Finding Free Editing Help

The quickest way to edit an e-book to a professional standard is to hire an editor. For many authors, though, this task is prohibitively expensive — especially if the e-book is only in its first draft and is likely to need several rounds of editing.

If you want early feedback on your e-book, you can find it for free in plenty of ways:

Ask for volunteers (often known as beta-readers) to read your e-book before it’s published, perhaps drawing on your blog or newsletter list for support.

Arrange a manuscript swap with another author — ask whether someone on your Twitter or LinkedIn network has an e-book underway.

Keep an eye out for new freelancers who are just getting started. They might be willing to offer cheap or free editing services in return for your testimonial.

To make life easy for your unpaid army of editors, give them clear instructions on what sort of feedback you’re looking for. (If your e-book is only a first draft, for example, you need someone to look at the big picture rather than spot typos.) If you’re seeking detailed feedback, split your e-book into sections so that each person reads only one section.

Wherever you end up finding help, offer a form of payment in return. At least give the people who read your manuscript in advance a free copy of your published e-book. Depending on how much editorial help you’re asking for, you might also offer other rewards, such as a free consult with you or a signed print version of your book.