It does, indeed, make the world go round. It also makes books fabulous!
I’ve written before about how, as a self-publishing author, you need to copy the professional publishers. Therefore, you really should budget for certain things and editing and proofreading is one of those things.
Not many editors will publicly discuss their rates. That’s not to be secretive or because we want to hide extortionate fees. It’s because there isn’t a one-budget-fits-all approach to pricing an editing or proofreading job.
I base my rates on the Chartered Institute for Editing and Proofreading’s suggested minimum rates. These are hourly rates which, again, can seem very scary to authors, who have no idea what an editor is going to be doing with their money.
It’s all too easy for me to say, “it’s okay, I won’t fleece you.” But, sadly, it does happen. I can assure you, it doesn’t happen with me! Here’s why I charge by the hour and not by the word.
Some words need time. Some sentences need to be revisited again, after a later paragraph has been read. Sometimes, it’s not until chapter sixteen, than line one in chapter one makes sense for the copyeditor.
This means that research, careful reading and suggestions can be made, without the copyeditor thinking “I’m losing money here.” Equally, this means that you, as the author, are going to get a far better edit. If the editor can give you that increased time and attention than, this word cost me one penny, but I’ve done half an hour’s worth of work on it!
Please don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of editors who do charge by the word and I’m sure they are dedicated, careful and do wonderful jobs for their clients.
You may, however, feel that per hour editing is too much for your budget.
Well, fear not!
I recognise that it can be scary, handing over your manuscript and, what can feel like, an unlimited amount of money to an editor. It’s why I also offer bespoke editorial packages.
For a negotiated fixed fee, I can look at certain areas of your manuscript. That could be as much or as little as you want it to be. For instance, you might be concerned about your use of punctuation and so I can look through your manuscript and edit just that part.
Or maybe you’re concerned that your dialogue is unnatural and needs some attention. Again, I can look at just those elements and give you specific feedback.
You might want to combine elements, say punctuation and dialogue, to use the examples above. But, because of the limited budget you won’t get everything edited but, crucially, you will have had a professional set of eyes on it!
It’s one of the reasons why I offer a free sample edit. From looking at small section of your manuscript, I can help you to identify areas that might benefit from additional, professional attention.
For more information and to get a detailed quote for your editing or proofreading (what’s the difference? Read here!) needs, please get in touch todayand I’ll be happy to discuss your needs!
Nick (he/him) is an experienced professional editor and proofreader, specialising in LGBTQ+ writing.
To find out more and to work with Nick, use the buttons above.
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Your Ko-fi donations help keep me blogging about writing and editing. They also ensure that I can create and provide free resources for editors and writers. Please consider buying me a cuppa!
Editorial services for fiction and non-fiction authors, businesses and organisations
LGBTQ+ writing | Developmental editing | Copyediting | Proofreading | Formatting and typesetting | Beta reading | Authenticity reading | Inclusive language training
Nick (he/him) is an experienced professional editor and proofreader, specialising in LGBTQ+ writing.
To find out more and to work with Nick, use the buttons above.
Receive my newsletter!
Your support helps!
Your Ko-fi donations help keep me blogging about writing and editing. They also ensure that I can create and provide free resources for editors and writers. Please consider buying me a cuppa!
Editorial services for fiction and non-fiction authors, businesses and organisations
LGBTQ+ writing | Developmental editing | Copyediting | Proofreading | Formatting and typesetting | Beta reading | Authenticity reading | Inclusive language training
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