So, you’ve written a book. Congrats! Now comes the part every writer either dreads or eagerly anticipates editing. It’s the polish that turns rough drafts into masterpieces. But how much does it actually cost to get your book professionally edited?
Spoiler alert: it depends. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but don’t worry—we’re diving deep into every aspect of editing costs so you can plan your budget wisely.
Types of Book Editing
Before you think price, you need to know what kind of editing your book even needs.
Developmental Editing
This is the big-picture stage. A developmental editor looks at structure, plot holes, pacing, character arcs, and organization. It’s like having a story architect by your side.
Line Editing
Here, the editor refines your style, tone, and flow. They tweak your sentences for clarity and rhythm without messing with your story’s bones.
Copy Editing
Think grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax. Copy editing ensures everything is technically clean and consistent.
Proofreading
This is the final polish. After all other editing stages are complete, a proofreader checks for typos and minor errors before publishing.
Factors That Affect Book Editing Costs
Wondering why editor A charges $300 while editor B wants $3000? These are the reasons.
Type of Editing Required
Developmental editing takes more time and brainpower than proofreading, so it costs more.
Word Count and Manuscript Length
The longer your book, the more editing it needs—and the higher the bill.
Editor’s Experience and Reputation
A veteran editor with bestselling clients can command a much higher rate than someone just starting out.
Genre of the Book
Sci-fi, fantasy, and technical nonfiction often require editors familiar with genre conventions or specialized knowledge, which may increase rates.
Turnaround Time or Deadline
Need your edit in 5 days instead of 3 weeks? You’ll probably pay a rush fee.
Additional Services Offered
Some editors bundle in things like fact-checking, style guides, or formatting—great value, but also higher cost.
Average Cost of Book Editing
Now let’s get down to numbers. Here’s what you might expect to pay.
Per Word Rates
- Developmental editing: $0.07–$0.12 per word
- Line editing: $0.05–$0.08 per word
- Copy editing: $0.03–$0.05 per word
- Proofreading: $0.01–$0.03 per word
Per Page Rates
(Assuming 250 words per page)
- Developmental editing: $17–$30 per page
- Line editing: $12–$20 per page
- Copy editing: $8–$12 per page
- Proofreading: $3–$7 per page
Flat Fee Rates
For full manuscripts:
- Short books (under 50K words): $800–$2500
- Medium books (50K–80K words): $1500–$4000
- Long books (80K+ words): $3000–$7000+
Hourly Rates
- Junior editors: $25–$40/hour
- Experienced editors: $50–$100/hour
- Elite editors: $100–$200/hour
Cost Breakdown by Editing Type
Developmental Editing Cost
This is usually the most expensive, ranging from $0.07–$0.12 per word. Think of it as story surgery—deep and transformative.
Line Editing Cost
Often charged at $0.05–$0.08 per word. Great for authors who need help refining tone and clarity without changing plot.
Copy Editing Cost
Priced between $0.03–$0.05 per word. Ideal for cleaning up grammar and consistency.
Proofreading Cost
Typically $0.01–$0.03 per word. The least expensive, but still vital.
Freelance Editor vs Editing Company
Cost Comparison
Freelancers are often cheaper. Companies may charge more but offer structured timelines and teams.
Pros and Cons
Freelancer Pros:
- Personalized service
- Potentially cheaper
- Flexible
Freelancer Cons:
- Limited availability
- Quality can vary
Company Pros:
- Professional systems
- Multiple levels of service
Company Cons:
- More expensive
- Less personalized
How to Find a Good Editor Within Budget
Platforms to Search
- Reedsy
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- What types of editing do you specialize in?
- Can I see sample edits?
- What’s your turnaround time?
- Do you charge per word, hour, or page?
Sample Edits and Trials
Many editors offer free or paid sample edits. Take advantage of this to see if their style fits yours.
Can You Negotiate Editing Rates?
Yes, in many cases. Especially with freelancers, editors may offer discounts for new authors, multiple manuscripts, or flexible deadlines.
How to Budget for Editing in Your Publishing Plan
Set aside at least 10–20% of your total publishing budget for editing. It’s that important.
DIY Editing vs Professional Editing
Sure, software like Grammarly helps. But nothing replaces a trained human eye. You can self-edit to reduce costs but don’t skip the pro entirely.
Signs You’re Paying Too Much for an Editor
- No contract or timeline
- No credentials or portfolio
- Charging $5000+ for proofreading alone
- Poor communication
Tips to Save Money on Book Editing
- Use beta readers before hiring an editor
- Self-edit as much as possible first
- Hire for one round of editing instead of multiple
- Bundle editing services
Final Thoughts
Editing isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. But it doesn’t have to break the bank. Know what kind of editing you need, understand what affects cost, and shop smart. A good editor is worth every penny, but you can absolutely find one that fits your budget.
Conclusion
Whether you’re polishing your debut novel or tightening up your fifth nonfiction book, investing in editing can be the difference between “meh” and “wow.” Prices vary, but with some smart research and planning, you’ll find the right editor for the right price—and your book will thank you for it.
FAQs
How much should I pay a book editor?
It depends on the editing type. Expect anywhere from $0.01–$0.12 per word.
What if I can’t afford professional editing?
Use beta readers, writing groups, or editing software as a start. Some editors offer payment plans or budget packages.
Should I pay hourly or per word?
Per word or flat fees are more predictable. Hourly works best when you trust the editor and know how much time they’ll take.
Do I need all four types of editing?
Not always. It depends on your book’s condition. Many authors combine stages to cut costs.
Is self-editing ever a good idea?
Absolutely—but only as the first step. Even the best self-editors benefit from a pro’s perspective.