In the fast-changing publishing landscape of today, self-publishing has become a force to be reckoned with for authors who wish to circumvent traditional gatekeepers. Yet, the road from manuscript to bookshelf isn’t a one-man show, particularly where it concerns professional writing services such as editing and ghost-writing. That’s when contemporary self-publishing firms come into play.
A great concern of many would-be writers is: Do self-publishing firms provide editing and ghost-writing services? And, if so, what do they include, how much does it cost, and how do you select the proper one?
This blog examines how self-publishing companies’ editing and ghost-writing services operate, what you can anticipate regarding quality and breadth, and how to know whether these services are appropriate for your publishing objectives. Whether you are refining your writing or beginning from the ground up with a concept, understanding the function of editing services and ghost-writing for books is essential to publishing a professional, marketable title.
What Are Editing & Ghostwriting in the Publishing Process?
To understand what to look for in a self-publishing company, it is helpful to first clarify what editing and ghost-writing actually involve in the context of book publishing.
Editing Services
Editing is a multi-step process that takes a rough manuscript and turns it into a polished, publication-ready book. Most common are:
Developmental Editing: High-level feedback on structure, plot, pacing, and character development.
Line Editing: Clarity at the sentence level, tone, and flow.
Copyediting: Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency.
Proofreading: The final check for typos and format issues.
Each step adds a vital level of polish to your book to ensure it meets professional levels.
Ghostwriting for Books
Ghostwriting is when a professional author writes based on your ideas, outline, or notes.
The ghostwriter:
- Write in your voice
- Adheres to your concept or brief
- Usually stays anonymous (you get authorship credit)
This service is perfect for authors who have an excellent idea but don’t have the time, confidence, or writing skills to make it happen.
Whether you require assistance in completing a manuscript or refining one you already have, ghostwriting and editing are essential tools to polish your end result.
Do Self-Publishing Companies Offer These Services?
The short answer? Yes, many self-publishing companies do provide editing and ghostwriting services. Nevertheless, the scope, quality, and pricing can vary widely depending on the provider.
Editing: Frequently Included as Part of Publishing Packages
Most established self-publishing firms have basic editing as part of their base packages. But again, it pays to investigate:
- Only light copyediting or proofreading may be included by some.
- Full developmental editing is provided by others, but at a higher level or as an extra.
Always inquire about the kind of editing that’s included. A vague “editing service” might be anything from a cursory grammar brush-through to a complete overhaul of the manuscript.
Ghost-writing: A High-Ticket, But Increasing Service
Ghostwriting isn’t as typically packaged, but quite a few firms do sell it as an independent or bespoke service. Some specialise in serving:
- Business owners authoring books about their business
- Memoirs and biographies
- Authors of fiction or nonfiction with an outline but no book
It’s an increasing trend, particularly with the boom in thought leaders, influencers, and busy professionals desiring to publish under their name without writing the whole book themselves.
In short, while self-publishing companies offer editing and ghost-writing services are available, you’ll need to carefully assess what’s included and how the process works before committing.
Types of Editing Services Offered by Self-Publishing Companies
When using a self-publishing company, editing is not a generic service. The best companies customise their editing service according to your manuscript’s requirements, genre, and publication aspirations. Below is how it breaks down:
1. Developmental Editing (Content Editing)
What it entails: Structural changes, plot coherence, pacing, character development, and chapter structure.
Best for: manuscripts at an early stage which require shaping or high-level feedback.
Self-publishing tip: This is typically the costliest type of editing, and it’s commonly sold as an add-on or premium level.
2. Line Editing
What it entails: Sentence structure, tone, word selection, consistency of style, and readability.
Best for: Manuscripts that are finished but require refining to enhance flow.
Self-publishing tip: Search for editors who are familiar with your genre voice and audience expectations.
3. Copyediting
What it entails: Grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and factual accuracy.
Best for: Final drafts that are close to ready but need a sharp eye for correctness.
Self-publishing tip: Many basic packages only include light copyediting, so confirm the level of detail.
4. Proofreading
What it includes: Catching typos, formatting inconsistencies, and layout issues before print.
Best for: The very last stage before publication.
Self-publishing tip: Even if you’ve had other edits, don’t skip proofreading—it’s your safety net.
Bonus: Genre-Specific Editing
Some self-publishing firms also provide genre-specific editing, in which editors are experienced in particular genres such as romance, sci-fi, memoir, or business. This can significantly enhance the end result by conforming to expectations in the market.
Ghost-writing for Books—What to Expect
If you have something to say but don’t want to write it yourself, ghostwriting is a strong answer. Professional ghostwriting for books is now widely available from many self-publishing companies, allowing authors to get their ideas on paper while keeping full creative control and ownership.
How Ghostwriting Works
Ghostwriting usually means working closely with an experienced writer. Most of the time, the process will involve:
Discovery Call: You discuss your vision, mission, audience, and main concepts.
