Every book should have a professional editor – perhaps even more than one. But when you’re a new author or you write for a hobby, your budget is probably not accommodating to most editors’ costs. Though I would encourage you to search extensively to find somebody within your price range, you do have options for editing on a budget.
- BETA READERS
Beta readers might just save your life when it comes to reporting typos, catching errors, writing ARC reviews, etc., but if you enough beta readers who are voracious readers, and perhaps are writers themselves, they may be able to help you with the more in-depth editing. Keep in mind, however, that your beta readers have to be able to look critically at your work – moreso than your average reader. - FIVERR
I have had great success and miserable failure on Fiverr, but it is still a potential avenue to find an editor, cover designer, or even someone to format your book within your price range. - TAKING A BREAK
After your finish writing, step back from the book. Return to it in a few weeks or so and do your own “line edit”. You’ll be amazed what you can catch on your own after you’ve left the story alone for a while. - TAKING TIME
Be patient. Maybe you can afford one round of editing this month, and another next month. Give yourself permission to wait and let your story shine to the best of its ability.
Those are just a few options! I’d love to hear your ideas. Chime in in the comments!