How much does book editing cost?
The Editorial Freelancers Association’s Editorial Rates Chart is the gold standard for how much editing should cost. The EFA’s rates (originally from 2015) were displayed in hourly rates, which I converted to my standard per-word rate. But with the EFA’s updated 2020 rates, they have adjusted their editorial rates page to reflect accurate per-word rates. I have since updated the information in this blog post.
- The average rate for developmental editing is 3 to 3.9 cents per word.
- The average rate for line editing is 4 to 4.9 cents per word.
- The average rate for copyediting is 2 to 2.9 cents per word.
For my services, most editing projects for a 60,000-word book range from $3200 to $4800.
Blake Atwood at The Write Life also wrote an excellent blog post breaking down the average cost of book editing services into the per-word cost.
My rates are slightly above average compared to other independent editors to reflect my knowledge, experience and the quality of work you’ll get with my editing services. With over a decade of experience, I have developed a list of astounding qualifications, an impressive portfolio, and a flawless mastery of the complexities of the English language—and from that, I have become a reputable manuscript editor for first-time and veteran authors. To date, I have edited over 500 books for traditionally and self-publishing authors, several of which have won awards and become Amazon bestsellers.
With every manuscript editing service I provide, I provide my clients with my time (e-mail, phone, or in person if applicable), my dedicated attention, and my meticulous editing skills. I spend countless hours working alongside authors to help improve their writing style, providing a free Editor’s Report to show authors how to avoid their most common writing mistakes to become a better writer. With every full-length manuscript edit, I am available to my clients for questions, feedback, or advice about the publishing industry—and that’s a valuable tool.
In short, I’m the editor to select if you are serious about your writing career, and want to publish a quality book.
See more information on my qualifications and what you get when you choose me as your editor in the blog Choose Me! 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Me. No matter which editor you choose, do your homework before selecting an editor. (Does the editor offer contracts? Sample edits? Does the editor have good feedback, a healthy portfolio, and happy clients’ testimonials?)
Good luck with your editing search, and please feel free to always reach out to me with any editing questions you may have!
Book editor Kristen Hamilton is the owner and sole employee of Kristen Corrects, Inc., where she provides manuscript editing services for traditionally and self-publishing authors. Several authors whose books she has edited have won awards and have topped Amazon’s best sellers lists.
Reading is Kristen’s passion, so when the workday is over, she can usually be found curled up with a good book alongside her four cats. She loves watching cat videos and scary movies, eating pizza, teaching herself French, and traveling, and she is likely planning her next vacation. She lives outside of Boise, ID.