Developmental editing
This is the big-picture edit. We read the entire manuscript and assess its architecture: does the plot hold together? Are the arguments in a non-fiction work sequenced logically? Do any chapters drag or feel rushed?
You receive a written editorial report of 3,000 to 5,000 words, depending on manuscript length, plus in-line comments at key passages. The report covers narrative structure, pacing, character arcs (for fiction), argument coherence (for non-fiction), point-of-view consistency, and opening/ending effectiveness.
We do not rewrite your prose at this stage. The goal is to give you a clear map for your next revision. Many authors find that one round of developmental editing saves them months of aimless rewriting.
- Turnaround: 3 to 4 weeks for manuscripts up to 90,000 words
- Delivery: editorial letter (PDF) plus annotated manuscript (Word .docx)
- One 45-minute follow-up call included to discuss the report
Copy editing
Copy editing happens after your structural revisions are done. We go through every sentence and correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors. We also flag inconsistencies in character names, timeline, capitalisation style, and number formatting.
All changes are made in Word's Track Changes so you can review each one. We follow the style guide of your choice. If you do not have a preference, we default to New Hart's Rules for UK/Irish English or the Chicago Manual of Style for US English.
A style sheet is compiled during the edit: a reference document listing every spelling decision, hyphenation choice, and capitalisation convention applied. This sheet is yours to keep and share with future collaborators.
- Turnaround: 2 to 3 weeks for up to 90,000 words
- Delivery: tracked-changes manuscript (Word), clean manuscript (Word), style sheet (PDF)
- One pass-back round: you accept/reject changes, we review your queries
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final check before publication. It catches typos, missing punctuation, doubled words, and formatting glitches that slipped through earlier edits. We proof against your formatted PDF or EPUB, not the raw Word file, so we also spot layout problems like widows, orphans, and misaligned headers.
This service assumes the manuscript has already been copy edited. If we find issues that go beyond surface errors, we will flag them and recommend a copy edit instead, rather than charging you for a service that is not the right fit.
- Turnaround: 7 to 10 working days
- Delivery: annotated PDF with corrections marked, or an error log spreadsheet if you prefer
Cover design
Your cover is the single most important sales tool your book has. We design covers that meet genre expectations while still standing out on a thumbnail-sized Amazon listing. The process starts with a brief: you tell us about the book's tone, target reader, and any visual references you like. We research comparable titles in your genre to understand current market trends.
Within ten working days you receive three distinct concept sketches. You pick one (or combine elements from two), and we refine it into a finished design. The final package includes a front cover, spine, and back cover for print, plus a standalone front-cover JPEG for ebook retailers.
- Turnaround: 2 to 3 weeks from brief to final files
- Two rounds of revisions included after the initial concept selection
- Files delivered as print-ready PDF (300 dpi, CMYK) and ebook JPEG (RGB, sRGB)
- ISBN barcode placement included at no extra charge
Interior formatting and typesetting
We take your edited manuscript and turn it into files ready for upload to KDP, IngramSpark, Apple Books, or whichever platform you use. For print, that means a carefully typeset PDF with correct trim size, margins, running headers, page numbers, and front matter (title page, copyright page, table of contents, dedication). For ebook, we produce a reflowable EPUB 3 file and, if needed, a MOBI for legacy Kindle devices.
Image-heavy books like cookbooks, children's picture books, or photography collections are handled as fixed-layout projects with separate pricing. Text-only novels and non-fiction are priced per word.
- Turnaround: 10 to 14 working days for text-only books up to 100,000 words
- One round of corrections after you review the proof PDF
- We test EPUB files on Kindle Previewer, Apple Books, and Kobo before delivery
Publishing guidance
Not sure whether to go with KDP Select or wide distribution? Wondering if you need an ISBN from the Irish ISBN Agency or can use a free one from Amazon? We offer one-hour consulting sessions that answer exactly these kinds of questions.
This is not a course or a generic webinar. You book a call, send us your specific questions in advance, and we research the answers before we meet. Topics we commonly cover include platform selection, pricing strategy for the Irish and UK markets, metadata optimisation (categories, keywords, book description), and the practicalities of ordering author copies through IngramSpark versus KDP Print.
If you have already used our editing or design services, the first 30-minute session is complimentary.
- Session length: 60 minutes via video call
- Written summary of recommendations emailed within 48 hours
How a typical project works
Most book projects follow this five-step path from first contact to finished files. Timelines vary, but a standard novel edit-and-format project usually takes eight to twelve weeks from start to delivery.
Enquiry
You fill in our contact form or send an email with your manuscript details: genre, word count, current stage, and any deadline. We reply within two working days.
Sample edit
For editing projects, we edit a free 1,000-word sample so you can judge our style and decide if we are the right fit. No commitment required.
Agreement and scheduling
Once you are happy with the sample, we send a project agreement with scope, price, payment terms, and delivery date. A 30% deposit secures your slot in our schedule.
Production
We complete the work and deliver files for your review. You have one included revision round (two for cover design). Queries are handled by email or a short call.
Final delivery
After revisions, we send the final files in all agreed formats. The remaining balance is due on delivery. Your style sheet and project files are archived for 12 months in case you need them later.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a developmental edit, a copy edit, or both?
If your manuscript has been through multiple drafts and beta readers, you may only need a copy edit. If this is your first or second draft and you are unsure about structure, start with a developmental edit. We can advise after reading a short sample.
Can you work with manuscripts written in Irish?
Yes. Two of our editors are fluent in Irish and have experience editing fiction and non-fiction in the language. Proofreading and copy editing in Irish follow the same process as English-language projects.
What file formats do you accept?
We prefer Word .docx for editing projects. For formatting, we can also accept Google Docs, Scrivener exports, or clean plain-text files. If your manuscript is in an unusual format, let us know and we will figure it out.
How do payments work?
We invoice 30% upfront and the remaining 70% on delivery of final files. Payment is by bank transfer (SEPA) or PayPal. For projects over €2,500, we can arrange a three-instalment schedule.
Will you sign a non-disclosure agreement?
Absolutely. We treat every manuscript as confidential by default, but we are happy to sign a formal NDA if you prefer. Just ask when you submit your enquiry.
I only need an ebook, not a print book. Can I get just the EPUB?
Yes. We price print and ebook formatting separately, so you can order one without the other. The EPUB-only option is roughly 40% less than the full bundle.