Outline Development: The ghostwriter drafts a chapter-by-chapter outline for you to approve.
Drafting: The ghostwriter writes the manuscript, usually in stages or chapters, with frequent feedback sessions.
Revisions: You read and ask for changes to ensure the final version comes across the way you intend and sound like you.
You Provide the Vision—They Provide the Words
Good ghostwriters are good at conveying your tone, personality, and message—whether you’re a writer or not. That makes ghostwriting perfect for:
Entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
Memoirists and biography subjects.
Experts in specialized markets with significant knowledge.
Ownership & Confidentiality
One of the principal advantages: you keep all credit and rights to the book. Ghostwriting contracts typically involve nondisclosure and transfer of rights provisions, so the writer’s involvement remains confidential.
What It Costs
Ghostwriting is often among the high-end services a self-publishing firm provides. Pricing varies with:
- Word count.
- Complicated genres.
- Number of interviews and revisions.
However, for those writers who need to have a professional book without taking pen to paper for every word themselves, ghostwriting is an investment worth exploring.
How to Choose a Company That Offers Both.
If you’re going for a one-stop solution that provides both editing services and ghostwriting for books, you need to be careful. Not all self-publishing companies offer both, and even fewer do them well. Here’s how to find a reliable provider:
1. Check Their Service Breakdown
- See if they have a clear breakdown of services that specifically details:
- Edits they provide.
- Process and deliverables for ghostwriting.
- Turnaround and revision policies.
- A generic or ambiguous service list is a warning sign.
2. Check Experience and Expertise
Find companies with an established history in both services. Ask:
- Do they have experience working in books for your genre?
- Do they have staffed in-house editors and writers, or do they contract out?
- Are there professionals who have been trained in publishing standards?
A professional team should consist of editors with publishing experience and ghostwriters with varied portfolios.
3. Request Samples or Case Studies
Good companies should be able to offer:
- Editing samples demonstrating before-and-after pages.
- Case studies or ghostwritten books (where confidentiality permits).
- This provides an indication of the quality you can anticipate.
4. Read Verified Reviews
Sites such as Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or niche publishing forums can tell you if the firm consistently performs. Specifically, seek out reviews that say:
- Editing quality
- Communication with ghostwriters
- Project timelines and support
5. Seek Customizable Packages
Some firms provide “bundled” services with editing and ghostwriting, and there are those where you can assemble your own. Select what you can afford and what suits you.
6. Explore Curated Lists
Not sure where to start? You can check out this helpful list of top self-publishing companies for new authors in 2024 for reputable options that include both editing and ghost-writing
Pros and Cons of Bundled Editing & Ghostwriting Services
Bundling editing services and ghostwriting for books under one self-publishing company sounds convenient—and it can be. But it’s not without trade-offs. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Pros
1. Single Point of Contact
You will have one company to deal with that handles both services, so communication is easier and project timelines are simpler to work with.
2. Integrated Quality Control
When editing and writing occur in-house, the final manuscript is generally more uniform in tone, organisation, and voice.
3. Time Savings
No need to coordinate multiple vendors or repeat your project to them. This simplifies the process and can cut the total time to publication.
4. Easy Pricing
Most companies provide discounted prices or package specials when services are combined, saving you money on individual service prices.
5. Project Management Included
A trustworthy self-publishing firm will have a project manager handle the workflow, ghostwriting through editing, leaving you to market or coordinate your book launch.
Cons
1. Less Flexibility
You may not be able to select your ghostwriter or editor. This may not be ideal if you need someone with certain genre-specific experience.
2. Risk of Low-Quality Services
Certain budget self-publishing companies subcontract the writing and editing to underqualified freelancers. This can result in bland, poorly written material that doesn’t sound like you.
3. Limited Revisions
The bundled services might include a limit on revisions. If the ghostwriting or editing isn’t satisfactory to you, further edits may be charged extra.
4. Overpriced Packages
Some businesses bundle services you don’t require, which increases the cost. Always get an itemized quote so you can understand precisely what you’re paying for.
Bundled services are a good match if you desire convenience, yet they need careful analysis. Always inquire with vivid questions prior to making a commitment.
Conclusion
As more authors turn to independent publishing, the demand for inclusive support, including editing services and ghostwriting for books, has increased significantly. Today, many self-publishing companies offer editing and ghost-writing offerings that are robust, providing everything from manuscript development to final proofreading, all under one roof.
Whether you’re a beginner author with an idea but no draft or a professional writer who needs furbishing before publication, having access to both ghost-writing and editing services can uplift your book’s professionalism and marketability.
Still, not all companies are created equal. Take your time to evaluate their experience, packages, and transparency. The appropriate partner will not only bring your story to life but also make sure that it’s presented in the best possible way, ready to compete in today’s crowded book market.
If you’re looking for trustworthy providers that provide both the finest ghost-writing and editing services, explore this curated list of top self-publishing companies for new authors in 2024 to get started on the right path.
