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Home / Book writing help
Your book

Book writing help at every stage

The Urban Writers offers outlines, book writing, editing, covers, descriptions, illustrations, formatting, narration and translation. You choose your freelancer, with book writing from $4.13 per 100 words.

24,000+Books written by TUW
75,000+Orders delivered
5,000+Vetted freelancers
4.9/5Average across 30,000+ freelancer ratings

Where is your book right now?

Start with what you have and choose the service that fits your next step.

I have an idea but no outline.

Outline

Plan your book with a fiction plot outline or a researched non-fiction outline.

Explore outline options

I want someone to write my book.

Book writing

Your chosen writer writes the manuscript, and a separate editor copy edits and proofreads it.

See book writing

I've finished my draft and need an editor.

Book editing

Choose copy editing and proofreading, sentence-level editing, or feedback on your book's structure, focus and audience fit.

Compare editing options

My manuscript needs a cover and a description.

Cover design and book description

A designer creates your cover, and a copywriter writes your book description.

Explore cover design

I want an audiobook or a translation.

Narration and translation

Choose narration after hearing voice samples, or get a Spanish or German translation that includes copy editing and proofreading.

Explore audiobook narration

I want writing, a cover and formatting in one order.

Book bundles

Combine a written and edited manuscript, a cover and paperback formatting, with descriptions and outlines included in selected bundles.

Compare book bundles

Compare prices for your book

See TUW's prices alongside published market rates, including what each price covers.

ServiceMarket rateTUW
Book writing25 to 50 cents a word for full-length fiction, 33 to 50 cents for full-length non-fiction.4.13 to 6.60 cents a word. Copy editing and proofreading by a separate editor included.
Book editing2.0 to 5.0 cents a word by level and genre. Freelance copy editing usually excludes proofreading.2.3 to 3.1 cents a word, fiction and non-fiction. Essential Editing (2.3 cents) includes proofreading.
Cover design$350 median per book cover project.From $144.99, with ebook, audiobook and paperback formats.
Illustration$3,000 to $25,000 suggested for a children's book.$47 per illustration. 20 illustrations cost $940.
Audiobook narration$250 per finished hour minimum for SAG-AFTRA narration deals on ACX.$2.43 per 100 words, about $206 per finished hour. Recorded to ACX standards.
Translation12 to 19 cents a word for freelance translation from English.3.99 cents a word into Spanish and 4.44 cents into German, with copy editing and proofreading included.

Sources: Editorial Freelancers Association 2026 Rate Chart (more than 1,100 members surveyed about rates charged in 2025), ACX's terms for SAG-AFTRA narration deals and Graphic Artists Guild's suggested range for a children's book.

See how many words are in a book using lengths from 24,000+ books written on TUW.

Find a writer for your book

Compare samples, ratings and completed orders. Chat with writers before you choose.

Get your book services in one order

Choose your writer and writer level. Every bundle includes 1 to 4 revision rounds, depending on the level you pick.

What's includedSilver BundleWriting, editing, cover, formattingGold BundleAdds a book descriptionPlatinum BundleAdds an outline and descriptionUltimate Fiction BundleFor novels and stories
Starting at$588$692$1,057$1,132
Manuscript by your chosen writerIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Copy editing and proofreading by separate editorIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Revision rounds based on writer levelIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Silver cover: ebook, audiobook and paperbackIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Print-ready paperback formattingIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Professional book descriptionNot includedIncludedIncludedNot included
Researched outline before writing beginsNot includedNot includedIncludedNot included
Fiction plot outline with developmental editorNot includedNot includedNot includedIncluded
Fiction blurbNot includedNot includedNot includedIncluded
Choose bundle Choose bundle Choose bundle Choose bundle

Silver BundleWriting, editing, cover, formatting

$588 starting at

  • IncludedManuscript by your chosen writer
  • IncludedCopy editing and proofreading by separate editor
  • IncludedRevision rounds based on writer level
  • IncludedSilver cover: ebook, audiobook and paperback
  • IncludedPrint-ready paperback formatting
  • Not includedProfessional book description
  • Not includedResearched outline before writing begins
  • Not includedFiction plot outline with developmental editor
  • Not includedFiction blurb
Choose bundle

Gold BundleAdds a book description

$692 starting at

  • IncludedManuscript by your chosen writer
  • IncludedCopy editing and proofreading by separate editor
  • IncludedRevision rounds based on writer level
  • IncludedSilver cover: ebook, audiobook and paperback
  • IncludedPrint-ready paperback formatting
  • IncludedProfessional book description
  • Not includedResearched outline before writing begins
  • Not includedFiction plot outline with developmental editor
  • Not includedFiction blurb
Choose bundle

Platinum BundleAdds an outline and description

$1,057 starting at

  • IncludedManuscript by your chosen writer
  • IncludedCopy editing and proofreading by separate editor
  • IncludedRevision rounds based on writer level
  • IncludedSilver cover: ebook, audiobook and paperback
  • IncludedPrint-ready paperback formatting
  • IncludedProfessional book description
  • IncludedResearched outline before writing begins
  • Not includedFiction plot outline with developmental editor
  • Not includedFiction blurb
Choose bundle

Ultimate Fiction BundleFor novels and stories

$1,132 starting at

  • IncludedManuscript by your chosen writer
  • IncludedCopy editing and proofreading by separate editor
  • IncludedRevision rounds based on writer level
  • IncludedSilver cover: ebook, audiobook and paperback
  • IncludedPrint-ready paperback formatting
  • Not includedProfessional book description
  • Not includedResearched outline before writing begins
  • IncludedFiction plot outline with developmental editor
  • IncludedFiction blurb
Choose bundle

Starting prices cover a 10,000-word book and rise with word count. Line editing can be added to any bundle.

