your best-seller published
Before you hire a partner for your passion project, you need one guarantee: that they “get” your voice.
Editing is not about changing your style; it’s about finding the simple, powerful synergy that makes your manuscript undeniably YOURS.
Trust must be earned. That’s why your first, essential step is to put our process to the test.
Request your FREE Sample Edit + Quote today and see our work on your actual text to confirm we are the right voice for your book before you commit.
We apply the precision gained from editing over 160 books (some of them can be seen in the gallery to the right) over 16+ years to every single project.
Our experience spans every genre imaginable, serving authors who write in UK, US, Canadian, and Australian English, plus global ESL clients from South Africa, Estonia, Jamaica, and beyond.
The result? Several books we’ve edited have reached best-seller status in their categories.
This level of success is your guarantee that your work will be handled with quiet authority and integrity.
the se-lah process
We believe in providing an upfront, simple quote with zero hidden surprises. The price we quote is the price you pay, based on your manuscript’s final word count and the package you choose. Therefore, we ask that you please include ALL your additional requests in the full spec of work, before we quote.
You can hire us with simple confidence through the channel that suits you best:
#1 Direct Booking: Request your invoice from your editor.
#2 Upwork + Fiverr: We accept orders via these platforms. (Note: Platform fees are not included in our standard rates and must be added when you create your order.)
We offer a streamlined process designed for ease, ensuring your focus remains on your mission.
1. Submission: Once you have chosen your editing package, send us your final manuscript (MS Word .docx is best—we do not edit in Google Docs).
2. Delivery: You receive two copies: a Tracked Changes Document (showing all edits) and a Clean Copy (your new working document).
3. Final Check: The Elite, Line, and Copy Editing packages include an optional final check once you’ve reviewed and applied your changes.
Once you are happy with your edit, your manuscript can be submitted for publishing. We can assist with the process (optional extra), or you can work through your normal publishing agent.
Of course, if you’re as impressed with your edit as all our other clients, you’re welcome to leave us a review on the platform we worked on: our website (here), Google business, Upwork, or Fiverr.
your published book is at the end of this process...
Request your free editing quote + FREE sample edit below.
Let us show you how simple perfection can be.
How much does it cost to have a book edited?
Book editing costs depend entirely on the level of intervention required (e.g., Elite, Line, or Proofreading) and the length of your manuscript. Industry standard typically runs between R0.15 and R0.75 per word in South Africa. For a 75,000-word novel, this can range from approximately R11,250 for a final Proofread to over R56,000 for a deep, developmental Elite Edit.
The best way to get a precise cost is to request a quote. Our streamlined process ensures you get an accurate, non-obligatory estimate within 24 hours.
How much do book editors charge in South Africa?
Pricing can vary significantly based on experience and specialization. Professional, veteran editors in South Africa typically charge in the range of R0.25 to R0.75 per word for substantive editing. Highly specialized or technical work may fall outside this range. We ensure our rates reflect our 40+ years of combined experience while remaining competitively priced for the local market.
Can I hire someone to edit my book?
Absolutely, and you should. Hiring a professional editor is the single most important step after writing “The End.” A dedicated editor provides the objective distance, technical expertise, and quality assurance needed to transform a good manuscript into a publishable, marketable asset.
Can ChatGPT edit a book?
No. AI tools like ChatGPT are excellent for generating ideas, summarizing, and quickly fixing minor typos. However, they lack the critical judgment, literary nuance, emotional intelligence, and structural understanding necessary for professional line editing or developmental editing. AI cannot replace a human editor—especially one who understands storytelling, voice, and consistent structure.
How do I find the editor of a book?
To find the specific editor who worked on a published book, you typically look in the front matter of the book, usually on the copyright page or the acknowledgements page. In traditional publishing, the editor’s name is generally listed alongside other publishing details.
Why do books have long numbers?
This is the printer’s key or print run number, and it’s a piece of publishing trivia that shows you which edition and printing you hold.
The presence of the number ‘1’ means it is the first printing of the book.
The lowest number shown in the sequence indicates the specific print run. For example, if the sequence is 10 9 8 7, you have the seventh printing.
This system is used by publishers to track stock, changes made between runs, and identify first editions.
Do I need a book editor or a ghost writer?
The simple way to look at it is: Do you have the words written down already?
Here are the details you need to define your path forward:
Editor vs. Ghostwriter: Defining Your Need
The simple way to look at it is: Do you have the words written down already?
| If Your Situation Is… | You Need a… | What They Do |
| You have a full manuscript (or a detailed first draft) written. | Book Editor | They take your words and make them better—structurally sound, clear, compelling, and error-free. The words remain yours. |
| You have the idea, research, and expertise, but not the time/ability to write the book. | Ghostwriter | They write the entire manuscript for you based on your concept, outline, and interviews. They are essentially the author behind your name. |
In short: If you need help writing the book, you need a ghostwriter. If you need help fixing, refining, and polishing the book you already wrote, you need an editor.
How Long Does It Take to Edit a Book?
The turnaround time for editing varies wildly based on three things: the manuscript’s length, the depth of the edit required, and the editor’s current schedule.
Here is a general benchmark for a 75,000-word book (a typical non-fiction length):
| Editing Level | Focus (Capacity/Restoration) | Typical Timeline (Days) |
| Elite Edit (Developmental/Substantive) | Structure, plot, voice, and flow. | 30 to 50 days |
| Line/Copy Edit | Sentence clarity, tone, consistency, and grammar. | 15 to 25 days |
| Proofreading (Final Check) | Typos, spacing, and formatting errors. | 5 to 10 days |
More or less, how much will it cost to edit my book?
Since our rates are based on the depth of the edit and your specific word count, I’ll give you a clear range based on industry standards for professional, veteran editors in South Africa.
For a standard commercial manuscript (Non-Fiction or Fiction) you can expect to pay between R0.25 and R0.75 per word for a deep, high-value edit.
Example: For a 75,000-word manuscript
Low End (Basic Copy Edit): $\approx$ R18,750
High End (Elite/Developmental Edit): $\approx$ R56,250
The only way to get a precise, non-obligatory quote is through our quote form above, as it allows us to gauge the current state of your manuscript and recommend the most efficient path to completion.