A book is a pact between author and reader. We exist to ensure that pact is honoured — from first draft to final shelf.
Book Ethics Authority was founded on a single conviction: that the publishing process owes something to both the writer and the reader. Every manuscript we touch is measured against principles of honesty, craft, and lasting value — not market expediency.
This is not a production line. This is a practice.
| I | Truthfulness Over Trend | We will never advise you to distort your argument, inflate your claims, or chase a market wave at the expense of honest writing. If a manuscript says something true, our job is to help it say it better — not differently. |
| II | The Reader Deserves Rigour | Every fact is checked. Every source is traced. Every claim is weighed. Readers trust the printed word more than they should — we work to make that trust justified. |
| III | Authorial Voice Is Sacred | Editing is not rewriting. We sharpen, clarify, and strengthen. We never overwrite your voice with ours. The book must sound like you — the best, most disciplined version of you. |
| IV | Transparency in Process | You will always know what we changed, why we changed it, and what alternatives exist. No silent edits. No unexplained deletions. Every decision is documented and discussable. |
| V | No Vanity Publishing | We will not help publish a book that isn't ready. If a manuscript needs more work, we say so — honestly, kindly, with a clear path forward. Publication is earned, not purchased. |
| VI | Long-Term Value Over Speed | We measure success in decades, not launch weeks. A book that endures is worth more than a book that trends. Our timelines reflect that commitment. |
Most readers never see the hundreds of hours between a raw manuscript and a finished book. We operate in that invisible space — where ethics, craft, and editorial judgement converge to produce something worth reading.
Before any editing begins, we conduct a thorough structural and ethical review. We evaluate argument integrity, source reliability, narrative coherence, and readiness for publication. This assessment produces a detailed written report — typically 15–25 pages — that becomes your roadmap.
We work at the level of structure, argument, and meaning. Chapter sequencing, thematic consistency, pacing, voice calibration — this is deep editorial work conducted over multiple rounds. We collaborate closely with authors, never dictating but always challenging.
Typical engagement: 8–16 weeks depending on manuscript length and complexity.
We advise on ethical publishing routes — traditional, independent, and hybrid — with full transparency about costs, rights, and trade-offs. We do not take commissions from publishers or platforms. Our guidance is paid for by you and loyal only to you.
A candid, no-cost phone call or email exchange. We learn about your manuscript, your goals, and your concerns. We are honest about whether we are the right fit — and if not, we will say so and suggest alternatives.
We read a representative sample — usually 10,000 words plus your synopsis. Within ten working days, you receive a frank written assessment with our recommendation: proceed to editing, revise first, or reconsider the project's direction.
If we proceed, editing unfolds in structured rounds. Each round is documented. You approve every significant change. We meet (in person or remotely) at key milestones to discuss direction and resolve tensions in the text.
When the manuscript meets our shared standard, we prepare a publication-readiness report. This includes our ethical clearance, a summary of editorial decisions, and — if requested — guidance on next steps toward publication.
We are selective about the projects we take on — not out of elitism, but because our process demands genuine commitment from both sides. This table may help you decide whether to reach out.
| We Work Well With | We May Not Be Right For |
|---|---|
| Authors who value honest feedback over reassurance | Authors seeking fast turnaround above all else |
| Non-fiction with claims that require verification | Manuscripts intended primarily as marketing collateral |
| Literary fiction that prioritises craft and integrity | Projects with immovable deadlines under 6 weeks |
| First-time authors willing to invest in the process | Authors who prefer minimal editorial intervention |
| Academic and research-based works needing rigour | Ghostwriting or uncredited editorial work |
We do not publish fixed prices because every manuscript is different. Our fees are calculated after the diagnostic reading, based on word count, complexity, research requirements, and the number of editing rounds anticipated. We provide a detailed written quote before any paid work begins.
Typical manuscript assessment: €280–€450. Developmental editing engagements generally range from €1,800 to €5,500. Publishing guidance consultations are billed at €120 per hour. All fees are agreed in advance. There are no hidden charges.
If you have a manuscript — or even the serious intention of one — we would welcome hearing from you. There is no obligation, no sales process. Just an honest exchange about your work and whether our principles align with your goals.
Book Ethics Authority ("we", "us") is committed to protecting your personal data. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard information you provide through this website or during the course of our professional services.
Data We Collect: Name, email address, phone number, manuscript details, and any other information you voluntarily provide via our enquiry form or direct communication. We do not collect data through tracking cookies beyond a single localStorage flag for cookie consent acknowledgement.
How We Use Your Data: Solely to respond to your enquiry, deliver our editorial and publishing guidance services, and maintain records necessary for professional accountability. We never sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.
Data Retention: We retain enquiry data for up to 24 months after our last communication. Manuscript-related records are retained for 5 years following project completion for professional reference and dispute resolution.
Your Rights: You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.
Cookies: This website uses only a single localStorage entry to record your cookie consent preference. No third-party analytics or advertising cookies are deployed.
Last updated: January 2026.
By using this website or engaging our services, you agree to the following terms.
Nature of Services: Book Ethics Authority provides manuscript assessment, developmental editing, and publishing guidance. All services are advisory in nature. We do not guarantee publication, commercial success, or any specific outcome.
Engagement Terms: All paid work is preceded by a written agreement specifying scope, timeline, fees, and deliverables. No work commences until both parties have signed this agreement and any agreed deposit has been received.
Intellectual Property: You retain full ownership of your manuscript and all intellectual property therein. Our editorial notes, reports, and annotations are provided for your use in connection with the manuscript and may not be republished or attributed without our consent.
Limitation of Liability: Our liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific service in question. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising from our services or advice.
Cancellation: Either party may terminate an engagement with 14 days' written notice. Fees for work already completed are non-refundable. Unused portions of pre-paid fees will be refunded within 30 days.
Governing Law: These terms are governed by the laws of Ireland.
Last updated: January 2026.
The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties regarding the completeness or reliability of any information presented here.
Editorial assessments and publishing guidance reflect our professional judgement at the time of delivery. The publishing industry is subject to change, and past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
Testimonials and client references on this site represent individual experiences and are not indicative of universal results. Names may be abbreviated or initialised at the client's request to protect privacy.
This website may contain links to external resources. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of third-party websites.
For specific advice regarding your manuscript or publishing situation, please contact us directly.
Last updated: January 2026.