So, you're wondering, how much does a book editor cost? It’s one of the first and most important questions an author asks. For a typical novel-length book, you can expect the price to land somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000. Of course, that’s just a ballpark.
The final cost really depends on your book's length and the kind of editing it needs. Think of it like hiring a skilled craftsperson—the price reflects their expertise and the complexity of the job.
Your Quick Guide to Book Editing Costs
Trying to figure out editing costs can feel a bit like navigating a maze. But it all comes down to a simple idea: you're investing in an expert's time and talent to elevate your manuscript. The price tag isn't just a random number; it represents the immense value a professional brings to your project. They’ll spot the plot holes, fix the clunky sentences, and polish your prose in ways you never could alone.
This guide is designed to give you a clear, no-nonsense baseline. Just as you wouldn't set off on a cross-country trip without a map, you shouldn't start hunting for an editor without a basic grasp of the costs involved.
A First Look at the Numbers
Let's start with some industry data. On average, hiring a professional editor for an 80,000-word book—a pretty standard length for a novel—can range from $2,000 to $4,720.
This price shifts quite a bit depending on the service. For instance, copy editors might charge around $0.019 per word, while proofreaders, who come in at the final stage, often charge less, around $0.012 per word. For a deeper dive into these numbers, the cost breakdowns on Reedsy's blog are a great resource.
To make this more tangible, let's look at what you might expect to pay for that 80,000-word manuscript.
Keep in mind: These are just industry averages. The final quote you get will be shaped by the editor's experience, your book's genre, and how quickly you need the work done.
Estimated Editing Costs for an 80,000-Word Book
Here’s a simplified table to give you a clearer picture of potential costs based on the type of editing you need.
| Editing Service Type | Average Per-Word Rate | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental Editing | $0.035 – $0.06 | $2,800 – $4,800 |
| Line Editing | $0.025 – $0.04 | $2,000 – $3,200 |
| Copyediting | $0.018 – $0.025 | $1,440 – $2,000 |
| Proofreading | $0.012 – $0.018 | $960 – $1,440 |
As you can see, the more intensive the edit, the higher the investment. Developmental editing tackles the big-picture story elements, while proofreading is the final polish before you hit "publish."
Decoding the Four Main Types of Editing
Before you can figure out how much a book editor costs, you have to know what you’re actually paying for. Editing isn't a one-size-fits-all service. It’s a lot like building a house—different stages call for different specialists to make sure the final product is solid, functional, and looks great.
Asking an editor for a quote without specifying the type of editing needed is like asking a builder for a single price to "build a house." They’ll immediately have questions. Do you need an architect for the blueprints? An interior designer for the finishes? Or just a final inspector to sign off on the work? Each role is critical, and so is each type of editing.
This infographic lays out the key factors that go into an editing quote, with the type of edit being one of the biggest drivers of the final price.
As you can see, the kind of edit you need, your book's word count, and the editor's experience all come together to determine the final cost.
Developmental Editing: The Architect
Think of developmental editing as the architectural phase for your book. This is the most in-depth, big-picture work, and for that reason, it's also the most expensive. Your developmental editor is focused on the very foundation and framework of your manuscript.
They aren't nitpicking commas or rephrasing sentences just yet. Instead, their attention is on the core elements that make a story hold together.
- Plot and Pacing: Is the story engaging from start to finish? Are there slow spots that drag or a rushed ending that feels unsatisfying?
- Character Arc: Do your characters feel real? Do they change and evolve in a way that makes sense?
- Structure and Organization: Is the narrative built for maximum impact? For a non-fiction book, is the argument logical and easy to follow?
- Theme and Voice: Is your core message coming through loud and clear? Does the author's voice feel consistent?
This is where the heavy lifting happens. A developmental editor might suggest cutting a character, combining chapters, or completely reimagining the ending. To get a better handle on this foundational process, our guide on what is developmental editing dives much deeper.
Line Editing: The Interior Designer
If developmental editing builds the house, line editing handles the interior design. Your line editor steps in to make every single sentence beautiful and purposeful. They work line-by-line to make your unique voice shine and ensure the prose flows effortlessly.
