Pretty much every professionally published book has been edited, which tells its own story about the value of the editing process. But as well as taking a manuscript to a new level, being edited can be an immensely valuable experience for authors: you get to see the detail of how - and why - your book is revised for publication.
Many people describe going through the editing process as transformative for their writing…but unfortunately the time required to professionally edit a whole book means it’s not something which comes cheap.
So here at Page Turner Awards we’ve put together a low-cost editing experience designed to help budding authors get a flavour of how a professional editor would work on their book. And it’ll help get your Awards entry in the best possible shape too!
See some testimonials from entrants who took up our editing optional extra.
We joined up with freelance editor David Imrie at noveledit.net to offer the following options:
Development edit (3000 words max):
A development (sometimes called structural) edit takes a broad look at plot, hook, characterization and settings, consistency and plausibility. It also takes in pace and voice with the overall aim of getting the reader to engage quickly and then stay gripped. The feedback from this edit primarily takes the form of comments embedded in a Word document, although there may also be some inline edits to the text (as tracked changes).
Whilst 3000 words does limit this kind of edit (plot development and character transitions that span the whole book won't become clear), the experience from Page Turner Awards 2020 was very positive with authors often finding this edit revelatory.
And in today’s cut-throat world of professional literature you honestly don’t get anywhere near 3000 words to make an impression in: agents, publishers, and even readers (in these days of Kindle Unlimited) often won’t give a book more than a page or two.
So maybe we should say: don’t get “swiped left”, get a development edit!
Copy edit (3000 words max):
A copy (sometime called line) edit focuses on the actual text itself. Spelling and grammar will be checked and corrected, but this edit will also point out incorrect verb tense usage, repeated words (especially adjectives, adverbs, verbs), peculiar word choice, and sentences which are overly long or confusing and break the flow.
This edit uses a mix of embedded comments and inline edits. All changes to the text are tracked, so the author can see exactly what was changed and also elect whether to accept or reject each change.
Whilst this edit will deliberately avoid trampling all over the author’s voice, what comes out of it will be good standard English that has been stripped of the linguistic gremlins that shout “early draft”, or, worse, “low quality”, to agents, publishers and readers in general.
To continue the dubious metaphor which sprouted above: a copy edit is much like a good, long look in the mirror before embarking on a first date.
Development + Copy edit:
Done as two stages with author revision in between, just as if they’d been booked separately: get both edits at a special rate by buying them together.
* Please note that you can find the prices for the editing optional extras mentioned above in your Optional Extras Dashboard when you are logged in.
Full book editing special offer:
If you’ve had one or both of the 3000 word sample edits above done, and if you like what you’ve received, we’ve negotiated a discount for any Page Turner Awards 2021 entrant who would like to contract David’s editing services for their complete manuscript.
As David’s in fairly high demand these days unfortunately we can’t guarantee that he will be able to work on all manuscripts offered to him, but if he does agree to take on your book then quote “Page Turner Awards 2021 Editing Offer” and you’ll get a 10% off his standard prices, which you can find here: http://noveledit.net/prices/
David Imrie Bio
David Imrie is a UK native, specialist novel editor living in and working freelance from Galicia in the north-west of Spain.
David comes with a good level of education, a degree from Oxford University, and also a wide variety of life experience, plus he brings a useful range of background knowledge to any edit.
We have used David for editing in the past, and we are pleased he is offering this service to our entrants.
Watch what David has to say about why an author needs an editor.
How To Book Your Edit and Feedback
Once you have made your payment through your Membership Dashboard, please claim your editing optional extras through your Claims Dashboard.
Editing Testimonials
"My development edit was done quickly. David's service was excellent and I received very constructive feedback." ~ Anttimatti Pennanen
"David was great! Feedback was helpful and worth the money! The feedback he provided on the first 10 pages, I’m now applying to the rest of the book." ~ Anna Christine
"I have found David’s comments and feedback very constructive and helpful. He not only highlights areas that may be improved but also offers suggestions that may enrich the story. I was particularly impressed by his insights and links to related information and authors. This helped me view the writing in other contexts and perspectives. Above all I found David’s feedback very encouraging, which is so helpful when entangled in the uncertainties of writing." ~ Chris Before
"The editing service was incredibly valuable! For me, it was the first time I had a professional look at my work. I was nervous but thrilled to have the opportunity. David provides the perfect feedback with kindness and direction. I wish I had the money, and he had the time to go through the entire book. I learned a lot from his edits and I am working to carry them through the remainder on my own." ~ Larae Mitchell
"This is the first time I have used an editor. I was very happy with David’s editing service. He made some valuable suggestions, which I implemented, and I’ve had an idea for adding a little foreshadowing." ~ Thomas Greenbank
"David's critique was helpful. His comments showed he had carefully read my work and his suggestions were thoughtful. He balanced praise and criticism in a way that was not patronizing and gave me insight into other possible approaches to the beginning of my novel. I wouldn't mind working with him again. One of the best critiques I've received to date!" ~ William Kaufmann
"David's edits were thorough and focused on making my book more attractive to literary agents. I am impressed by his attention to detail and commercial approach." ~ Helen Abbott
"David was very good and extremely helpful, it totally turned my first 3000 words into something that made sense. I now need to work on the rest of my book using his advice and guidance." ~ Mick Crowe
Feedback on Page Turner Awards' Editing Service
"I found Page Turner's offer of an editing service very helpful. I have not used an editor before and this provided an easy introduction to the service. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the editor and will use his service again." ~ Chris Before
"It was a pleasure to work with David and the editing services were great value for money. His feedback was thorough and commercial. It goes without saying that my entry to the PTA is much improved thanks to his efforts. Even if I don't win, the experience has made me really think about the rest of the book and do a ton of rewriting to make it more saleable. I have recommended David to friends and would like to work with him again in the future. It has been a great experience simply submitting my work to the Awards, and I feel that what I have learned from it easily justifies the entry fee. Thank you very much for this opportunity." ~ Helen Abbott
