For unconventional writers seeking to transform their wayward manuscripts into publication-ready work. Browse your options below or get in touch if you’re unsure which service is right for you.
Our editorial services are not intended for first drafts. We encourage all writers to put their work through several rounds of drafting and revision before seeking any editorial support or accessing our editing services. The more developed the manuscript, the more deeply we can engage with its possibilities.
Every manuscript is different. Start with the Editorial Taster, move into the pathway that matches where your writing is now, then build from there.
START: Editorial Taster
Best for writers who want focused feedback before committing.
What you get is a response to 3,000 words including light markups, two-page memo, and short voice note.
Price: £40
PATHWAY: Full Developmental Edit
Best for writers who have a complete manuscript wanting an in-depth editorial assessment.
What you get is a bespoke editorial report focused on the manuscripts strengths, challenges, and possibilities.
Price: From £800
OTHER PATHWAYS – Coming soon
Best for writers who have an incomplete manuscript or a specific concern who don’t need a full edit.
What you get is a service such as a manuscript health check or partial review.
Coming soon
BUILD: Add-on Support
Best for writers who want further discussion or practical help after their edit.
What you get is follow-up meetings, revision roadmaps, manuscript markup, and more.
Priced separately
BUILD: Mentoring – Coming soon
Best for writers who want ongoing support, accountability, and regular check-ins.
What you get is structured, responsive support while you develop and complete your book.
Coming soon
Editorial Taster
A focused first look at your writing & a chance to see how we work together.
Our £40 Editorial Taster gives you the opportunity to submit 3,000 words in exchange for focused feedback from one of our editors.
It is designed so you can navigate through the Hack pathway that’s right for you and your writing project at the appropriate time. It may lead to a full developmental edit, another editorial service, or simply give you a clear sense of what to work on when revising on your own.
You will receive:
- a two-page editorial memo
- light document mark-ups
- a short voice note introducing our editorial approach.
The Taster gives you a feel for our editing style and a practical sense of whether we’re the right fit for your project. Every submission receives the same thoughtful, careful, considered attention.
After payment, please upload 3,000 words that best represent the current state of your manuscript as a whole. We recommend an extract from the middle of the book rather than the beginning, and generally discourage sending the ending.
Full Developmental Edit
For complete manuscripts that are ready for sustained editorial attention.
There is no standardised, one-size-fits-all Hack edit. Every manuscript received a tailored scope based on what the writing needs, agreed with you before the work begins.
The core edit includes a detailed editorial report, shaped around the manuscript’s structure, character, voice, pacing, form, themes, and wider possibilities.
Pricing
| Manuscript Length | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 100,000 words | £800 |
| 100,000-150,000 words | £1,200 |
| 150,000 – 200,000 words | £1,600 |
| Over 200,000 words | Get in touch |
Other Editorial Pathways
We’re developing alternative editorial services for writers needing a different kind of service.
These are being designed for writers whose manuscript is still in progress, that want feedback on just the opening or particular section, or feel a full edit isn’t the right fit for them at this stage.
The Hack Developmental Edit Approach
Our editorial approach champions writers to develop their work on their own terms. We offer honest, constructive feedback designed to shape manuscripts by helping writers make informed choices.
Before accepting a manuscript for a Full Developmental Edit, we process your complete manuscript. This allows us to asses the work as a whole, understand what kind of editorial wisdom is relevant and most useful, and determine whether we’re a good fit for the project.
Our developmental services are intended for substantial, developed manuscripts. Typically, this means works that has already been through several rounds of drafting and revision.
We’re most effective when there is a clear artistic intention and a complete body of material to engage with. We do not generally take on very early drafts, outlines, fragments, or manuscripts that require extensive foundational rewriting before a developmental edit can begin.
This process enables us to focus our time on deeper editorial work, including structure, pacing, characterisation, argument, narrative shape, coherence, and the manuscript’s readiness for publication.
Our publishing route operates completely independently from our editorial services. Using our editorial services is never a requirement for submission, and editorial clients receive no preferential consideration or publishing advantage.
Editorial FAQs
Do I need to complete an Editorial Taster before submitting my full manuscript?
Yes. The £40 Editorial Taster is the first step in our editorial process. It gives you a flavour of our editing style.
After completing the Taster, you may submit your full manuscript for consideration for a Full Developmental Edit or an alternative editorial pathway.
Does completing an Editorial Taster guarantee a Full Developmental Edit?
No. The Editorial Taster is a complete service in its own right. It does not guarantee that we will accept your manuscript for further work.
Full Developmental Edits are intended for substantial manuscripts that have already been through several rounds of drafting and revision. We generally do not accept very early drafts, outlines, fragments, or manuscripts requiring extensive foundational rewriting.
Will you accept my manuscript for a full developmental edit?
We don’t accept every manuscript because we don’t want our writers paying for a service before their work is ready.
Before accepting a manuscript, we assess whether it would genuinely benefit from a Full Developmental Edit.
Acceptance is not automatic. We may accept the project, decline it, or suggest that further drafting and revision would be beneficial before proceeding. This gives you a chance to make some revisions independently to maximise the value of a future Full Developmental Edit.
Why do you need to process the complete manuscript first?
Developmental editing requires us to understand the manuscript as a whole. Assessing the complete work allows us to evaluate its current stage, identify the most useful form of editorial support, and determine whether our approach is the right fit.
This process also helps us reserve Full Developmental Edits for manuscripts where our work can be genuinely substantive and constructive.
Why might you decline a Full Developmental Edit?
A decision not to proceed does not necessarily mean that we think the manuscript lacks potential. Often a manuscript simply needs more drafting, revision, or foundational work before a Full Developmental Edit would be useful.
We don’t want writers paying for an editorial service before their work is ready to benefit from it. If we feel your manuscript needs more work first, we’ll tell you honestly rather than take your money for a review that would be premature.
How long does the editorial process take?
An Editorial Taster is returned within 10 days of receiving your upload, provided all required information and files have been supplied. We aim to return most within seven days.
A Full Developmental Edit takes approximately six weeks. This allows us to engage deeply with the manuscript and give each stage of the editorial process attention and reflection it requires.
Other editorial services vary according to the scope of the project and review process. Please check the timeframe before making payment.
Can I request a faster turnaround?
No. We don’t offer accelerated developmental edits. Six weeks may feel like a long time to wait but a thorough developmental edit cannot be rushed without compromising the quality of the work.
Our process involves several stages of close reading, reflection, analysis, and a personalised editorial response. It also gives you the much-needed valuable time away from the manuscript. Returning to your work after a break will help you approach the feedback with a fresh perspective and see the manuscript with new eyes.
While you wait, you can relax, read, or have fun working on a different project!
Is the £40 Editorial Taster a deposit towards a full developmental review?
No. The Taster is a standalone editorial service, not a deposit or application fee. You receive feedback on your 3,000-word extract whether or not we later accept the full manuscript for developmental editing.
Does using your editorial services affect publishing submissions?
No. Our editorial services and publishing route operate completely independently.
Using our editorial services is never a requirement for submission, and editorial clients receive no preferential consideration or publishing advantage.