7 answers
Tamara
Student
Smithfield, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
976 views
What is the best way to get a book into the editing/publishing field?
I am in 12th grade, I do not have an excess of money to pay for an editing service, so I am looking for quality but cheaper alternatives to traditional/bigger editing services.
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7 answers
Jane Monteagle
Content writer
3
Answers
Santa Monica, California
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hello, Tamara.
Congratulations on writing your book and getting it to the editing stage. That’s something to celebrate.
Consider using AI for your editing. Try ChatGTP, there’s a free version.
The important thing is to cultivate the skill of asking the right questions with AI and to employ your own judgment around editing decisions.
Keep up your writing work and be in it for the long haul!
Congratulations on writing your book and getting it to the editing stage. That’s something to celebrate.
Consider using AI for your editing. Try ChatGTP, there’s a free version.
The important thing is to cultivate the skill of asking the right questions with AI and to employ your own judgment around editing decisions.
Keep up your writing work and be in it for the long haul!
Nicola Pittam
Journalist, Screenwriter, Author
3
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Nicola’s Answer
Hi Tamara
There are several options you could look at that shouldn’t cost you any money.
First, if you need to edit your manuscript for something that’s called ‘copy editing’ which focuses on accuracy, consistency, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, then you could use Grammarly, which is free.
Be careful if you decide to use ChatGPT as sometimes it will change the words, even if you don’t instruct it to do so. (Also, you to make you aware, using AI in the publishing industry can be frowned upon – using it as a tool to check like grammar, spelling or proofreading, is generally OK but using it to do any actual writing is seen as a big no-no.)
If you want to avoid using any AI tools, look for writing groups in your area and other writers that you can swap manuscripts with and offer to give each other notes.
Also look for ‘beta readers’ - these are volunteer readers who provide feedback to authors on their work-in-progress. They offer insights from a reader's perspective, helping authors identify potential issues and improve their writing. Beta readers are usually free.
Look at a website called helpingwritersbecomeauthors – they have a Writer Buddy Link Up where they can match you with another writer in your genre.
Scribophile is also a good site – but you have to critique and earn points before you can upload your work to be critiqued in return. But it’s also a good place to network and build a community of fellow writers.
There are also several groups on Facebook and Instagram that are geared towards beta readers and some also put their services on Fiverr – but again – you should not be paying for beta readers!
Finally, you can always advertise on the Editors Freelance Association (EFA) website – they have a section where authors can ask for editors to work with them. The EFA does have a rate chart but if you can’t pay those rates you can still ask for help and let them know what your budget is. If you mention in the ad that you are a student, many editors should respond if you’re honest and tell them what you can afford and what you are looking for.
Hope this helps – and good luck with your writing!
There are several options you could look at that shouldn’t cost you any money.
First, if you need to edit your manuscript for something that’s called ‘copy editing’ which focuses on accuracy, consistency, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, then you could use Grammarly, which is free.
Be careful if you decide to use ChatGPT as sometimes it will change the words, even if you don’t instruct it to do so. (Also, you to make you aware, using AI in the publishing industry can be frowned upon – using it as a tool to check like grammar, spelling or proofreading, is generally OK but using it to do any actual writing is seen as a big no-no.)
If you want to avoid using any AI tools, look for writing groups in your area and other writers that you can swap manuscripts with and offer to give each other notes.
Also look for ‘beta readers’ - these are volunteer readers who provide feedback to authors on their work-in-progress. They offer insights from a reader's perspective, helping authors identify potential issues and improve their writing. Beta readers are usually free.
Look at a website called helpingwritersbecomeauthors – they have a Writer Buddy Link Up where they can match you with another writer in your genre.
Scribophile is also a good site – but you have to critique and earn points before you can upload your work to be critiqued in return. But it’s also a good place to network and build a community of fellow writers.
There are also several groups on Facebook and Instagram that are geared towards beta readers and some also put their services on Fiverr – but again – you should not be paying for beta readers!
Finally, you can always advertise on the Editors Freelance Association (EFA) website – they have a section where authors can ask for editors to work with them. The EFA does have a rate chart but if you can’t pay those rates you can still ask for help and let them know what your budget is. If you mention in the ad that you are a student, many editors should respond if you’re honest and tell them what you can afford and what you are looking for.
Hope this helps – and good luck with your writing!
