How Much Does a Book
Editor Cost?
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
There is no more pressing question for most writers than how much does a book editor cost. As a professional editor, I've worked with clients from all walks of life, and one thing I've learned is that you get what you pay for. There are a lot of people out there who are willing to edit your content for next to nothing, but the quality of their work is usually reflected in their fee. “How much does a book editor cost?” is one of the first questions writers have when they get serious about hiring someone to review their work, and I’m here to shed some light.
Spending Money on a High-Quality Editor is a Good Investment
When you hire an editor, you should expect to receive a high-quality, well-written feedback report that is free of errors. A good editor will also be able to work with you to ensure that your voice comes through in the final product. If you're paying rock-bottom prices for your writing notes, chances are you're not going to get that level of quality or attention to detail. So it turns out that “How much does a book editor cost?” isn’t the only relevant question. Nor should it be the only guiding principle behind your search, if you can at all help it.
There’s so much worth that a good editor provides. They can answer questions, help you figure out your submission strategy, and even become a brainstorming partner who can bring their industry experience to your book ideas. If you're working with someone who doesn't have much experience, they may not be able to offer that same level of assistance or insight. When wondering how much does a book editor cost, think about what you want to get out of the editing collaboration, not just your available budget.
So How Much Does a Book Editor Cost?
There are different levels of editing. When evaluating how much does a book editor cost, consider what kind of editing you need. A basic proofreading service for your manuscript usually costs between $.001 and $.02 per word. Some proofreaders charge by manuscript page, in the range of $1.50 to $3.50 per page.
Copy editing is one step up in terms of comprehensiveness, and copy editing rates for your manuscript usually cost between $.02 and $.04 per word. Some copy editors charge by manuscript page, in the range of $2.50 to $5 per page.
Line editing is one step up from copy editing and involves creative feedback on your project. That’s why it often costs more. Experience and talent vary much more widely here, with some editors charging a lot for this service. You will see a broader range of prices here to answer your “How much does a book editor cost?” question, and these figures are usually commensurate with experience. Line editing rates for your manuscript usually cost between $.04 and $.09 per word. Some copy editors charge by manuscript page, in the range of $5 to $15 per page. A good average for editorial service rates here is $.06 per word or $12 per page.
How Much Does a Book Editor Cost For Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing is the cream of the crop. It’s the most detailed, comprehensive, and thoughtful editing you can buy, and it usually costs the most. When writers wonder how much does an editor cost, they often picture this type of editing. Your potential editor’s qualifications matter a lot when providing this type of service, and that is why you can find prices all over the map. How much does a book editor cost when it comes to developmental work? Developmental editing rates for your manuscript usually cost between $.07 and $.12 per word. Some developmental editors charge by manuscript page, in the range of $7.50 to $20 per page. A good average for developmental editorial service rates here is $.09 per word or $15 per page.
Hiring an editor is an investment, and like any investment, you should be careful with where you put your money. How much does a book editor cost is an important consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only one you keep in mind. There are a lot of people out there who claim to be professional editors but who don't have the skills or experience to back up their claims, and it’s easy to fall for a publishing scam when you’re emotionally invested in your work. Before hiring anyone, make sure to check their credentials and read some samples of their work.
It's also important to communicate your expectations for a potential freelance editor clearly from the outset so that there are no surprises down the road. Yes, working with a professional editor will cost you more than working with someone who is just starting out. How much does a book editor cost? It all depends, but the above figures should point you in the right direction. In the end, the investment will be worth it because you'll get high-quality feedback that meets your needs.
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Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.
Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.