Proofreading & Editing
Heppe-Smith Publishing offers professional proofreading and editing for indie authors. From light copy-edits to developmental guidance, every project is tailored to your manuscript and budget. We tell you what we think you need, and you decide how to proceed.
Every manuscript is different. Some need a light polish before publishing; others benefit from deeper structural feedback. We tailor our editing to what your book actually needs — no unnecessary upselling, no cookie-cutter packages.
What we offer
Light proofreading
Catches typos, punctuation errors, and formatting inconsistencies. Best for manuscripts that have already been through at least one round of self-editing or beta reading. Typically the fastest and most affordable option.
Copy editing
Corrects grammar, improves sentence flow, tightens prose, and ensures consistency in style, tense, and voice. Ideal for manuscripts that are structurally sound but need polishing at the sentence level.
Developmental feedback
Big-picture guidance on structure, pacing, character arcs, and narrative logic. We read the full manuscript and provide a detailed editorial letter with actionable suggestions. Best for early drafts or authors who feel something is “off” but can’t pinpoint it.
Who it’s for
Our editing services are designed for indie authors, self-publishers, and first-time writers who want professional-quality results without the overhead of a traditional publishing deal. Whether you’re publishing your first novel, a nonfiction guide, or a series — we work with your goals and your budget.
How it works
1. Send your manuscript. Email us your manuscript (or a sample chapter) along with a brief note about what kind of editing you’re looking for.
2. We scope and quote. We’ll review your manuscript, recommend the right level of editing, and send you a clear quote with turnaround time.
3. Editing rounds. We work through the manuscript and return it with tracked changes, comments, and suggestions.
4. Final polish. After you’ve reviewed our edits, we do a final pass to catch anything remaining before you publish.
Indicative pricing
Rates depend on manuscript length and editing level. As a rough guide for a 70,000-word manuscript:
Proofreading: from $400 · Copy editing: from $800 · Developmental feedback: from $1,500
Every project is quoted individually after we review your manuscript. No surprises — you’ll know the full cost before we start.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional editor?
Yes. Your brain auto-corrects your own writing. At minimum, every book needs a professional proofread. Reviews mentioning typos will follow your book forever.
What’s the difference between proofreading and copy editing?
Proofreading catches typos, formatting errors, and surface mistakes. Copy editing goes deeper — grammar, consistency, fact-checking, and style. Most manuscripts need at least a copy edit before publication.
How long does editing take?
Typically 2–4 weeks depending on manuscript length and editing level. We’ll give you a specific timeline when we quote.
Do you work with first-time authors?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are publishing their first book. We’ll explain what we recommend and why — no jargon, no pressure.