Frequently Asked Questions

They work at different levels. A manuscript assessment is a full read followed by an editorial letter that tells you what’s working, what isn’t, and what to fix first. A developmental edit goes further, with comments throughout your manuscript on structure, pacing, character, or argument. A full copyedit works sentence by sentence on clarity, flow, and consistency. A proofread is the final polish for errors before publication.

As a rule of thumb: if you’re unsure whether the book works as a whole, start with an assessment or developmental edit. If the structure is solid but the writing needs refining, choose a full copyedit. If it has already been edited and just needs a final check, choose a proofread. If you’re still not sure, book a free discovery call and we’ll recommend the right level.

Most manuscript services are priced per word, with separate rates for fiction and memoir and for nonfiction and academic work. For example, a full copyedit of an 80,000-word novel is typically $2,400–$3,200. Use our cost estimator for a range based on your word count, or see Services & Rates for every rate.

The sample edit lets you see exactly how we’ll work on your manuscript before you commit. We edit a 250-word sample of your own writing to the full standard of the service you’ve selected and explain our changes, usually within two to three business days. The $75 fee is credited in full toward your project if you go ahead, and you keep the edited sample either way. For very short texts, such as picture books, we skip the sample and quote from the full text.

It depends on the service and length. As a guide for an 80,000-word manuscript: a proofread takes about 8–10 business days, a full copyedit or assessment about 2–3 weeks, and a developmental edit about 4–6 weeks, counted from when we receive your full manuscript and deposit. We confirm your delivery date in writing before we start.

Yes. Picture books and children’s books up to 1,200 words have flat rates for every service, starting at $150 for a proofread. Longer children’s books are priced per word.

No. We edit to make your writing clearer and stronger while keeping your voice. Where a change would affect your meaning, we ask a question in a comment rather than rewriting. Ghostwriting and rewriting aren’t part of our services.

No editor can honestly promise either. We edit carefully and to professional standards, but no edit can guarantee a completely error-free text, especially if the manuscript is revised afterward. Editing improves your book’s chances, but publication and sales depend on many other factors.

You review our changes and comments and accept or reject each one. We answer follow-up questions for 14 days after delivery (30 days for a developmental edit). If you’d like us to review your revised draft, we’ll quote that separately.

You pay the $75 sample fee first. If you go ahead, a 50% deposit (less the sample fee) secures your place, and the balance is due on delivery. We send your clean, changes-accepted file once the balance is paid. Payments are made by card through a secure payment link.

Newsletters, marketing and internal emails, campaigns, reports, website copy, and internal communications. We work to AP style unless you have your own house style guide.

No. We edit your drafts and advise on content: making it clearer, more consistent, and better suited to its purpose. We don’t write new content from scratch, design, or send and schedule emails.

It’s our most hands-on level of support. Beyond editing, we reshape a piece: reorganizing it, sharpening the message, strengthening the call to action, and advising on how it fits your wider communications.

Individual pieces are priced per word, depending on the level of support: proofreading, editing, or content development. The minimum is $50 per email and $125 per newsletter issue or document. Ongoing work can be billed hourly or through a monthly retainer.

A retainer reserves a set number of editing hours each month for a fixed fee. Editorial Desk suits a steady, lighter flow of content, and Editorial Partner suits teams publishing regularly across several channels. Fractional Editorial Lead adds planning and ownership of your content calendar and editorial standards. The Services & Rates page explains what each one includes.

Unused hours expire at the end of each month. Occasionally, as a goodwill gesture, we may let up to about 20% of your hours roll over for one month.

Our standard turnaround is two business days per piece from receipt of the final draft, with longer documents taking a little more. Rush turnaround is available at an additional charge, subject to availability.

Yes. We treat all client material as confidential and will sign your reasonable NDA on request.

Your work stays confidential, and we never share it without your permission. We don’t upload your writing to generative AI tools or any service that could use it for training without your written consent. Standard spelling and grammar checkers may be used as part of the edit.

A free, no-obligation 20-minute call to talk through your project and recommend the right kind of support, even if that’s something we don’t offer. You can book one online.

We work Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. All turnaround times are given in business days.

Redline & Page is based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and works with clients remotely.