Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by NEK Editing

Best Type of Editor for Your Manuscript

The best types of book editors include developmental editors, line editors, copy editors, and proofreaders, each focusing on different aspects of the manuscript.

Type of Editor	Best For	Cost Per Word	Cost Per Hour
Developmental Editor	Authors who received beta reader feedback.	$0.03-$0.073	$45-$82.50
Line Editor	Authors who plan to submit their work to agents or publishers.	$0.025-$0.155	$40-$75
Copy Editor	Anyone who needs their written content to be clear, accurate, and consistent.	$0.02-$0.148	$38-$65
Proofreader	Ensuring written work is error-free before publishing.	$0.013-$0.05	$35-$65

Developmental Editors: Provide feedback on structure and content, examining the plot, character development, pacing, and narrative.

• Best For: Authors who don’t know how to revise their manuscript after receiving feedback from beta readers.
• Cost Per Word: $0.03-$0.073
• Cost Per Hour: $45-$82.50

Line Editors: Improve the clarity, style, and flow at the sentence and paragraph level.

• Best For: Authors who plan to submit their work to agents or publishers.
• Cost Per Word: $0.025-$0.155
• Cost Per Hour: $40-$75

Copy Editors: Ensure accuracy in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and adhere to style guides.

• Best For: Anyone who needs their written content to be clear, accurate, and consistent before publication or distribution.
• Cost Per Word: $0.02-$0.148
• Cost Per Hour: $38-$65

Proofreaders: Correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. They perform the final check before publishing.

• Best For: Anyone who wants to ensure their written work is error-free before publishing.
• Cost Per Word: $0.013-$0.05
• Cost Per Hour: $35-$65

See how NEK Editing can help you with your editing.