Industry standard: 1 page = 250 words)
Developmental Editing Includes
A thorough analysis of your manuscript’s structure, plot, characters, and overall effectiveness
Comprehensive feedback outlining strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement
Actionable guidance to strengthen scenes, tighten pacing, and sharpen your story for your intended audience
Copy Editing
Copy editing enhances the mechanics, refines the prose, and guarantees style coherence. If your story’s structure is sound but the actual text could benefit from improvement, this is the service you want.
Copy editing, also known as fine-tuning the “copy,” involves refining a book’s text. A thorough copy edit addresses grammatical and punctuation errors, incorrect facts, anomalies, inconsistencies, and glaring typos. The ultimate goal of copy editing is to ensure that the language effectively supports the writer’s intention, resulting in the most readable version of the book.
The copy editor checks for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. They might also comment on continuity errors, e.g., the character having brown eyes in chapter 1 and blue eyes in chapter 17 or do some minor rewriting for the sake of clarity, but they don’t do any major revisions of style or content. For the most part, copy editing is just following the rules; very little of it is a judgment call. Most copy editors make their changes in the manuscript, using the “track changes” feature if they do onscreen editing.
Rate: $4.00 per page. Our editors charge based on page count. The industry standard assumes that 1 page = 250 words.
Our Copy Edit includes: grammar, spelling, punctuation, and small inconsistencies
- Address any remaining plot, structure, and style issues
- Perform sentence-level edits to enhance clarity and flow
- Make general edits to improve grammar and punctuation
Creative Consulting
Welcome to Creative Consulting, where we specialize in guiding you towards unlocking your creativity and helping you overcome any hurdles that may be impeding your progress. Whether you are struggling with writer’s block or just need some fresh ideas to get your creative juices flowing, our team of experienced professionals are here to provide you with personalized guidance and support. Our unique approach focuses on live discussions with a real person, who will work with you to identify areas of strength and weakness in your creative process, and provide you with strategies for moving forward confidently with your novel or any creative project. With our expertise and personalized attention to your needs, you’ll soon be able to unlock your creative potential and achieve your goals. 
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards realizing your creative dreams!
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Adaptation Services
The process of adapting a book into a movie or TV show is a complex undertaking. Whether it’s converting a best-selling novel into a thrilling feature film or turning a beloved memoir into a captivating series, adaptation is a crucial aspect of the entertainment industry. If you have a passion for your book and a desire to see it transformed into a successful Netflix Original, it’s vital to ensure that it can be marketed effectively to studios and producers. This is where our top-notch adaptation services come into play.
Our exceptional team of talented screenwriters specializes in converting books into compelling screenplays that captivate the audience and capture the attention of studios and producers. We understand that every detail in your book is crucial, and we make sure to consider and incorporate them into the screenplay. Our team works collaboratively with you to develop a screenplay that encapsulates the essence of your book and meets your unique needs. Our goal is to offer unparalleled adaptation services that guarantee your satisfaction and success.
In short, if you want your book to be submitted to studios and producers as an outstanding screenplay, our exceptional and tailored adaptation services are the solution that you have been searching for. So, why wait? Contact us today to learn more about how our services can bring your book to life on the big or small screen!
Cover Art and Layout Service
Are you looking for an amazing book cover that will capture the attention of your potential readers? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Our team of talented artists and graphic designers are here to provide you with the best cover art services that will make your book stand out on the shelf. We understand that first impressions matter, and the cover of your book is the first thing that readers will see. That’s why we put our creativity and skills together to deliver a visually appealing design that complements your book’s content. Our services include layout and original art concepts that will make your book look as good as it reads. Don’t settle for an average cover – let us help you create an outstanding one that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
