Fiction Editing Services | Professional Copyediting & Proofreading for Authors

Expert Manuscript Editing Services for Fiction Authors

White Rabbit Editing offers professional fiction editing services for authors across all genres. While I specialize in fantasy, science fiction, romantasy, and romance, I welcome fiction authors writing mystery, thriller, literary fiction, historical fiction, young adult, middle grade, and more.

Whether you’re an independent author preparing for publication or working with a small press, I provide the expert copyediting and proofreading services you need to transform your manuscript into a polished, publication-ready book.

Based in Loganville, Georgia and serving authors worldwide, I combine meticulous attention to detail with deep respect for your unique author voice and storytelling vision.

Copyediting Services for Fiction

Professional Fiction Copyediting

Copyediting is where your manuscript gets deep, line-by-line attention. This comprehensive fiction editing service goes far beyond basic grammar and spell-checking—it’s about ensuring every element of your story works together seamlessly to create an immersive reading experience.

What’s Included in Fiction Copyediting:

Grammar, Mechanics & Style

• Correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
• Fix spelling errors and typos
• Ensure consistent verb tense and point of view
• Polish awkward phrasing and improve sentence flow
• Apply genre-appropriate style guidelines (Chicago Manual of Style for fiction)

Character Consistency

• Track character physical descriptions (eye color, height, build, distinguishing features)
• Verify character abilities and knowledge remain consistent
• Ensure character voice and dialogue patterns stay authentic
• Catch age progression errors in series or long timelines
• Monitor character quirks, mannerisms, and speech patterns

Story Elements & Continuity

• Verify timeline consistency across chapters
• Track days, weeks, months, and seasons accurately
• Ensure location details and geography stay consistent
• Catch plot contradictions and logic gaps
• Monitor character relationships and their development

Genre-Specific Expertise

I bring specialized knowledge to manuscripts in my focus genres:

For Fantasy:

• Magic system consistency and limitations
• World-building terminology and spelling
• Fantasy geography and political structures
• Creature/monster characteristics

For Science Fiction:

• Technology capabilities and limitations
• Space travel logistics and timing
• Alien species consistency
• Scientific concepts and internal logic

For Romance & Romantasy:

• Relationship development pacing
• Romantic tension and chemistry
• Emotional intimacy progression
• Trope execution and genre expectations

For All Fiction:

• Setting and atmosphere consistency
• Cultural and historical accuracy (when applicable)
• Technical terminology appropriate to your story
• Genre conventions and reader expectations

Dialogue & Pacing

• Ensure dialogue sounds natural and character-appropriate
• Check dialogue tags and action beats
• Monitor pacing to support your story’s emotional beats
• Identify areas where pacing drags or rushes
• Balance dialogue with narrative description

What You’ll Receive:

• Detailed manuscript editing in Microsoft Word Track Changes format
• Comprehensive style sheet documenting your manuscript’s unique elements
• Editorial letter highlighting patterns, strengths, and key suggestions
• Two rounds of review (initial copyedit + review of your revisions)
• Email support throughout the editing process

Investment: $0.015–$0.025 per word
Example Pricing:

• 60,000-word novel: $900–$1,500
• 80,000-word novel: $1,200–$2,000
• 100,000-word novel: $1,500–$2,500

Turnaround Time: 3–4 weeks for most manuscripts

Best For:

• Completed manuscripts ready for line-level polish
• Fiction authors preparing for publication (traditional or self-publishing)
• Series books requiring continuity with previous volumes
• Manuscripts that have been beta-read and revised

Pricing factors: Manuscript complexity, genre-specific elements, timeline requirements, and current workload. Rush editing services available for additional 25% fee (2-week turnaround or less).

Proofreading Services for Fiction

Professional Fiction Proofreading

Proofreading is your manuscript’s final safety net before publication. This fiction editing service happens after your book has been copyedited and formatted, serving as the last line of defense to catch any lingering errors that survived previous editing rounds.