Kelvan Drummond
Unemployed
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Kelvan’s Answer
Plenty of ways to get your book into editing and publishing as a 12th grader on a tight budget:
Use what you already have. Start by asking teachers, classmates, or writing clubs to review your work. This is free and can be very helpful. For student authors, programs like Studentreasures offer free book publishing for classrooms, which could be an option if your school participates.
You can also use free or low-cost tools like Grammarly for grammar and style checks, but don’t rely on them alone.
Consider budget-friendly professional editors on platforms like Fiverr, Reedsy, or Editor World. They often let you choose editors based on price and reviews. PaperBlazer is another option low pricing and fast turnaround.
Use what you already have. Start by asking teachers, classmates, or writing clubs to review your work. This is free and can be very helpful. For student authors, programs like Studentreasures offer free book publishing for classrooms, which could be an option if your school participates.
You can also use free or low-cost tools like Grammarly for grammar and style checks, but don’t rely on them alone.
Consider budget-friendly professional editors on platforms like Fiverr, Reedsy, or Editor World. They often let you choose editors based on price and reviews. PaperBlazer is another option low pricing and fast turnaround.
Carolyn Fields
Technical Writer
3
Answers
Bruce, South Dakota
Updated
Carolyn’s Answer
Consider using Upwork or Fiverr to find someone within your budget. Additionally, try using tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly.
Juanita Joubert
I am a writer, financial accountant, social media manager, and publisher
25
Answers
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Updated
Juanita’s Answer
This is a wonderful question. Editing can be an expensive part of getting your book ready for publishing, but with that said, you might be able to find someone who will be able to help you for cheaper or even free. I'd suggest that you reach out to editors and explain your situation and hear what they have to say. In the meantime, I'd suggest that you learn how to self-edit your book. There are wonderful books out there that teaches writers how to edit their own books before publishing. I, personally, edit my own books for publishing and only pay for proofreading services (which are often more affordable than editing) and you will get great feedback.
Ashley Rothstein
Marketing
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
I would recommend Turner Book Writers for book editing and publishing services, because I always rely on their supportive team, and they always do their best. Here you can contact them https://turnerbookwriters.com/book-publishing
Isaias Quispe Diez
Creative Producer & Video Editor
5
Answers
Florida City, Florida
Updated
Isaias’s Answer
Hi! I admire your passion and drive to get your book out there—especially while still in 12th grade. That’s powerful. Let me share some realistic and creative ways you can move forward without needing expensive editing services.
🧠 1. You can self-edit—strategically.
Use free tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to polish grammar, structure, and flow. Then ask a trusted teacher, librarian, or a fellow writer to read it and give feedback.
📚 2. Consider Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
It’s free to publish, and you can upload your book in digital or paperback form. KDP allows you to:
Publish without upfront costs
Keep control of your rights
Earn royalties from day one
Make updates any time
Here’s the best part: you don’t need a literary agent or publishing house. You do everything from your laptop, step by step. There are tutorials online, and I’d be happy to help guide you.
💸 3. Budget tools to layout your book:
Use Canva or Reedsy Book Editor to format your book nicely
Download free interior templates from Amazon KDP's help center
🎯 4. Don’t wait for perfect—publish to learn.
Your first book doesn’t have to be perfect. Publishing it is part of your growth. Each step you take builds experience and confidence.
If you’d like, I can recommend free resources to guide you through the KDP process. You’re on the right path—don’t stop!
– Isaías Quispe Diez
Author (Amazon KDP) | Creative Producer | Mentor
🧠 1. You can self-edit—strategically.
Use free tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to polish grammar, structure, and flow. Then ask a trusted teacher, librarian, or a fellow writer to read it and give feedback.
📚 2. Consider Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
It’s free to publish, and you can upload your book in digital or paperback form. KDP allows you to:
Publish without upfront costs
Keep control of your rights
Earn royalties from day one
Make updates any time
Here’s the best part: you don’t need a literary agent or publishing house. You do everything from your laptop, step by step. There are tutorials online, and I’d be happy to help guide you.
💸 3. Budget tools to layout your book:
Use Canva or Reedsy Book Editor to format your book nicely
Download free interior templates from Amazon KDP's help center
🎯 4. Don’t wait for perfect—publish to learn.
Your first book doesn’t have to be perfect. Publishing it is part of your growth. Each step you take builds experience and confidence.
If you’d like, I can recommend free resources to guide you through the KDP process. You’re on the right path—don’t stop!
– Isaías Quispe Diez
Author (Amazon KDP) | Creative Producer | Mentor