How much do freelance editors charge?
How much do freelance editors charge?
$0.02 – $0.08 average cost per word
$5 – $25 average cost per page
$25 – $80 average cost per hour
Average freelance editing rates
Freelance editing rates are calculated per word, per page, or per hour, depending on the editor’s experience and the type of editing provided. Typical freelance editing prices range from $0.02 to $0.08 per word or $5 to $25 per page for standard services.
Freelance editors charge $25 to $80+ per hour for most standard services and up to $120 per hour for more specialized academic or technical editing services.
| Editing service | Rate per word | Rate per page* | Rate per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developmental editing | $0.04 – $0.08 | N/A | $40 – $80 |
| Book editing | $0.03 – $0.07 | $7.50 – $25.00 | $30 – $70 |
| Copy editing | $0.02 – $0.04 | $5 – $15 | $25 – $55 |
| Academic editing | $0.04 – $0.10 | $10 – $35 | $40 – $100 |
| Technical editing | $0.04 – $0.12 | $10 – $42 | $40 – $120 |
*Rates per page assume 250 to 300 words per page.
Developmental editing rates
Developmental editors charge $40 to $80 per hour or $0.04 to $0.08 per word, depending on their experience and how complex your book is. Developmental editors focus on big-picture elements like the story, characters, and how the book flows. This type of editing is more in-depth than just fixing grammar or spelling.
A developmental editor will:
Look at your plot and suggest ways to make it stronger.
Help develop your characters.
Check if your story's pacing keeps readers interested.
Make sure your book's themes come across clearly.
The goal is to make your book more engaging and enjoyable for readers. Developmental editors work closely with authors, offering feedback and suggestions to improve the overall quality of the manuscript.
Book editing rates
While developmental editors shape a book's overall direction, book editors focus on refining its text for clarity and accuracy, ensuring it meets high editorial standards. Most freelance book editors charge per word or per page, with some offering hourly rates.
Per-word rates are common, especially for projects where the word count is clear. Rates range from $0.03 to $0.07 per word, depending on the type of editing required and the editor's experience level.
Per-page rates are another popular option, often set at around $7.50 to $25 per page, assuming a standard of about 250 to 300 words per page. This method can be beneficial for both the editor and the client as it provides a predictable cost structure.
Hourly rates are primarily used for more complex editing tasks where the scope may not be clearly defined. These rates can range from $30 to $70 per hour, depending on the editor's experience and the complexity of the work.
Copy editing rates
Once the book editor has refined the text, a copy editor may take over to ensure the final product is polished and error-free. Copy editors charge between $0.02 and $0.04 per word, which translates to about $25 to $55 per hour. Copy editing focuses on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency.
Academic editing rates
Academic editing requires specialized knowledge and often involves working with complex subject matter. Tasks typically include improving clarity, ensuring proper citation format, and enhancing the overall structure of academic papers or theses. As a result, rates tend to be higher than general editing, ranging from $0.04 to $0.10 per word or $10 to $35 per page.
Technical editing rates
Technical editing, like academic editing, demands specific expertise. Common tasks include refining technical language, ensuring the accuracy of technical information, and improving document organization for technical manuals or reports. Rates for technical editing are often at the higher end of the spectrum, ranging from $40 to $120 per hour, $0.04 to $0.12 per word, or $10 to $42 per page.
Proofreading rates
Proofreading is the final polish before publication. It's the least intensive form of editing, focusing on catching any remaining typos or formatting issues. Proofreaders generally charge the lowest rates, ranging from $0.01 to $0.02 per word or $20 to $40 per hour.
What affects freelance editing prices?
Several factors influence editing rates:
Editor's experience: More experienced editors charge higher rates due to their expertise and efficiency. For instance, an editor with 10+ years of experience may charge 30% to 50% more than a novice editor.
Project complexity: Technical or specialized content often commands higher rates. This includes scientific papers, legal documents, or highly technical manuals.
Turnaround time: Rush jobs usually incur additional fees. A 24-hour turnaround might cost 25% to 50% more than a standard timeline.
Level of editing: Developmental editing is more time-intensive and thus more expensive than proofreading, resulting in higher costs.
Length of the project: Longer projects may qualify for bulk discounts. For instance, a 100,000-word manuscript might receive a 10% to 15% discount compared to a 50,000-word project.
Industry standards: Rates vary by industry, with academic and technical editing often commanding higher fees. Medical, legal, and scientific editing typically fall into higher price brackets.
Geographic location: Editors in areas with a higher cost of living, such as those based in New York or San Francisco, may charge higher rates than those in smaller cities or rural areas.
Freelance editing FAQs
What is a freelance editor?
A freelance editor is an independent contractor who works with clients to improve and refine written content. They may specialize in different types of editing, such as developmental, copy editing, or proofreading. Freelance editors manage their own workload, find clients, and typically work remotely, offering services across various industries and content types.
Is hiring a freelance editor worth it?
Hiring a freelance editor can significantly enhance the quality of your writing, making it more polished and engaging for readers. Freelancers bring specialized skills and fresh perspectives that can elevate your work. While there is a cost involved, the investment often pays off in improved clarity, coherence, and overall professionalism of the final product.
How long does the editing process take?
The duration of the editing process varies depending on the project's length, complexity, and type of editing required. A short article might take a few hours to edit, while a full-length book could take several weeks or months. Factors like the editor's availability and the number of rounds of revisions also influence the timeline.
Can I request revisions after receiving my edited manuscript?
Most editors allow for revisions after delivering the edited manuscript, typically within a specified timeframe. It's common for authors to have questions or seek clarification on specific edits. However, it's crucial to establish clear guidelines regarding revisions before starting the project to ensure both parties understand what's included in the initial fee.
Choosing a freelance editor
Choosing the right freelance editor can have a major impact on the quality of your writing. These tips can help you find the right freelance editor for your project:
Begin your search at least four months in advance, as experienced editors often have busy schedules and may be booked months ahead.
Look for editors with real industry experience. Select an editor who is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).
Determine what type of editing you require—developmental editing, copy editing, or proofreading—and seek specialists in that area.
Find an editor who specializes in your genre. Review their past work and client list to ensure they understand your writing style.
Research rates and create a budget. Many editors provide estimates based on project scope, so be ready to discuss your financial limits.
Don't hesitate to ask for a sample edit. This allows you to gauge their editing style and see if it aligns with your vision.
Establish open communication regarding expectations, deadlines, and revision policies to ensure a smooth editing process.
Questions to ask a freelance editor
To ensure you find a good match, ask potential editors the following questions:
What types of editing projects have you worked on?
How long have you been freelancing/editing professionally?
Can you provide a short editing sample of my writing?
What is your fee structure?
What is your editing process and philosophy?
How do you communicate with writers during edits?
What is your projected turnaround time for my project?
How many rounds of revisions does your fee include?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.