Editing Fees
Coaching and editing packages are tailored to suit the requirements of each project. A 300 page document (75,000 words) can average anywhere from $1,000 on up, depending on the type and combination of editing needed. For example, Content and Developmental Editing requires substantive revising of a manuscript and is more time consuming than copy editing which deals with mechanics of spelling, grammar and punctuation.
The following are standard editorial industries fees. However, my fees are negotiated closely with clients according to their needs and expectations.
Depending on the scope of the project, type of editing, number of pages, and number of words, my charges are as follows:
Per page: $7 to $10/page
Per word: 0.0125¢ to 0.05/words
These fees include phone communications as needed to clarify editorial comments and track changes.
On book-length projects, I prefer to charge by the word. For both client and editor, this approach makes it easier to track dollars charged to actual job content. Following are standard cents per word charges for specific editing jobs totaling 75,000, plus 10% administrative and contingency costs (phone meetings, light research, additional manuscript evaluations,etc):
Editorial Assessment (a first overview of the manuscript):
0.015¢/word Example: 75,000 words = $1,125 + $113 (10% admin) = $1,238 total
Content/Developmental/Substantive Editing (evaluates form, content, and clarity):
0.03¢/word Example: 75,000 words = $2,250 + $225 (10% admin) = $2,475 total
Copy/Line Editing (focuses on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and stylistic consistency):
0.02¢/word Example: 75,000 words = $1,500 + $150 (10% admin) = $1650 total
Proofreading (final reading of an already copyedited manuscript):
0.0125¢/word Example: 75,000 words = $938 = $94 (10% admin) = $1031 total
In many cases, an editing project will include some or all the steps above, in which case the total fee will be combined and averaged out. For example, a full-on editing job for a 75,000 words manuscript = $1,599 (the above four totals added and divide by 4) + $160 (10% admin) = $1,758 total.
The following are standard editorial industries fees. However, my fees are negotiated closely with clients according to their needs and expectations.
Depending on the scope of the project, type of editing, number of pages, and number of words, my charges are as follows:
Per page: $7 to $10/page
Per word: 0.0125¢ to 0.05/words
These fees include phone communications as needed to clarify editorial comments and track changes.
On book-length projects, I prefer to charge by the word. For both client and editor, this approach makes it easier to track dollars charged to actual job content. Following are standard cents per word charges for specific editing jobs totaling 75,000, plus 10% administrative and contingency costs (phone meetings, light research, additional manuscript evaluations,etc):
Editorial Assessment (a first overview of the manuscript):
0.015¢/word Example: 75,000 words = $1,125 + $113 (10% admin) = $1,238 total
Content/Developmental/Substantive Editing (evaluates form, content, and clarity):
0.03¢/word Example: 75,000 words = $2,250 + $225 (10% admin) = $2,475 total
Copy/Line Editing (focuses on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and stylistic consistency):
0.02¢/word Example: 75,000 words = $1,500 + $150 (10% admin) = $1650 total
Proofreading (final reading of an already copyedited manuscript):
0.0125¢/word Example: 75,000 words = $938 = $94 (10% admin) = $1031 total
In many cases, an editing project will include some or all the steps above, in which case the total fee will be combined and averaged out. For example, a full-on editing job for a 75,000 words manuscript = $1,599 (the above four totals added and divide by 4) + $160 (10% admin) = $1,758 total.
Writing Coaching and Editing Retainer Fee: $800 per Month
For long-term projects in which client and editor work together on writing and editing projects lasting more than 3 months, the monthly retainer fee is $800. There is an average of 20 working days per month, so at this rate the client is only paying $40 per working day (instead of $40 per hour). The advantage of an editing and coaching retainer fee for both client and editor is that it encourages a more flexible pace for writing and editing, as the editor is essentially on “stand-by” to serve the client as needed. Some weeks/months will be more intense than others.
The $800 fee includes:
The $800 fee includes:
- Unlimited monthly submissions of drafts per project for all levels of editing (developmental, content, line, copyediting, proofreading).
- Coaching/dialogue via phone or video conferencing on an as-needed-basis. Coaching involves discussing and developing ideas, planning the overall structure of the project, fleshing out the topic in logical steps, creating outlines, setting goals, clarifying the editor's changes, and discussing editorial comments. Coaching also involves help with mental blocks and dry spells, and taming gremlins hellbent on sabotaging your writing.
Students struggling to make ends meet get generous discounts.
To get a project quote please send an initial email to cris10a@cristinaolsen.com and then we will set up a phone meeting.