Editing and proofreading rates can vary widely, influencing the decision-making process when it comes to hiring professional services. Editing and proofreading aren’t just about fixing typos—they involve carefully checking and refining written content to make it clear, coherent, and error-free.
No one really talks about what to charge or pay for editors and proofreaders. Yet, these services are absolutely pivotal in elevating written content from good to exceptional. So, it’s time to set the record straight and have a little chat about the expected rates of a proofreader or editor.
By scrutinizing the cost of editing services and diving into a proofreading pricing guide, we keep the conversation open and prevent gatekeeping for those entering the field and potential clients searching for a service provider.
How to Understand Rates and Pricing Models
Moving through the world of editing and proofreading rates means understanding the common pricing structures: per word, per page, flat rate, or hourly. Let’s dig into each below.
Per Word
This model charges a specific rate for each word in the document. It’s straightforward and transparent, making it easy for both parties to calculate the cost based on the document’s length.
Example: An editor might charge $0.05 per word. So, a 5,000-word document would cost $250. A proofreader would then review the edited document and perhaps charge $0.01–$0.02 per word (depending on the difficulty level of the content), making the proofreading cost $50–$100.
Best used for: Projects where the length of the document is known and unlikely to change, like with articles, essays, or short stories. It’s usually favored in the freelance world for its simplicity and predictability.
Per Page
Pricing per page is based on a standard word count per page (usually 250–300 words, depending on formatting). This model simplifies billing for projects with varying word counts per page or extensive formatting.
Example: If an editor charges $5 per page, a 50-page manuscript (assuming 250 words per page) would cost $250, which is much cheaper if they’d used a per-word rate. Subsequently, the document may undergo proofreading, typically priced at $1–$2 per page or higher.
Best used for: Documents with consistent formatting, like fiction manuscripts, business reports, or academic papers. It’s ideal when the visual layout and formatting play a significant role in the document’s final presentation.
Flat Rate
A flat rate (or fixed rate) is agreed upon before the project starts. It’s meant to cover the entire scope of work regardless of the time or word count involved. This special pricing model requires a clear understanding of the project’s requirements and scope before any work begins.
Example: An editor might offer to edit a romance novel for a flat rate of $1,000, considering the complexity, length, and level of editing required. In this case, the editor might request to have a look at the work prior to offering a flat rate so that there are no surprises after the work has begun.
A proofreader would come into play afterward, reviewing for typos, punctuation, formatting, etc., and charge a flat rate of anywhere from $50–$250 or more. However, pricing will often depend on the person’s level of experience.
Best used for: Projects with a well-defined scope where both the client and the editor clearly understand the expected work. It’s ideal for large projects like novels or comprehensive business projects where predictability is so important.
Hourly
The hourly rate is based on the time spent editing and proofreading the document. This model offers flexibility for projects where the amount of work required is uncertain or varies greatly. Editors are more likely to use this model over proofreaders because the editing stage can sometimes take eons, and there are several stages of back and forth with the writer.
Example: An editor charging $40 per hour working on complex course material for an online course might take 25 hours to complete, totaling $1,000. If the project is handed over to a proofreader for a final pass-through, it may only take one or two hours at $15–$25 per hour.
Best used for: Editing projects that require a deep level of involvement, like developmental editing, or projects that might extend beyond straightforward proofreading or copyediting. It’s suitable when the project scope is not clearly defined or is expected to evolve as the project progresses.
Freelancers and agencies often have varying rates, influenced by their expertise, reputation, and the specific sub-services they offer.
Factors That Influence Rates
Like anything in this world, there are always several variables that can affect how much you’ll pay for editing and proofreading services:
- Experience and expertise of the professional: Seasoned editors and proofreaders can command higher rates due to their proven track record of enhancing manuscripts and turning them into masterpieces.
- Type of document: Academic papers, business reports, and creative fiction all require different editing lenses, impacting the cost. Some editors and proofreaders might specialize in one over the others, affecting the rates.
- Turnaround time: Need something edited post-haste? Want someone to proofread your short story within a day so that you can meet a deadline? Faster turnarounds often mean higher rates, just as you would face in any industry.
- Level of work required: From light proofreading to deep structural edits, the more intensive the service, the higher the price. This is a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning because some writers don’t know how to gauge the level of work their piece requires.
- Length and complexity of the document: Longer documents and those with complex terminology, additional research, or formatting require more time and expertise, thus influencing the cost.
Average Costs for Editing and Proofreading Services
As I’ve already mentioned, costs always vary, and they’ll continue to do so for as long as the industry exists. It can make it difficult to budget for a project (if you’re a client) or confusing when quoting a job (if you’re a service provider), but as a ballpark, you might encounter rates like these:
Editing
Niche
Niche
Niche
Per Word
Per Word
Per Word
Per Page
Per Page
Per Page
Per Hour
Per Hour
Per Hour
Fixed Rate
Fixed Rate
Fixed Rate
Academic Writing
$0.02–$0.12
$4–$15
$30–$60
It can range from $200 for short papers to $3,000 or more for extensive works like dissertations.
Business Writing
$0.03–$0.15
$5–$20
$35–$75
Ranges from $250 for brief reports to $5,000+ for in-depth business plans or grant proposals.
Creative Writing
$0.01–$0.08
$3–$12
$25–$50
From $500 for short stories to $2,000 or more for full-length novels, depending on the complexity and editing depth required.
Proofreading
Niche
Niche
Niche
Per Word
Per Word
Per Word
Per Page
Per Page
Per Page
Per Hour
Per Hour
Per Hour
Fixed Rate
Fixed Rate
Fixed Rate
Academic Writing
$0.01–$0.05
$2–$10
$20–$45
It can range from $100 for essays to $1,500+ for lengthy manuscripts or theses.
Business Writing
$0.02–$0.07
$3–$15
$25–$60
Ranges from $150 for short business communications to $4,000+ for comprehensive reports.
Creative Writing
$0.005–$0.05
$2–$10
$20–$40
It can range from $200 for short stories to $1,500 or more for novels, depending on the length and level of proofreading needed.
Hourly Rates vs. Fixed Rates for Proofreading Services
Choosing between hourly and fixed rates depends on your project’s specifics, your preferences, and what you expect to get out of it.
Hourly Rate
- Overview: The client pays for each hour the editor or proofreader works on the document.
- Pros: Flexibility in handling projects of varying complexity.
- Cons: Total cost can be wholly unpredictable.
- Recommended for: Projects where the extent of needed edits is unclear, so the time invested can be charged accordingly.
Fixed Rate
- Overview: A single price is agreed upon for the entire project, regardless of hours spent, because both parties have reviewed everything and discussed what needs to be done, and the editor and/or proofreader has a general idea of how long it will take them.
- Pros: Budget certainty from the outset.
- Cons: Can pose issues if the project develops and new issues arise.
- Recommended for: Clear, well-defined projects with specific outcomes.
Set the Perfect Rate for You!
Investing in professional editing and proofreading is like polishing and detailing a car; the inherent value of the work shines brighter under scrutiny. The right editing and proofreading services will make the words and information the best they can be.
When an author invests in these services long-term, they’re making a promise to their readers. The same goes for all areas of writing; using valuable tools and services sets a standard for everyone else to meet.
As you weigh the options, consider the quality and success of the written content to be the most important goal. Now, with my guide, you’re better equipped to navigate the editing and proofreading pricing landscape! Have more questions about the industry? Check out my other guides on our site!