How Much Should I Expect to Pay for Editing Services?

 The cost of editing a book varies widely depending on several factors, including the type of editing, word count, genre, manuscript quality, editor experience, and whether you’re hiring a freelance editor or working with an agency. As an author—especially if you're self-publishing—understanding editing costs is essential for budgeting and planning your publishing journey.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what types of editing exist, how much each typically costs, how editors calculate their rates, what influences the price, and smart ways to get professional editing without overpaying.

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1. Types of Editing and Their Costs

Editors generally provide four levels of editing, and each serves a different purpose. Prices depend on the complexity and depth of the edit required.

A) Developmental Editing (Substantive/Structural Editing)

This is the big-picture edit. It focuses on:

• Plot and pacing (for fiction)

• Structure and flow (for nonfiction)

• Organization and chapter development

• Character arcs

• Narrative coherence

Average Cost (USD):

• Per word: $0.03 – $0.08

• Per page (250 words): $7 – $20

• For 70,000 words: $2,100 – $5,600

Ideal for: Authors with early drafts who need help shaping or reworking the manuscript structure.

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B) Line Editing

Line editing focuses on style, voice, and flow:

• Sentence clarity

• Word choice and rhythm

• Tone consistency

• Eliminating awkward or repetitive phrases

Average Cost (USD):

• Per word: $0.02 – $0.05

• Per page: $5 – $12

• For 70,000 words: $1,400 – $3,500

Ideal for: Polished drafts that need better readability and a professional touch.

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C) Copyediting

Copyediting corrects:

• Grammar and punctuation

• Spelling

• Sentence structure

• Tense and style consistency

• Factual accuracy (basic)

Average Cost (USD):

• Per word: $0.01 – $0.03

• Per page: $3 – $7

• For 70,000 words: $700 – $2,100

Ideal for: Final drafts that need technical polishing and consistency.

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D) Proofreading

Proofreading is the final cleanup:

• Typos

• Minor grammar issues

• Formatting inconsistencies

• Spacing, headers, or layout issues

Average Cost (USD):

• Per word: $0.005 – $0.015

• Per page: $2 – $5

• For 70,000 words: $350 – $1,050

Ideal for: Books ready for publication needing one last polish before uploading to Amazon KDP or print.

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2. Editing Cost by Word Count

To give you a more practical breakdown, here’s what you might expect to pay across different manuscript lengths (approximate ranges in USD):

Word Count	Developmental	Line Editing	Copyediting	Proofreading
20,000	$600 – $1,600	$400 – $1,000	$200 – $600	$100 – $300
50,000	$1,500 – $4,000	$1,000 – $2,500	$500 – $1,500	$250 – $750
70,000	$2,100 – $5,600	$1,400 – $3,500	$700 – $2,100	$350 – $1,050
100,000	$3,000 – $8,000+	$2,000 – $5,000	$1,000 – $3,000	$500 – $1,500

Remember, some editors bundle services at a discount. For example, you might pay less if you hire the same person for copyediting and proofreading.

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3. Factors That Affect Editing Prices

A) Manuscript Quality

• A clean, well-written manuscript is cheaper to edit than a messy or inconsistent one.

• Editors often charge more for poorly punctuated or disorganized manuscripts.

B) Genre

• Technical nonfiction or academic work often costs more due to subject matter complexity.

• Fiction genres with simpler structures (e.g., romance) may cost slightly less than those with complex world-building (e.g., sci-fi, fantasy).

C) Turnaround Time

• Rush jobs cost more. Expect to pay 25%–50% more for tight deadlines.

D) Experience and Reputation of the Editor

• Newer editors charge less but may lack advanced insight.

• Editors with strong portfolios or publishing house experience charge premium rates.

E) Geographic Region

• Editors in North America, the UK, or Australia tend to be more expensive than those in developing countries.

• You can still find high-quality international editors at lower rates—but do your due diligence.

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4. Where to Find Editors and What They Charge

Professional Freelance Editors

• Reedsy: Vetted professionals with experience at major publishers. Premium pricing.

• Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): Includes rate charts and contact options.

• ACES (American Copy Editors Society): Directory of editors for various needs.

Freelancing Platforms (Low to Mid Budget)

• Upwork: Wide range of freelancers. Vet carefully.

• Fiverr: Budget-friendly, but vet samples and reviews.

• PeoplePerHour or Freelancer.com: Similar to Upwork.

Always request a sample edit or check portfolio before hiring.

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5. Can I Save Money on Editing?

Yes, if you're on a tight budget, there are several strategies to reduce your costs without sacrificing quality:

A) Use Beta Readers First

• Beta readers aren’t editors, but they can catch story inconsistencies, plot issues, and confusing elements before professional editing.

B) Self-Edit Extensively

• Use tools like:

  • Grammarly (for grammar and readability)

  • ProWritingAid (for structure, pacing, and consistency)

  • Hemingway App (for clarity and sentence simplicity)

• The cleaner your manuscript, the less time (and money) an editor will need.

C) Hire Per Chapter or in Batches

• Some editors allow pay-as-you-go services, especially for serial fiction or large nonfiction manuscripts.

D) Combine Services

• Some editors offer package deals (e.g., copyedit + proofread at a discount).

• Discuss this upfront before signing a contract.

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6. Is Expensive Editing Always Better?

Not necessarily. Price should reflect:

• The depth of service

• The editor’s experience

• Your genre or content complexity

An editor charging $3,000 may be overkill for a simple novella—but perfect for a dense, literary memoir. What matters most is finding an editor whose skill, communication style, and knowledge fit your needs.

Always ask for:

• A quote breakdown

• A sample edit

• Estimated timeline

• Client testimonials

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7. How to Budget for Editing

When budgeting for editing:

• Allocate 20–30% of your publishing budget to editing.

• Consider editing an investment—better reviews, increased sales, and reader trust.

• Save by preparing early, choosing the right type of edit, and researching your options.

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8. Sample Real-Life Budget (Self-Published Fiction Author)

Stage	Service	Cost (USD)
Developmental Editing	Full manuscript	$2,500
Line + Copyediting Bundle	Combined package	$1,800
Proofreading	Final check	$600
Total Editing Budget		$4,900

This is on the high end. Many authors operate on $1,000–$2,000 total by choosing only one or two types of editing or hiring more budget-friendly editors.

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Conclusion

Editing is a crucial part of publishing, and while it can be a significant expense, it's also one of the best investments you can make as an author. Costs vary widely, but most authors should expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $3,000, depending on manuscript length, editing type, and editor qualifications.

If you want your book to compete in the marketplace—especially on platforms like Amazon KDP or with traditional readers—you need an editor. Whether you’re polishing a novel, memoir, or self-help guide, professional editing elevates your work, improves reader satisfaction, and lays the groundwork for long-term success.

Invest wisely—and edit thoroughly. Your readers (and future self) will thank you.