Freelance Editing Rates

Freelance editing rates vary greatly. Some editors charge by the page, others by the hour. It’s important to know what you’re paying for before you sign on the dotted line. The cost of editing depends on the type of work you’re doing, and the length of time it’ll take.

To get an idea of what you’re actually paying for, you can do a quick search on Google for freelance editing rates in your area. You can also check out editor’s websites, or ask a colleague or two for a price estimate.

Aside from the actual rate, you need to consider the perks of being a freelancer. For instance, you can have your own schedule, and you can take on a wider variety of jobs. Also, it’s not unusual for an editor to be booked solid. If you have a client who’s desperate for some help, you may not have the luxury of saying no.

The best way to get a good idea of what your editing rates will be is to have an open mind. The rates of many of your peers are probably similar, and you might find an experienced editor whose rates you can’t resist. As a rule, you should never give your rates out before you’ve seen the work.

The average rate for copywriting or proofreading varies considerably, but it can range from $61 to 70 per hour. When considering what you’re able to get for that fee, be sure to factor in the cost of your own living and other expenses. Whether you have an hourly or per-project rate, you’ll need to have a ballpark estimate of how long a particular job will take.

What Impacts Freelance Editing Rates?

Another consideration is whether you can find a client who will be willing to pay a premium for a jump on the queue. In some cases, a lower rate will suffice, but a premium isn’t a bad thing. This is especially true if you’re working with a new client who’s looking to impress.

If you’re going to be writing about something you know well, you may want to charge a bit more than a beginner. But if you’re going to be doing something more complex, like copyediting, you’ll likely have to do more work.

The average freelance editor rate isn’t particularly difficult to figure out. Take into account the type of work you’ll be doing, the length of the job, and your experience level. These are factors that will have a huge impact on the amount you’ll be paid. Using a spreadsheet with pre-calculated per-word and per-page rates can help you decide.

The best way to determine your editing rates is to look at what you’re offering and what your clients want. There’s no better way to prove you’re a serious player than to offer the best possible service. That’s why you should ask a few questions and learn as much as you can before committing to a particular rate.

The right rate can make you a tad richer, and allow you to spend more of your time on other important matters.

What are typical rates for freelance editing?  

Freelance editors are skilled in reviewing manuscripts, web content, and academic work. Many editors are experts in one or more editing style guides, such as Chicago, Modern Language Association (MLA), Associated Press (AP), Chicago, and others. Some editors work entirely online while others meet with clients to start projects. People who self-publish a book or complete a dissertation can use editors to help them ensure their copy is professional and effective.

Editors are available to assist in many stages of writing. Substantive–or developmental–editing focuses on the structure of an entire project to ensure cohesion and organization throughout. Copy editing is essential for ensuring consistency in style, grammar, spelling accuracy, correct language usage, clarity, as well as grammar. The cost of professional editing services can be affected by several factors.