Best Copy Editors

Find professional copy editors to polish your prose, fix inconsistencies, and prepare your manuscript for publication.

How We Selected These Copy Editors

Our approach to the ProWritingAid Freelancer Directory

Our ProWritingAid community is always asking us for recommendations of copy editors. Finding a good copy editor is important to your success as a writer, but finding a reputable provider is hard. That's why we've built this directory to collect independent reviews of writing professionals so you can find the right freelancer to help you bring your project to life.

The copy editors in this directory have been sourced from freelancers we've worked with directly, publicly available professional listings, individual professional websites, and recommendations from our community. Profiles are compiled from public sources and are not endorsed by ProWritingAid.

ProWritingAid does not endorse any listed professional. Profile information is compiled from publicly available sources and may be updated by providers via our claim form below. We recommend reading each profile carefully, reviewing testimonials, and conducting a free discovery call before committing.

Kim Smith

Kim Smith is a copy editor, line editor and appraisals. She focuses on sci-fi, fantasy, humour and crime, collaborating with Australian and British English authors.

Kim Smith
Rali Chorbadzhiyska

Rali Chorbadzhiyska

Rali Chorbadzhiyska is a developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader. She focuses on fiction, romance, narrative nonfiction and short stories, collaborating with independent and corporate publishers, authors. She is an award-winning editor.

Sue Copsey

Sue Copsey is an experienced developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader based in UK and New Zealand, bringing 25 years of publishing experience. She focuses on children's, young adult, non-fiction and commercial adult fiction, working with local and overseas authors and publishers. She is an award-winning author and a best-selling author.

Sue Copsey
Maria Giovanna Brauzzi

Maria Giovanna Brauzzi

Maria Giovanna Brauzzi is an experienced developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader, bringing 10 years of publishing experience. She focuses on education, social sciences, psychology and business, working with authors, academics, and independent publishers.

Tammy Salyer - Inspired Ink Editing

Tammy Salyer - Inspired Ink Editing works as a developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader. She is an expert in science fiction, fantasy, mystery and historical.

Tammy Salyer - Inspired Ink Editing
Amy Koerner

Amy Koerner

Amy Koerner works as a book coach and children's book editor located in Germany, with 15 years of experience. She is an expert in children's fiction, young adult fiction, inclusive stories and diverse stories, serving authors writing inclusive and diverse stories. She is a certified book coach.

Samantha Zaboski

Samantha Zaboski works as a developmental editor and line editor, with 10 years of experience. She has expertise in fiction, science fiction & fantasy and young adult.

Samantha Zaboski
Megan Close Zavala

Megan Close Zavala

Megan Close Zavala works as a developmental editor, copy editor and book coach, with 20 years of experience. She largely concentrates on non-fiction, memoir, business and self-help.

Caryn Devincenti, The Write Coach

Caryn Devincenti, The Write Coach is an experienced developmental editor, book coach and line editor, bringing 18 years of publishing experience. She focuses on fiction, romance, mystery & thriller and young adult, working with fiction writers. She is an Author Accelerator certified and holds an MFA in Creative Writing.

Caryn Devincenti, The Write Coach
P. J. Hoover

P. J. Hoover

P. J. Hoover works as a developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader. He specializes in science fiction & fantasy, mystery & thriller, young adult and children's books.

Katie Seaman

Katie Seaman is a developmental editor, book coach and line editor. She mostly focuses on historical fiction, cosy crime, romance and speculative fiction.

Katie Seaman
Laura Roberts

Laura Roberts

Laura Roberts works as a developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader, with 20 years of experience. Laura focuses on non-fiction, young adult and children's books.

Raya P Morrison

Raya P Morrison works as a developmental editor, copy editor and proofreader, with 8 years of experience. She is known for working in literary fiction, genre fiction, narrative nonfiction and corporate content. She is a Certified Fictionary StoryCoach Editor and editor-in-chief of Blood & Bourbon literary journal.

Raya P Morrison
Robin Seavill

Robin Seavill

Robin Seavill is a copy editor and proofreader, with over 35 years in the industry. He is known for working in fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery & thriller.

David Gatewood

David Gatewood works as a developmental editor, copy editor and line editor. He has expertise in science fiction & fantasy, thriller, mystery and fiction, working with veteran and first-time authors.

David Gatewood

Also Browse

Find other book professionals in the ProWritingAid Freelancer Directory

Looking for a different type of professional? Browse: Book Coaches · Developmental Editors · Proofreaders

Frequently Asked Questions About Copy Editors

What does a copy editor do?

A copy editor works at the sentence and paragraph level. They correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, improving clarity, eliminating inconsistencies, and ensuring the text follows a chosen style guide like APA or Chicago.

What's the difference between copy editing and proofreading?

Copy editing happens before the book is typeset or formatted. It focuses on language, style, and consistency. Proofreading happens after typesetting and focuses on catching any remaining small errors before printing or publishing.

How much does copy editing cost?

Copy editing rates vary by editor, manuscript length, and document type. Most editors charge per word or per page. Rates also depend on how much work the manuscript needs. A clean manuscript costs less to edit than one with frequent errors, so checking your document using a grammar checker and spellchecker first will reduce your costs and improve the quality of the result you receive.

How were these professionals selected?

The professionals listed here were sourced from publicly available professional directories and listings. Profile information has been compiled from those public sources. ProWritingAid does not employ, endorse, or guarantee the services of any listed professional. We recommend reviewing each profile carefully and contacting providers directly.

How do I get started with a professional I find here?

Click 'View Profile' on any listing to read the freelancer's full profile, services, and reviews. Most professionals list their website and contact details on their profile page. You can reach out directly to discuss your project before committing. Most reputable freelancers will offer a short call before committing to using them.

About This Directory

All freelancers listed are independent professionals. They are not employees, agents, or contractors of ProWritingAid. ProWritingAid is not the service provider and in no way guarantees the quality, accuracy, or outcomes of any services. The profile information was compiled from publicly available sources and if you are the service provider you can update it via our claim form. Reviews are moderated by ProWritingAid and represent the opinions of individual clients, not the opinions of ProWritingAid.