It's difficult for a writer to edit his or her own book. Editors are detached from the process and are usually very meticulous. If you feel you cannot hire a professional editor then try these techniques. Try to have several people read and critique your book. You should re-read your manuscript several times; try reading out loud and use your pointer finger, reading one word at a time, like you did in first grade. You can also partner with beta-readers once you have exhausted your list of friends and relatives. You can join writers groups in places like LinkedIn (LinkedIn is free to join). There are other super sites where writers are waiting to answer your questions that are also free to join, like Authorsden.
Once you are certain beyond all doubt that you have done your very best to edit your manuscript, then and only then should you think about a publisher. As stated by others, never pay anyone upfront to publish your manuscript (and that also counts for editing). Find a publisher that specializes in your fiction genre. Do the research and take your time. Once you have narrowed your list of publishers down to something that is manageable, do a good synopsis (again take your time, going through all the steps I have outlined above). Be prepared to send a few chapters to your selected publishers for their perusal.
But before you do that, make sure the chapters you choose to send are very engaging and readable. If a publisher does not find your chapters entertaining, your readers will feel the same way and your book will not be read. Make sure every chapter grabs your reader, but then you already know that since your manuscript has been read many times at this stage of the game.
At this point, you are going to want to be looking for a good cover artist, unless of course you are already an illustrator. Your cover art topic should be central to the manuscript. Choose colors that grab your interest. Do not crowd your cover. Your cover should be something that you would want to pick up and check out while browsing in your local bookstore.
Be thinking also about your cover blurbs, inside jacket and back cover. Once again, make sure they grab you and force you to open the book and read a page or two. If you can accomplish that, you are on your way to publishing a good book.
Do not get discouraged. Do not rush this process. Remember the old saying, try and try again, never give up. I hope I have helped you in some small way.
Dennis . Moneysaver Editing
