How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Book Editor? What you need to know.
Hiring a book editor costs time, financial investment, and a good dose of humility. If you approach your book wondering, how much does it cost to hire a book editor, you may want to reconsider the question. Rather than ask how much does it cost to hire a book editor, ask how much does it cost in my storytelling not to? Finding a great editor plays a big role in the success of your book, particularly for debut authors who are new to writing rules and plot structure.
In this article, I answer the following:
What is the average cost to edit a book?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 for a professional edit. The price point largely depends on the type of editing you choose, as well as the editor. Experienced editors charge more than new editors. Be sure to discuss the different editing types with your book editor before choosing one.
How much you pay a book editor depends in part on the type or types of editing you need:
Developmental editing
Line edits
Copy editing
A developmental editor’s editing costs are typically much higher than those of a copy editor. A developmental editor focuses on the big picture, while all subsequent edits dive into the finer details.
While an editor’s price points may vary some depending on their location, you can expect the same relative average whether your editor resides in New York City or a small town. But with that said, exactly how much should you expect to pay?
How much should I pay to have my book edited?
How much you pay depends on a variety of factors such as: the shape your manuscript is in when you send it to the editor, the type of edit you request, your turnaround time, and the experience of the editor. Like most services, authors usually get what they pay for. How much does it cost to hire a book editor? Well, it’s important to note that if you choose to traditionally publish, your publisher will hire an editor for you.
That said, for the sake of this article, I assume you fall into one of two camps:
You plan to self-publish and are looking for professional editor
You plan to traditionally publish but want to work with a developmental editor to enhance your story before you begin querying
I find it helpful to pay/charge based on word count rather than an hourly rate. This ensures that both parties understand exactly how much they need to invest/will receive in the edit. Consider the following table for reference. For example, I use a 70 thousand word manuscript.
(If you write adult fiction, yours could easily extend by 20 to 30 thousand words. Nonfiction often falls into the 55 thousand word ranger. While these word counts are overly generalized, they can act as a frame of reference.)
Simply put your own word count into the below equation:
Developmental editors focus on how to write compelling characters and plots. Some editors charge an extra fee if you desire specific formatting. It’s nearly impossible to determine exact rates without knowing word count and the shape of your manuscript, but this is a good reference point.
Is it worth it to hire an editor?
Yes, it is worth it to hire a book editor because of the expertise they bring to your pages. However, after you discover the answer to how much does it cost to hire a book editor, you may feel a bit overwhelmed at editor costs.
Before entirely passing on edits, reconsider the following question: in the long run, how much does it cost you in storytelling not to hire a professional editor?
Editors help you by:
Providing a new, outside perspective on your manuscript
Finding inconsistencies that would undermine your credibility
Discovering typos you and your beta readers missed
Fixing plot holes and issues with character arcs
Giving professional feedback and guidance
Sharing helpful writing tips
Whether you choose traditional or self-publishing, finding the right editor is vital for the good of your story and your writing career.
Should I pay for a book editor?
For self-publishing, yes, you should pay a book editor.
A brief reminder: if you choose to publish traditionally, your publisher will pay your editor on your behalf. If this is the case, you should only only pay an editor if you desire professional help making developmental edits. Please note that when you shop your manuscript to a traditional publisher and they offer you a contract, they expect your personal level of writing to equal the writing they see.
If you hired an editor and they did more than a developmental edit (feedback on your overall structure), you will want to clarify this to your publisher. Simply be upfront with any work that is not your own.
Paying a book editor is a vital step in your self-publishing process. Just because you choose to act as your own publisher does not mean you should skimp on the editing process. Writers who choose to self-publish still must go through the steps necessary to get their books up to industry standard.
One caveat are short stories. This type of writing teaches a plethora of writing lessons. If you choose to publish a collection of short stories, you will want to find an appropriate editor for your project.
How much does it cost to hire a book editor? Questions to answer.
When authors approach me and ask for my fees, I need a few questions answered before I can provide a concrete answer. Here are four details to send when asking an editor to provide their services.
1. Word count
Word count, not page count, helps editors determine the scope of your project. When writing your email, include how many words your final draft is, or your projected word count if you are still drafting.
2. Type of edit
If you don’t know exactly what type of edit you need, don’t worry! Simply provide a sentence or two explaining the current status of your manuscript. For instance, “I finished my draft and could benefit from help developing my plot.”
Depending on how much work you already put in, you could say, “I’ve edited my draft seven times and it’s already been through one edit. I need help polishing it before I publish.”
3. Turnaround time
When do you need your final edit? Many editors are booked out weeks or months in advance. If you ask an editor to work on your manuscript and have it back to you in two weeks, you will likely receive a no or an up-charge for the fast turnaround time. At times, editors can work with you and provide a fast edit. Just realize that asking for a speedy turnaround time will have a more pricey answer.
A good rule of thumb is to reach out to editors before you need to hire them. This helps ensure both your schedules align.
4. Writing sample
Once an editor expresses interest in working with you, they will likely request a writing sample. This helps the editor see if you require the type of edit you think you do, as well as provide you with an estimate for how long your edit will take.
You may think your manuscript is in great condition, but the editor can quickly spot issues you are blind to simply from working so closely with it for so long. When an editor looks at your sample writing they also get an idea for your writing voice, or tone. This helps them determine if they are the best editor to work on your project.
Find your editor today
Now that you know what to expect and have some context surrounding the question of editor costs, it’s time to take your next step.
Just as you want the right fit for a coaching experience, the same is true for editing. When you decide to look for an editor you want to know a little about the person you choose to work with. The question, how much does it cost to hire a book editor, also includes the cost of time.
Reach out to a few editors and ask what projects they’ve worked on. You may want to request testimonials or look up the authors they work with to see if your genres align. While editors wear many hats, some have a preference for specific genres and do their best work within that genre.
You took the time to answer, how much does it cost to hire a book editor? Now it’s time to do the research in finding one. In the long run, it’s much better to put the time in upfront than wish you had later.
Are you wondering how to not fail in your first editing experience? Just focus on doing your research! Don’t worry. If you are determined to succeed, you’re bound to do the work you need to. It’s time to take charge of your creative passion and find that editor!
