Services

One of the most common questions that editors face is how much to charge for their services. There is no definitive answer to this question, as different editors may have different methods of charging, different types of material they work on, different needs and expectations from their clients, and different levels of experience and expertise. However, some general factors that can influence the pricing of editing services are:

​

- The method of charging: Some editors charge per word, some charge per page, some charge per hour, and some charge per project. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type and complexity of the material, the speed and efficiency of the editor, and the clarity and consistency of the communication between the editor and the client.

- The type of material: Different types of material may require different levels of editing, depending on the purpose, audience, genre, format, and quality of the content. For example, editing a novel may involve more creative input and stylistic choices than editing a technical report. Editing a website may require more attention to layout and design than editing a print publication. Editing a scholarly article may require more knowledge of citation styles and academic conventions than editing a blog post.

- The needs of the client: Different clients may have different expectations and requirements from their editors, depending on their goals, preferences, budget, and deadline. For example, some clients may only want a basic proofreading service to catch typos and grammatical errors. Some clients may want a comprehensive copyediting service to improve clarity, coherence, consistency, and correctness. Some clients may want a substantive editing service to restructure, rewrite, or revise their content. Some clients may want a developmental editing service to provide feedback, guidance, or coaching on their content.

- The speed of the editor: The faster an editor can complete a project, the more projects they can take on, and the more income they can generate. However, speed should not compromise quality or accuracy. Editors should be realistic about how much time they need to edit a project properly and professionally. They should also communicate clearly with their clients about their availability and turnaround time.

- The experience of the editor: The more experienced an editor is, the more skills and knowledge they have to offer to their clients. Experienced editors may have higher rates than novice editors, but they may also provide higher-quality work and more value for money. Editors should be honest about their qualifications and credentials, and showcase their portfolio and testimonials to demonstrate their competence and credibility.

- The industry average: Editors should be aware of the market rates for editing services in their field or niche. They should research what other editors charge based on similar criteria as mentioned above. They should also consider factors such as location, currency, taxes, overheads, and demand when setting their rates. Editors should charge what they think is fair and reasonable for their work, but they should also be competitive and flexible to attract and retain clients.

​

To summarize, editors charge based on various factors that reflect their work quality, value proposition, and market position. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for pricing editing services, but there are some guidelines and best practices that editors can follow to establish their rates confidently and professionally. If you are not sure what service to ask a price quote for, click on the link below for helpful suggestions.

 

Click Here For Definitions of The Editing That We Do

 

​