What’s Included in Fiction Proofreading:

Error Detection

• Catch typos and misspellings
• Identify missing or repeated words
• Find punctuation errors
• Spot capitalization inconsistencies
• Detect spacing and formatting issues

Formatting Consistency

• Check chapter headings and scene breaks
• Verify consistent formatting throughout
• Review page numbers and headers
• Check table of contents accuracy (if applicable)
• Ensure front and back matter formatting

Style Sheet Compliance

• Verify manuscript follows established style sheet
• Check character name spellings
• Confirm terminology consistency
• Ensure previously established preferences are followed

Light Consistency Checks

• Flag obvious continuity errors
• Note glaring inconsistencies in character or plot
• Identify formatting breaks that disrupt reading flow
•  

What You’ll Receive:

• Clean proofread in Microsoft Word Track Changes or PDF markup
• Error list and summary for quick reference
• One round of focused review

Investment: $0.012–$0.018 per word
Example Pricing:

• 60,000-word novel: $720–$1,080
• 80,000-word novel: $960–$1,440
• 100,000-word novel: $1,200–$1,800

Turnaround Time: 2 weeks for most manuscripts

Best For:

• Manuscripts that have already been professionally copyedited
• Formatted manuscripts nearly ready for publication
• Authors needing final error-catching before uploading to retailers
• Traditionally published authors reviewing typeset galleys
• Second or third editions requiring fresh eyes

Important Note: Proofreading is not a substitute for copyediting. If your manuscript hasn’t been professionally copyedited, copyediting services should come first for the best results.

Specialized Add-On Services

Series Continuity Check

Professional Continuity Tracking for Multi-Book Series

Writing a series? Continuity editing is essential for maintaining flawless consistency across all your books. I’ll read through your entire series and create a master continuity document tracking every detail—from character descriptions to timeline events—so your readers never catch an inconsistency you missed.

What’s Tracked:

• Character physical descriptions, ages, and abilities across all books
• Timeline of events and time gaps between books
• Locations, settings, and geography
• Important objects, artifacts, or plot devices
• Character relationships and their evolution
• Story-specific elements (magic systems, technology, world rules, etc.)
• Plot threads introduced and resolved
• Historical backstory references

What You’ll Receive:

• Comprehensive continuity report
• Character quick-reference charts
• Timeline visualization of series events
• Location and setting summaries
• List of inconsistencies found with specific book/chapter references
• Recommendations for addressing continuity issues

Investment:

• 2 books: $480–$960
• 3 books: $650–$1080
• 4–5 books: $1,000–$1,800
• 6+ books: Custom quote (volume discounts available)

Turnaround Time: 3–6 weeks depending on series length

Perfect For:

• Mystery series with recurring detectives
• Fantasy or sci-fi series with complex world-building
• Romance series with interconnected characters
• Thriller series with ongoing storylines
• Any multi-book series needing professional continuity documentation

Comprehensive Style Sheet

Your Manuscript’s Complete Reference Guide

A professional style sheet is a detailed reference document capturing every unique element of your manuscript. While basic style sheets are included with copyediting services, this expanded comprehensive style sheet creates an invaluable reference for series work or when collaborating with publishing teams.

What’s Included:

Character Documentation

• Detailed character profiles with physical descriptions
• Character relationships and connections
• Personality traits and character quirks
• Character development arcs
• Dialogue patterns and speech characteristics

Setting & World Details

• Location descriptions and geography
• Time period details (for historical fiction)
• Cultural customs and social structures
• Technical terminology (genre-specific)
• Special elements unique to your story

Timeline & Plot

• Chapter-by-chapter plot summary
• Timeline of key events
• Season and time tracking
• Historical or backstory elements

Style & Formatting Preferences

• Custom word choices and hyphenation
• Character and place name spellings
• Capitalization preferences
• Dialogue formatting choices
• Special formatting for specific story elements

What You’ll Receive:

• Professionally formatted style sheet document 
• Organized by category for easy reference
• Searchable PDF format
• Editable Word document for updates
• Quick-reference charts

Investment: $150–$250 (varies by manuscript complexity)

Turnaround Time: 1–2 weeks

Perfect For:

• Series authors needing reference for future books
• Authors working with publishers requiring professional style sheets
• Writers preparing manuscripts for translation
• Authors with complex story worlds or large casts
• Anyone wanting comprehensive documentation of their manuscript

Note: Basic style sheets are included with all copyediting services. This comprehensive add-on creates an expanded, highly detailed reference document.

