Budgeting for Editing
By Kristin Noland
There are so many things to consider when it comes to hiring a freelance editor, but the top one for you is probably the cost!
Expectations of Cost
There is the potential for an up-front cost, as some editors charge a small fee for a sample edit.
Developmental editing requires a longer sample and more of the editor’s time. They will be creating a style sheet and writing a report as well as making comments in the document.
Line editing, copyediting, and proofreading are more straightforward with most of the work occurring within the document.
Rates
Freelance editorial rates vary for a multitude of reasons, but the biggest factor is fiction vs. nonfiction.
For nonfiction, you will need to spend more, as editors consider organization of information, headings, subheadings, bullet points, and citations as well as improving the writing. Fiction is less expensive in most cases.
The Basics
Developmental and line editing are going to cost more than copyediting and proofreading since the developmental and line will take the editor more time. Most editors charge per word or per hour. If you are looking at an editor who charges per hour, you will need to ask them how many pages they average per hour to assess the final cost.
Per word pricing helps by knowing the exact cost of the project, but you will need to know their turn-around times.
Sample Pricing Table
| Type of Editing | Per word ($) | Per hour ($) | Pages/hour | |
| Nonfiction | Developmental | 0.04-0.05 | 51-60 | 4-6 |
| Line | 0.04-0.05 | 45-50 | 4-6 | |
| Copyediting | 0.03-0.04 | 41-45 | 4-6 | |
| Proofreading | 0.02-0.03 | 36-40 | 7-10 | |
| Fiction | Developmental | 0.03-0.04 | 46-50 | 4-6 |
| Line | 0.04-0.05 | 46-50 | 4-6 | |
| Copyediting | 0.02-0.03 | 36-40 | 7-10 | |
| Proofreading | 0.02-0.03 | 31-35 | 11-15 |
Editing is expensive. I get that. But . . . if your book isn’t edited well, it won’t sell. I hope this information helps you find a great editor and budget appropriately!
About the author
Kristin is a professional developmental and line editor with a bachelor’s degree in English and literature. In her career, she has edited over forty novels, including an Amazon best seller. She loves working with publishers. Her experience in the traditional publishing world includes being an assistant editor for Literary Wanderlust, an acquisitions editor for New Degree Press, a manuscript evaluator for Greenleaf Book Group, and a copyeditor for Soho Press. She specializes in speculative fiction, specifically fantasy, paranormal romance, dystopian, and apocalyptic fiction. You can find out more about her at www.nolandediting.com or read her blog with tips on writing, editing, and publishing.