How to get help with your book

See how it works

Post your project for free, choose your freelancer and review the work as it progresses.

1Post your projectDescribe your book and the help you need. Posting a project is free.
2Choose your freelancerReview requests or invite a freelancer. Compare profiles, samples and ratings, then chat before choosing. You'll see your price before paying.
3Follow the workFollow your manuscript in a live online document. Leave comments and chat with your freelancer. Feedback during the work isn't a revision.
4Review and approveReview the result, then approve it or ask for a revision.

Know what's checked and what you own

Review your originality report

Every written manuscript comes with an originality report for you to review before editing.

Quality assurance reviews the content

Our quality assurance team reviews the final content.

You own your book

You own everything delivered and keep all copyrights. Every freelancer signs away their rights.

Read what customers say

Customers rate TUW freelancers 4.9 out of 5 across 30,000+ ratings covering every service.

Lolo was such a pleasure to work with. She really understood the voice and direction of the book and brought so much depth and clarity to each chapter. Her writing feels natural, thoughtful, and engaging - not forced or overly complicated. She was also reliable, open to feedback, and easy to collaborate with. I truly appreciated the care she put into the manuscript and would happily work with her again.
Suraksha L.Book writing customer
Really enjoyed working with Alice. She was very helpful in guiding me through the process every step of the way.
Dave K.Developmental Editing customer
Always great to work with T A. He is very receptive to feedback and does a great job bringing story ideas to life!
Tj A.Contemporary romance customer
Avvy was amazing, she listened to everything I asked and was able to illustrate exactly what I was looking for and more. I would highly recommend her!
Liza H.Book illustration customer
Olivia is one of the most qualified writers I've worked with in this platform. She has a POV on things and works with you as a partner, not just taking orders, which I really appreciate. Would definitely work with her again.
Rodrigo N.Computers & technology customer
Val really brought my book to life. I was extremely pleased with her work. She made my first Audible book sound so professional that I feel like a success even though it is not even online yet.
Sherrye F.Audiobook narration customer
It was amazing working with Jay. Not only does his expertise show in the quality of the book, but he also successfully understands and adopts your vision to transform it into a final masterpiece. Thank you very much.
Juan Esteban B.Self-help book customer
Very impressed with Genieve, an intelligent lady and an outstanding editor.
Chris J.Line Editing customer
Exceptional writing that captured the essence of my project beautifully. Roxie was patient with my changes and helpful with mastery of ideas. Loved the finished product!
Kristi M.Religion & spirituality customer
Perfect experience, professional and fast, highly recommend as I have had 2 books done now with many more planned.
Katrina F.Spanish translation customer
I am very grateful for the way Ariadne helped me bring my book idea to life. She understood my thoughts deeply and translated them into something real, with exactly the tone and direction I imagined. Her support and creativity made this process feel easy and meaningful, and I truly appreciate her contribution. Thank you Ariadne.
Yoanna U.Health & fitness customer
Mila is a pleasure to work with in every way. This is our second project together, and her work is outstanding.
Dr GeneHistorical fiction customer

Common questions

Where can I get help writing my book?

The Urban Writers provides book writing help from outline to audiobook. Start with the service that fits your book, then post your project for free. Freelancers request to work with you, or you can invite one. Compare profiles, samples and ratings, and chat before choosing.

How much do book writing services cost?

Book writing starts at $4.13 per 100 words. A 30,000-word book with a Rising writer costs $1,239, including Essential Editing by a separate editor. That includes a human copy edit and proofread. Covers, descriptions and other services have separate prices unless included in your bundle.

Can I get help with only part of my book?

You can choose book writing assistance for the stage you're working on. Order an outline, editing, a cover, a description, illustrations, narration or translation as you need them. If you have a draft, editing options cover copy editing and proofreading, sentence-level clarity, or feedback on structure, focus and audience fit.

How long does it take to get a book written?

A 30,000-word book typically reaches you edited about 40 days after your order. Your writer works in a live online document, where you can follow progress and leave comments. If you already have a finished draft, editing typically takes about 10 to 11 days.

Can I choose my writer?

You choose your writer from freelancer profiles. Compare samples, ratings and completed orders, and chat before deciding. Freelancers can request your project, or you can invite someone you want to work with. You'll see your price before paying.

Who owns the book when it's finished?

You own everything delivered and keep all copyrights. Every freelancer signs away their rights to the work they deliver.

What does a book bundle include?

Every book bundle includes a written and edited manuscript, a Silver cover and paperback formatting for a print-ready interior. Gold adds a professional book description, and Platinum adds a professional outline to Gold. Ultimate Fiction includes a fiction plot outline and fiction blurb. Bundles start at $588, with prices depending on word count, and line editing can be added.

Get help with your next step

Post your project for free. Choose your freelancer, discuss your book and see your price before paying.