Rush Editing Service

Fast-Track Your Manuscript Without Sacrificing Quality

Need your fiction editing completed in two weeks or less? Rush editing service provides priority scheduling for manuscripts with tight publication deadlines.

What You Get:

• Priority placement in editing schedule
• Same comprehensive editing quality
• Expedited communication and turnaround
• Guaranteed delivery by your deadline
• All standard deliverables included

Investment: Additional 25% of base editing fee

Availability: Subject to current schedule capacity

Turnaround Time: 2 weeks or less

Perfect For:

• Authors with pre-order publication deadlines
• Last-minute editing needs for submission deadlines
• Time-sensitive publishing opportunities
• Any urgent manuscript editing needs

How Fiction Editing Services Work Together

For Debut Authors:

1. Free 1,000-word sample edit
2. Copyediting of complete manuscript
3. Author revisions
4. Proofreading after formatting

For Series Authors:

1. Copyediting with comprehensive style sheet
2. Series continuity check before next book
3. Copyediting of subsequent books using established style sheet

For Authors on Tight Deadlines:

1. Copyediting with rush service
2. Proofreading with rush service after formatting

For Authors Unsure What They Need:

1. Free sample edit to assess manuscript
2. Consultation about which services fit your needs
3. Custom recommendation based on your goals

Not Sure Which Service You Need?

Every manuscript is different. After reviewing your free sample edit, I’ll give you honest feedback about which editing services will benefit your manuscript most.

I’ll never upsell you on services you don’t need—my goal is helping you publish the best version of your story within your budget.

Common Scenarios:

• Never been professionally edited? → Start with copyediting
• Already formatted for publication? → You need proofreading
• Writing a series? → Consider continuity checking
• Complex story world? → Comprehensive style sheet recommended
• Publication date under 2 weeks? → Rush service available

My Editing Process

Step 1: Request Your Free Sample Edit

Submit 1,000 words from your manuscript. This complimentary sample shows you exactly how I approach fiction editing—no commitment required.

Get Your Free Sample Edit

Step 2: Receive Your Custom Quote

Based on your word count, genre, timeline, and services needed, I’ll provide a transparent quote with all details.

Step 3: Begin Your Project

Once you approve, I’ll send a professional contract outlining timeline, milestones, and payment terms. A 10% non-refundable booking fee is required to schedule services.

Step 4: Receive Your Edited Manuscript

You’ll receive your fully edited manuscript with all deliverables, on time and professionally completed.

Pricing & Payment

Transparent Editing Rates

Copyediting: $0.015–$0.025 per word
Proofreading: $0.012–$0.018 per word

Flexible Payment Options:

• Payment plans available for projects over $1,500
• 10% deposit, 50% prior to start, 50% upon delivery
• Accepted: Credit/debit card, PayPal, check, wire transfer, Venmo, Zelle

Cancellation Policy: Full refund (minus 10% booking fee) before editing begins. Once started, 50% is non-refundable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between copyediting and proofreading?

Copyediting is comprehensive line-level editing addressing grammar, consistency, dialogue, and flow. Proofreading is light error-catching after formatting. Most manuscripts need copyediting first.

How long does editing take?

Copyediting: 3–4 weeks | Proofreading: 2 weeks | Rush service: 2 weeks or less

Do you edit manuscripts that aren’t finished?

For copyediting and proofreading, your manuscript should be complete and revised to the best of your ability.

What genres do you work with?

I specialize in fantasy, science fiction, romantasy, and romance, but I welcome all fiction genres including mystery, thriller, literary fiction, historical fiction, YA, MG, and more.

What if I don’t like your editing style?

That’s why I offer free sample edits! It’s a no-commitment way to see if we’re a good fit.

Can you edit in British English?

Yes! I work with American, British, Canadian, and Australian English.

Do you work with new authors?

Absolutely! I work with authors at all career stages—from debut authors to established professionals.

What happens if you find major plot problems?

I’ll flag them in editorial notes, but fixing large-scale plot issues requires developmental editing (coming 2027). I’ll let you know if your manuscript would benefit from developmental work first.

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