How to Self-Publish Series: Editing Your Book DIY vs. Hiring A Pro

I learned the hard way that editing your own book can feel like walking a tightrope between perfectionism and paralysis. When you read something over and over again, it’s easy to start second-guessing everything—the plot, the characters, even your sentence structure. Suddenly, nothing feels “good enough.”

But here’s what I’ve realized: reading and writing are incredibly subjective. Even grammar “rules” are flexible. They can be bent, broken, and reinvented, as long as you’re intentional about it. What matters most is that your story is solid—that it has a beginning, middle, end, and something it’s trying to say. The rest is interpretation.

That said, editing is one of the most important parts of the self-publishing process. When you don’t have a publishing house doing quality control, it’s on you to make sure your book is clean, cohesive, and compelling. And while you can absolutely edit your own work—and I’ll show you how—it can also be worth investing in a pro.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• The different types of editing (and when to use them)

• Tools and tips for self-editing

• How to find and work with a professional editor

Let’s get into it.

The different types of editing

Even seasoned writers mix these up, so let’s keep it simple:

Developmental editing

This is your big-picture stuff: plot holes, pacing, structure, character arcs. It’s usually done early, when you’re still shaping the story.

When to use: First or second draft.Best for: Messy manuscripts, major rewrites, new authors.

Copyediting (aka Line Editing)

This is all about sentence-level polish: grammar, word choice, clarity, tone. A good line edit can elevate your writing without changing your voice.

When to use: After you’ve nailed down the structure.Best for: Tightening up your prose and ensuring consistency.

Proofreading

This is your final polish—catching typos, formatting issues, punctuation slips, etc.

When to use: After everything else is done.Best for: That final read-through before hitting “publish.”

How I do it

My editing approach varies depending on the project, but here’s my general process:

• Draft 1: Just get it out, logic be damned. 

• Draft 2: Read like a reader. I make light edits, take notes on flow and identify plot holes.

• Draft 3: Rewrite the draft based on those notes. This is the biggest lift.

• Draft 4: Focus on sensory details (sight, smell, texture, atmosphere).

• Draft 5: Zoom in on each main character. Are their arcs developed? Does the world feel real through their lens?

• Final: Pass it to some beta readers, and then a last personal read before deciding if I want a pro editor.

Self-editing: Tools and tips

You can edit your own book, but make sure to be proactive and realistic about your blind spots.

Editing Software

• Grammarly: Great for basic grammar and clarity checks.

• ProWritingAid: Deeper style reports. This program shows pacing issues, overused words, and more.

Beta Readers

Because fresh eyes are everything.

Choose readers who are honest and detail-oriented; bonus if they’re part of your book’s target audience. Don’t just rely on your nicest friend.

DIY editing tips

• Let your manuscript sit for at least a week or two.

• Read it out loud. It’s a game-changer.

• Change the font or layout to trick your brain into seeing it differently.

• Edit in rounds: don’t try to do everything at once.

Hiring a professional editor

If your budget allows, hiring an editor can take your book to the next level. Even the strongest writer will find themselves too close to their work to catch everything. A good editor brings perspective, clarity, and polish. And for readers, it builds trust, because a clean book feels professional.

Where to find one

• Reedsy – vetted editors with genre expertise.

• Fiverr – surprisingly solid if you look for high-rated pros.

• Facebook writing groups – referrals are gold.

Whatever route you take, make sure to always ask for a sample edit and check their experience in your genre.

Cost

Pricing varies based on the type of edit and manuscript length, but you can expect somewhere around:

• Developmental: ~$0.05–$0.12/word

• Copyediting: ~$0.03–$0.07/word

• Proofreading: ~$0.01–$0.03/word

So, for a 70,000-word book, that can mean anywhere from $700 to $5,000 depending on what you need.

Final thoughts

Editing is non-negotiable. Whether you DIY it, hire a pro, or find a balance between the two, your book deserves that level of attention. You’ve poured your heart into it; now it’s time to shape it into something truly special.

What’s your editing process like? Do you DIY, hire help, or mix both? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Let me know in the comments below.