In most cases, asking a professional editor for free manuscript editing services is a surefire way to get your email marked as spam.
But what if you genuinely need nonfiction editing services and can’t afford them? Who can edit your nonfiction manuscript for free? If self-editing is not an option, try the following ways to get free editing services for nonfiction manuscripts.
Find volunteer editors for your nonfiction manuscript
Some professional editors do pro bono work for organizations they support, such as Reach the World. So, if you wrote a document for a non-profit, look for any volunteer editors among its members, donors, or social media followers.
Scientists from developing countries may want to contact Author Aid to request free editing for research papers.
Ask your contacts to edit your nonfiction manuscript for free
If asking your family, colleagues, and advisors hasn’t helped you get free manuscript editing services, reach further to your network. For example, post a message on LinkedIn and explain your problem. Ask if anyone knows an editor who would be willing to help you.
Barter with a professional nonfiction editor
Maybe you’ve worked with a freelance editor before. If so, perhaps they would be willing to barter this time. If you have a marketable skill, such as graphic design or bookkeeping, offer your services in exchange for free manuscript editing services.
If the editor accepts to barter, keep in mind that bartering is taxable in the United Kingdom, United States, and many other countries. So, research the tax implications of bartering before you choose this option.
Get someone else to pay for nonfiction editing services
Finding someone to pay for editing your nonfiction manuscript is not exactly the same as free manuscript editing. Still, not needing to pay the editor out of pocket would be the same as free manuscript editing for you. Whether you are able to find a sponsor depends on your circumstances.
For example, your employer might accept paying for editing services if the manuscript is crucial to your job. If your company doesn’t usually cover such expenses, you may want to explain to your manager the risks of not having your manuscript edited professionally. These risks include loss of credibility or unclear message if you skip professional editing, or loss of time and productivity if you self-edit.
If you’re a PhD student or a faculty member, your university might reimburse you for the cost of editing if this service is related to your academic work. Just be aware that some public institutions may have certain rules you need to follow before you hire a freelance editor.
Tell your story online and ask for free manuscript editing services
If none of the above ways to get free manuscript editing work for you, post a message online to see if anyone wants to edit your nonfiction manuscript for free. Your chance of getting free manuscript editing services this way is slim, because professional, or professional-level, manuscript editing takes a lot of time. It’s also not a task that anyone who speaks English has the skills to do it.
With that said, freelance editors are more likely to donate their time for a good cause. For example, let’s say you’ve written a nonfiction manuscript about elephants and you’ll donate your book royalties to a wildlife conservation society. Tell your story on social media, on the job boards of editorial associations, and on forums where freelancers hang out and chances are many freelance editors will volunteer to help you.
Do you need to hire a professional English editor? Send me a message at editor@languageediting.com. I do not offer free manuscript editing services, but we can discuss ways to keep editing costs low.
Related posts:
- How to minimize the cost of editing
- How much does English language editing cost?
- Editing or proofreading: Which one is essential if you can’t afford both?
Last revised on 27 August 2022
