Ballpark Estimate for Editing

akbowens · Nov 16, 2011

Based on a 100k word manuscript...

If I were to hire a developmental/substantive editor it looks like a ballpark figure of $1000. Proofreading looks like another $1000 roughly.

Is this close to correct?

Thanks

Susan Coffin · Nov 16, 2011

AK,

Welcome!

I have no idea of the costs, but what is your purpose in hiring Developmental and Proofreading editors? As writers, we are supposed to be able to both of those things prior to submissions to either agents or publishers. We learn how to develop our stories through vicarious reading and writing, and we learn to edit by editing. There are several good books out there that can help us through this process.

akbowens · Nov 16, 2011

Susan Littlefield said:
AK,

Welcome!

I have no idea of the costs, but what is your purpose in hiring Developmental and Proofreading editors? As writers, we are supposed to be able to both of those things prior to submissions to either agents or publishers. We learn how to develop our stories through vicarious reading and writing, and we learn to edit by editing. There are several good books out there that can help us through this process.

Please don't misunderstand me.

I plan on editing the best I can. I'm engaged in producing my first work of any length and most of this is pretty new to me. I have no idea if I will be working with a traditional agent and publisher, going indie, or scrapping the whole thing and moving on to something else. Right now I'm just gathering information. I have purchased a copy of Self Editing for Fiction Writers (useful I'm sure even though the new puppy chewed up the cover) as a start.

You make good points and I appreciate the feedback.

rainsmom · Nov 16, 2011

Your cost for substantive editing is way below what I've seen. The rates I've seen range between $3500 and $5000. I have no doubt that it could go even higher.

I have the same feedback as Susan though. Put this on the backburner and learn the craft through critiques, betas, and books. Way more valuable in the long run. The only time I'd consider using a pro editor is if you need a copy edit before self-publishing.

Susan Coffin · Nov 16, 2011

AK,

Self Editing for Fiction Writing is an excellent book. So....the dog chewed cover, huh? Sounds like he was helping you out and making it easier to get to the first page.

waylander · Nov 17, 2011

I paid £350 some years back for a very effective edit on a 105k manuscript from a top-class editor specialising in my genre. It would cost a bit more these days.
I would recommend that you exhaust all the free options before taking this path. It is only really worth it if your manuscript is already close to good enough.

akbowens · Nov 17, 2011

Susan Littlefield said:
AK,

Self Editing for Fiction Writing is an excellent book. So....the dog chewed cover, huh? Sounds like he was helping you out and making it easier to get to the first page.

LOL. Other than skimming through it, I've been trying to avoid reading SEfFW until I get my first draft done. I'm fighting the urge to edit as I go. Its a real struggle for me.

akbowens · Nov 17, 2011

waylander said:
I paid £350 some years back for a very effective edit on a 105k manuscript from a top-class editor specialising in my genre. It would cost a bit more these days.
I would recommend that you exhaust all the free options before taking this path. It is only really worth it if your manuscript is already close to good enough.

That is pretty much my thinking if I do get it professionally edited. Basically, I would consider it a paid for tutelage of sorts.

Are you a Gemmell fan?

Susan Coffin · Nov 17, 2011

Ak,

It's just important that you find a method that works for you. Some people edit as they go along, other just finish the manuscript and go back and edit. I edit as I go along and then do some big edits once done. There is no right or wrong way.

thothguard51 · Nov 17, 2011

akbowens said:
That is pretty much my thinking if I do get it professionally edited. Basically, I would consider it a paid for tutelage of sorts.

Are you a Gemmell fan?

Most editors I searched for about 5 years ago charged 3 to 5 cents a word, depending on the depth of the editing you request. That's 3-5 thousand dollars for a 100K novel and still no guarantee that a book will be pick up by a publisher.

If you want to use it as a form of one-on-one education, it could be money well spent, IF you understand why the editor you hire wants to make changes...

czig · Nov 17, 2011

If you're willing to work with a relatively new copy editor or proofreader, you can probably pay much less. I've been copy editing and proofing a quarterly magazine for 18 months for a laughable amount of pay, and will be taking on a book edit for far less than most would expect, all in the name of building up experience and reputation.

My clients are great people and I'm glad for the work (gotta pay the rent somehow), but right now I'm only making minimum wage. Maybe next year I can raise my rates.

Oh yeah... hire me. I'm cheap! But not for long.

waylander · Nov 18, 2011

akbowens said:
Are you a Gemmell fan?

Whatever gave you that idea ;-) ?

Ballpark Estimate for Editing

akbowens

Susan Coffin

Tell it like it Is

akbowens

rainsmom

Feeling like an old timer

Susan Coffin

Tell it like it Is

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

akbowens

akbowens

Susan Coffin

Tell it like it Is

thothguard51

A Gentleman of a refined age...

czig

Wait--did I just say that?

waylander

Who's going for a beer?