Detailed service breakdown
Below you will find a thorough description of each service we offer. Whether you need a single service or a full end-to-end package, we tailor every engagement to your book's unique requirements. Click through to our pricing page for detailed cost information.
Developmental editing
Developmental editing addresses the big-picture elements of your book: narrative structure, character arcs, argument flow, pacing, and thematic coherence. Our developmental editors read your full manuscript and provide a detailed editorial letter alongside in-line comments. This is the most intensive form of editing and is recommended for first drafts or manuscripts that have not yet been through professional review. We work across fiction, non-fiction, memoir, and academic genres, and every developmental edit includes a follow-up consultation call to discuss the feedback and plan next steps. Typical turnaround is three to five weeks depending on word count.
Copyediting and line editing
Once your manuscript's structure is solid, copyediting refines the prose at the sentence level. Our copyeditors correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling while also improving clarity, flow, and word choice. Line editing goes a step further, focusing on style, voice consistency, and readability. We use tracked changes in Microsoft Word or Google Docs so you can review every suggestion. This service is ideal for manuscripts that have already gone through at least one round of developmental editing or substantial self-revision. We maintain a style sheet for your project to ensure consistency throughout.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final quality check before your book goes to print or digital distribution. Our proofreaders catch remaining typos, formatting inconsistencies, missing punctuation, and layout errors that earlier editing rounds may have introduced. We proofread against your formatted interior files — not just the raw manuscript — so we can also flag widows, orphans, and spacing issues. This service is essential and should never be skipped, even if your manuscript has already been professionally edited. Turnaround is typically one to two weeks.
Book cover design
Your cover is the single most important marketing asset your book has. Our design team creates custom covers for both print (front, spine, and back) and digital (e-book thumbnail) formats. The process begins with a creative brief where we discuss your genre, target audience, competitive titles, and visual preferences. We then present two to three initial concepts, and you choose one to refine through unlimited revisions until you are completely satisfied. All covers are delivered in print-ready PDF and high-resolution JPEG/PNG formats. We also provide mockup images for use on your website and social media.
Interior formatting and typesetting
A well-formatted interior makes your book a pleasure to read. We handle print typesetting (trim size, margins, font selection, chapter openers, headers, footers, drop caps) and e-book conversion (reflowable EPUB and fixed-layout where needed). Our files are compatible with Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Apple Books, Kobo, and other major platforms. We pay close attention to details like consistent paragraph spacing, proper hyphenation, and image placement. For non-fiction titles, we also format tables, footnotes, endnotes, indices, and bibliographies.
Publishing and distribution support
Navigating the self-publishing landscape can be daunting, especially for first-time authors. We guide you through ISBN registration, Library and Archives Canada cataloguing, metadata optimization (title, subtitle, keywords, categories, description), and account setup on major distribution platforms. We also advise on pricing strategy, pre-order campaigns, and launch-day best practices. If you prefer traditional publishing, we can help you prepare a professional query package including a synopsis, query letter, and sample chapters formatted to agent specifications.
Our process from start to finish
Every book project at Book Ready Pro follows a clear, transparent process designed to keep you informed and in control at every stage.
Step 1 — Free consultation
We begin with a complimentary 30-minute call or email exchange to understand your manuscript, goals, timeline, and budget. There is no obligation, and we will provide an honest assessment of what your book needs.
Step 2 — Custom proposal
Based on our consultation, we prepare a detailed proposal outlining scope, deliverables, timeline, and pricing. We are happy to adjust the proposal until it fits your needs perfectly.
Step 3 — Production
Once you approve the proposal and provide your manuscript, our team gets to work. You will receive regular progress updates and have opportunities to review and provide feedback at key milestones.
Step 4 — Review and revisions
We deliver the completed work for your review. All packages include at least two rounds of revisions to ensure you are completely happy with the result.
Step 5 — Final delivery and launch support
We deliver all final files in the formats you need and assist with uploading to your chosen platforms. We remain available for questions even after delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Timelines vary by scope. A proofreading-only project can be completed in one to two weeks, while a full developmental edit plus design and formatting typically takes eight to twelve weeks. We will provide a specific timeline in your custom proposal.
Yes. Our team has experience across fiction (literary, genre, young adult), non-fiction (business, self-help, memoir, academic), children's books, and poetry collections. We match each project with an editor or designer who has relevant genre expertise.
Absolutely. While our bundled packages offer the best value, every service is available à la carte. Many authors come to us for cover design alone, or for formatting after having their manuscript edited elsewhere.
We accept manuscripts in .docx, .doc, .rtf, .odt, and Google Docs. We deliver edited manuscripts in .docx with tracked changes, print-ready PDFs, EPUB files, and cover files in PDF, JPEG, and PNG. We can accommodate other formats on request.
Yes, we offer expedited turnaround for an additional fee (typically 25–50% depending on the timeline compression). Please mention your deadline during the consultation so we can plan accordingly.