How Much Does a Book Editor Cost? Everything You Need to Know

December 11, 2023

How Much Does a Book Editor Cost?

The age-old question of indie authors everywhere, right? Look, I know budgets are tight and self-publishing is expensive (especially when you don’t have any idea whether you’re going to be able to make your money back!), so I totally get wanting to get a clear answer on this topic.

But, as a fiction editor for indie authors, I’m here to tell you there isn’t really a definite answer you’re going to get.

When you ask “How much does a book editor cost?” … I’m going to respond with “It depends.” Sorry! I know that’s really frustrating when you’re just searching for a number.

BUT, never fear! In this blog post I’m going to break it all down for you. If you have a question about prices for editing, this blog post will answer it. 🙂

What is the industry standard rate for freelance fiction editors? How much does an editor cost?

Oh! An industry standard rate! That would make things so easy!

Well.

LOL. There isn’t one.

Editing, and especially freelance editing, is an unregulated field, so the rates can really vary.

Many professional editors use the rate chart published by the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) to decide what to charge. The chart shows the average cost for each kind of editing, from developmental editing all the way to proofreading.

The EFA did this survey with all its members back in 2020, so it may not be totally accurate (the pandemic really changed things!).

The good news is that the EFA is conducting a new survey right now. I just filled mine out the other day! The organization is planning to conduct a new survey every year so the rates will paint a better picture of the pricing landscape going forward.

You can also ask other authors in your genre how much they paid for editing. This will give you a good benchmark for your particular genre. Check social media for published prices (but beware scammers or editors who don’t know what they are doing—they will likely be undercharging!).

Here’s a link to my Services page, just in case you want to compare my rates with someone else’s. 🙂

How do editors charge?

Most editors seem to charge based on word count. I like charging per word —and not hourly—because it feels the most fair.

For example, if an editor charges $.01 per word for copyediting and your manuscript is 80,000 words, you would pay your editor $800 (most editors offer payment plans!).

Some editors do charge by the hour, but I think that leaves too many variables on the table. What if I’m a slow editor? You’ll end up paying more. What if I’m a fast editor? I’ll make less money. What if someone dishonest leaves their clock running when they aren’t actually editing? Yikes!

Charging hourly also prevents you, the author, from getting a price up front. What if your editor said your project would take fifteen hours, but it actually took them thirty? That’s a huge increase in price!

Some editing projects are billed with a flat project fee. You will see this most with beta reads, manuscript evaluations, illustrated books, or personal statements.

Do all types of editing cost the same?

When people ask “How much does a book editor cost?” on social media, I always ask them, “Well, for what kind of editing?”

There are four different types of editing (check out my blog post 4 Types of Editing for Indie Authors for more info!), and each requires a different skillset.

Developmental editing (sometimes called content editing) is going to be the priciest because your developmental editor is working with you on content and looking at the big picture of your story. (Developmental editing should be done before other stages of book editing so that your story is set in stone before you worry about grammar or style.)

Line editing is focused on style and voice, so that will be the second most expensive kind of editing.

Next will be copy editing, followed by proofreading (the least pricey editing service.)

Some editors offer packages where they bundle one or more services together (like a copyedit and a proofread), and that can sometimes save you a little bit of money.

Before you ask an editor for a quote, be sure you know what kind of editing you need for your book.

Why is editing so expensive?

Book editing is a premium service done by a professional.

Good editors have undergone specific editing training and know what they are doing. No, being “great at grammar” is not the same! Editing is a bit of an art form. We have to know when an author is breaking a rule on purpose, and when they aren’t. We need to know the standard rules for fiction publishing. We need to understand how to create style sheets, use resources, and search for consistency. It’s not something anyone can just decide to do on a whim (well, I guess they can decide to do it … but they won’t be very good at it!).

Let me put it this way: Have you ever had your hair cut and highlighted by someone who didn’t go to beauty school? Probably not.

Would you get your taxes done by someone who said they were “really great at math” but had no further training? NO! Of course not.

Professional editing is the same. Qualified, professional editors are performing a premium service that requires training and a good chunk of time.

They will not complete your book edit in a day or two because they are going through it with eagle eyes and a fine-tooth comb examining every aspect of your text.

Think: How long did it take you to write your book? You can’t expect that your editor would be able to edit it in a day or two!

Also consider: What do you think is an appropriate hourly rate for someone with a specialized skillset? Take an 80,000 word book and multiply with pricing of 0.02 per word. The total cost for editing would be $1600. Let’s compare that price with getting your hair done.

An average price for a cut and color from a stylist is $200. Say you’re in the salon for three hours. That means your stylist is making around $67 an hour (not including whatever tip you might leave).

If you’re paying your developmental editor or copy editor the same hourly rate for your book, they will be working on your manuscript for around twenty-four hours. That is ABSOLUTELY not the time it takes to edit a novel. Your freelance editor is spending WAY more time with your book.

When you break it down, it really puts rates in perspective, don’t you think?

Why editing prices vary

Despite editing being a premium service, there is a lot of variation in pricing. Why is that?

Well, because every person and every situation is different.

Maybe your editor is charging less than others because they live in a country where the cost of living is lower.

Maybe your editor is charging more than others because they have worked in publishing for twenty years and have boatloads of experience.

Maybe your editor isn’t charging as much as the EFA rate chart indicates they should because they are working in a genre that tends to pay less.

Maybe your editor’s prices are low because they are just starting out and need to gain experience.

Maybe your editor is charging a lot because this is their full-time job and they need to pay their bills.

Maybe your editor gives you a low estimate because they like working with indie authors and just edit as a side-hustle.

I could go on and on and on and on …

The truth is, everyone’s situation is different, so your potential editor may charge more or less than you are expecting.

Take things like country, experience, qualifications, and genre into consideration when looking at estimates, but also please be aware of red flags.

If an editor says they can do your developmental editing or copyediting in one week for an incredibly low price … Honey, that’s a red flag. (Read more about editor red flags in my blog post 11 Essential Questions to Ask an Editor Before Hiring Them.)

What if my editor steals my book?

I see this question in Facebook groups.

Authors, this likely won’t happen.

First of all, because it would be a terrible business model! My business relies on recommendations from past clients. How many repeat clients do you think I would get if I published someone’s book as my own?

Second of all, because it should be written in your editor’s contract that they will not do this.

When hiring someone (and this is true for all the different kinds of editing), make sure you follow best practices so you know you are working with a real human who knows what they are doing. Best practices include: signing a contract, using a payment processor (not Venmo), checking their qualifications, searching for social proof (like a website or social media recommendations), and (if you want) see them in person via video call.

What if the going rate is outside my budget?

Don’t break the bank.

Decide what you can spend, and then look for an editor.

Something to remember:

Don’t expect high-quality copyediting work at bargain-basement prices.

Editing rates generally reflect experience and qualifications. Expect to pay more for someone with a lot of experience and qualifications.

Ask about about payment plans. See if they have any discount programs, referral programs, or seasonal specials.

When to Hire an Editor

Generally, you should begin looking for an editor once you finish your first draft.

Editors can’t take an unlimited number of clients. Editing is hard work and requires intense concentration! As a copy editor, I only take on one project per month. As a result, my calendar fills up rather quickly.

It’s good to search for an editor, see prices, and get a sample edit before you actually need one. That way you will be able to actually book the editor who fits your vibe.

Unsure if you really need an editor? Read my blog Do You Need to Hire an Editor for Your Self-Published Book?