Book editing Helena, Montana

“I need an editor. What kind of services can Summit provide?

  • Proofreading involves taking a manuscript or piece of writing that has received a round or two of copyedits and correcting any typos, misspellings, or grammatical errors that may have been missed. A document that needs a proofread would be ready for print. Errors would be minimal and wouldn’t affect the spacing of lines.

  • Copyediting involves proofreading but also attends to consistency, style, mechanics, and grammar. The job of the copyeditor is to correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviation, grammar and usage, and content, with the least disruption possible. Copyeditors want to retain the author’s unique voice. There are three levels of copyediting—light, medium, and heavy—and an editor can evaluate which type would be most beneficial for your writing.

  • Line editing includes copyediting but puts particular focus on sentence structure. An editor will evaluate flow, voice, syntax, word choice, tone, point-of-view, and pacing, all while working line by line.

For more information on the different types of editing, click here.

Currently, we do not provide developmental editing services. We can, however, provide a consultation and refer you to a trusted developmental editor that matches your editing needs.

Summit uses the Editorial Freelancers Association’s Editorial Rate Chart (2024) to help estimate the cost of a project. Depending on the type of document being edited, pricing can range from:

Proofreading: $0.01-$0.05 per word

Copyediting: $0.02-$0.05 per word

Line editing: $0.02-$0.06 per word

“I want to use Summit for editing services. How does it work and what is the process like?”

  1. Inquire about editing services by clicking the “Make it happen!” button below or clicking on the “Contact Us” page at the top of this screen. Fill out the form with your information and let us know what you’re looking for. If you don’t know what type of service you need, that’s okay.

  2. An editor will reach out to you and ask you for a 1,000-word sample of the writing you want edited. The editor will look over your sample, edit it, and provide you with an editorial proposal and cost estimate free of charge.

  3. If you decide to move forward, you and the editor will discuss your timeline. You will provide the editor with your full piece. The editor will begin their work and be in frequent communication with you throughout the editing process to ensure you are both on the same page.

  4. When the editor is finished, you will receive the finished editing package: a cover letter, style sheet, and Word document with Track Changes that identify edits. You will work through the document, accepting or rejecting each change individually and responding to comments and/or queries.

  5. When you are finished, you will send the document back to the editor and they will clean it up. You will receive back the cleaned-up version of your piece.

Types of documents Summit can provide editing services for:

  • Books or short stories

  • Reports, manuals, handbooks

  • Corporate communications

  • Articles or blog posts

  • Newsletters

  • Resumes

  • Dissertations

Genres we specialize in:

  • Thriller

  • Mystery & Crime

  • Historical Fiction

  • Fantasy

  • Middle Grade

  • Young Adult

  • Nonfiction - Education

  • Nonfiction - True Crime