What are Standard Editor Rates?

Brooklyn Gesher · 2015-05-27

Hello! I am looking for an editor and I just received some quotes from folks. What is the general rate for: - Proofing Edit - Line Edit - Developmental Edit based on the word count? Do any editors here go by $0.02-0.05 per word?

srf89

· #2 · May 28, 2015

price varies, but proofing edit is indeed in that .02-.05 range, closer to the former.
I would paid about $100-$150 for a proofing/copy edit job. Developmental edits go for $150-300, depending on your editor. Line edits are expensive- expect to pay $300-$1000, depending in the experience.
You can get decent editing services for $500-$1000 for the total package. Or, if you have a friend who has editing experience, ask her/him to proofread since that doesn't require specific book editing skills. But book editors for line/developmental edits are a must if you want a succesful novel.

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Brooklyn Gesher

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 28, 2015

Hm... I got a quote for $1500-1800 for a 90K word novel. So based on what you're saying that falls within the range...? It's not a developmental or a proof edit. I suppose line editing is more expensive? I thought it was the developmental edit that was more expensive?

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tknite

· #4 · May 28, 2015

My rates are not that high, but then, I'm new to the game. The higher the level of expertise and the more years of experience, the more you will pay. The best in the business can cost you a small fortune -- but then they are "the best" for a reason.

jaha Knight said:
I suppose line editing is more expensive? I thought it was the developmental edit that was more expensive?

I've seen editors charge more for developmental than line editing and vice versa. Personally, I charge more for line editing than developmental editing because line editing is the most intensive and time-consuming process (for me). What you charge the most for depends on what exactly each type of editing service entails. Not all editors do the exact same things the exact same ways.

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Steve W.

· #5 · May 28, 2015

jaha Knight said:
Hm... I got a quote for $1500-1800 for a 90K word novel. So based on what you're saying that falls within the range...? It's not a developmental or a proof edit. I suppose line editing is more expensive? I thought it was the developmental edit that was more expensive?

What you were quoted isn't outside the typical range for developmental editing, nor is it outside the range for line editing. It would be WAY outside the range for copyedits or proofreading. You have to balance the rate with the editor you're working with. You want someone experienced, and who has quantifiable knowledge base. An English degree (even a masters or PHd) does not an editor make. Editors have training/education specific to editing (the education is ongoing. Workshops, seminars...etc to keep up to date with latest conventions). Additionally, they often have experience working with, or under other editors.

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Roby

· #6 · May 28, 2015

Personally, when I edit a project, I charge by the hour. That way, if I don't have to do more than a polish, the author doesn't have to pay for more than a polish. And I ask for a sample of the book, show the author what I'd do (or not do) with the sample, and see if we're compatible before I take on the job.

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Steve W.

· #7 · May 28, 2015

Roby said:
Personally, when I edit a project, I charge by the hour. That way, if I don't have to do more than a polish, the author doesn't have to pay for more than a polish. And I ask for a sample of the book, show the author what I'd do (or not do) with the sample, and see if we're compatible before I take on the job.

Not that the op asked, but I prefer to pay by the hour too.

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editorusrex

· #8 · Jun 17, 2015

That sounds like a reasonable range for an experienced editor to give you a line edit, which is sometimes called a copyedit.

Look, when it comes to editing, there is no one standard definition of "copyediting," "line editing," "proofreading," etc. Even different editors within the same publishing house will differ in how they use them. (And don't even get me started on "proofreading"--unless you're actually reading proofs to compare a typeset manuscript to edits made on previous marked-up draft, ban that word from your vocabulary.)

Unless a book has already been professionally edited, I find that in pretty much all cases it benefits from a good line edit by an experienced editor. That's as true of work by Pulitzer Prize-winning veterans as it is of first-time authors.

So diagnose what you need, and make sure you and your editor are on the same page. If your editor is experienced, comes with good references, and you've reviewed his or her previous work and have agreed on what your manuscript needs, go for it.

EDITED TO ADD: Make sure to do your math when you're looking at per word rates. You'd be shocked how often both editors AND authors make simple arithmetic errors and run mental math on, say, 15 cents/word when trying to figure out what $.015/word is across a manuscript.

As to your original question, OP, $.05 ("five cents") per word is very high for a "proofread," assuming that means a light copyedit that proofs for errors on already-edited text, and is even a bit high for a standard line edit. That's $4500 for a 90,000-word MS. It's not insane, but it is high. Definitely more than I've ever charged.

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Jim Johnson

· #9 · Jun 17, 2015

Here are professional rates: http://the-efa.org/res/rates.php

Many editors working with indie writers charge less. Some editors are listed in the kboards yellow pages: http://www.kboards.com/yp/

I've seen prices all over the place for different levels of editing.

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SA_Soule

· #10 · Jun 17, 2015

I charge by the word and/or by the page. But I ONLY do developmental editing, although I do work closely with 2 copyeditors and I refer my clients to them.

I really love working with other self-published and indie authors, and I offer discounts on my services to new clients. Plus, I even let them do payment plans if they need help.

My prices are listed here: http://fictionwritingtools.blogspot.com/p/editing-services.html

And I offer a discount to kboard members! I have an ad here: http://www.kboards.com/index.php?topic=202365.0 I am happy to do a sample edit of the first 5 pages to see if we're a good fit.

Best of luck with your book!

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Jim Johnson

· #11 · Jun 17, 2015

vrabinec said:
a "Your nuts!" He belowed lowdly! type of client

Darn it! I thought I had changed my Dropbox password. No fair looking at my WIPs.

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XterraWeb

· #12 · Jun 17, 2015

As others have said, each editor may have a different definition for the type of editing he/she provides. It's always a good idea to check with the editor to find out exactly what you will receive. My rates are a per page rate (one page = 250 words). I provide a free sample edit which is used to determine the rate based on the amount and type of editing required. The sample edit also gives the author an idea of how I can help him/her.

I work primarily with indie authors, and my rates are a bit lower than some editors because of that reason.

Before you select an editor, I would make sure you have checked that person out thoroughly and requested a sample edit. Make sure the editor is providing what you and your manuscript need.

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cinisajoy

· #13 · Jun 17, 2015

Brooklyn Gesher said:
Hm... I got a quote for $1500-1800 for a 90K word novel. So based on what you're saying that falls within the range...? It's not a developmental or a proof edit. I suppose line editing is more expensive? I thought it was the developmental edit that was more expensive?

Was this a general quote or a quote based on a sample?

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Brooklyn Gesher

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 16, 2015

cinisajoy said:
Was this a general quote or a quote based on a sample?

The editor has read my work. The quote was her standard rate with a discount because she knows me.

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Richardcrasta

· #15 · Jul 16, 2015

I can only edit 3-4 hours a day, and when I edit, it is the only intellectual work I do--I give my all to the work. So I too prefer to charge by the hour (I often tend to underestimate the time required if asked for a fixed fee, so the hourly rate is a bit fairer to me), but am agreeable to accepting a fixed fee if the writer insists, and also am willing to give an estimated range if the hourly rate is accepted.

And, even when I accept a copy-editing assignment, I do some line-editing, and make some suggestions ... if the writer is open to receiving them.

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