They’re not just hunting for mistakes; they're actively looking for ways to elevate your writing from good to unforgettable.
A line editor's goal is to make your writing more powerful, not just correct. They focus on the art of the sentence, ensuring each one serves the story and engages the reader on an emotional level.
Their work involves refining details like:
- Clarity and Flow: Smoothing out clunky sentences so the prose is a pleasure to read.
- Tone and Mood: Making sure the language perfectly captures the intended atmosphere.
- Word Choice: Swapping out weak or overused words for ones with more punch and precision.
- Dialogue: Tweaking conversations until they sound authentic and distinct for each character.
This is the perfect next step for an author who knows their story is solid but wants the writing itself to truly sing.
Copyediting: The Electrician and Plumber
With the architecture and interior design locked in, it’s time for the technical specialists. Copyediting is like calling in the electrician and plumber. A copyeditor's job is to make sure all the technical, rules-based systems in your manuscript are working perfectly and are up to code.
They go through your manuscript with a fine-toothed comb, applying industry standards like the Chicago Manual of Style to ensure everything is correct and consistent.
A copyeditor is on the lookout for:
- Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation: Fixing any and all objective errors.
- Consistency: Catching inconsistencies in character names, timelines, or even how you hyphenate words.
- Syntax: Correcting tangled sentences and misplaced modifiers.
- Formatting: Ensuring headings, paragraph breaks, and lists are all uniform.
Copyediting is a non-negotiable step for any author aiming to publish a professional-quality book. It polishes away all the distracting errors so readers can get lost in the story.
Proofreading: The Final Inspection
Finally, we have proofreading. This is the last walkthrough before you open the doors to readers. The proofreader is your final inspector, clipboard in hand, looking for any tiny, last-minute cosmetic issues that might have been missed.
This is the lightest and usually the most affordable type of editing. It always happens after the book has been designed and typeset into its final format. A proofreader isn't re-reading for plot or style—their only job is to catch any sneaky typos, formatting glitches, or punctuation errors that slipped through the cracks or were created during layout.
They are your last line of defense against those small but embarrassing mistakes.
What Really Drives an Editor's Final Quote
So you've gotten a couple of quotes to edit your manuscript. One came in at $1,000, and the other was a staggering $5,000. That huge gap can feel bewildering, but it’s rarely random. Several key factors work together to build an editor's final price, and getting a handle on them is the first step toward making a smart investment in your book.
Think of it like hiring a contractor for a kitchen remodel. The total cost isn't just one number plucked from thin air. It’s a careful calculation based on the room's size, the quality of materials, the contractor's reputation, and how fast you need the job done. The same logic applies to figuring out book editing costs.
Each of these variables can push the price up or down, turning a seemingly simple service into a highly customized quote. Let's pull back the curtain on the most important ones.
The Undeniable Impact of Word Count
First things first: word count is the single biggest driver of editing costs. Almost every editor on the planet uses your manuscript’s length as the foundation for their pricing. It’s a simple reality that a 40,000-word novella will cost significantly less to edit than a sprawling 120,000-word epic fantasy.
It all comes down to time and effort. Editing is painstaking work, and every single page demands intense concentration. The more words you have, the more hours an editor has to pour into your project, and that time is what you’re paying for.
This is exactly why an editor’s first question is almost always, "What's your word count?" It gives them an instant snapshot of the project's scale and lets them give you a realistic ballpark estimate right from the start.
Manuscript Complexity and Genre
Here’s a crucial detail: not all words are created equal. Editing a breezy, contemporary romance with straightforward language is a completely different ballgame than tackling a dense historical fiction novel filled with period-specific details and complex sentence structures. The complexity of your writing and your chosen genre play a massive role in the final quote.
Here are a few things that can dial up the complexity—and the cost:
- Technical or Specialized Content: Books that need a lot of fact-checking, like historical non-fiction or a hard sci-fi novel with intricate world-building, require extra research and time from the editor.
- Dense or Academic Prose: If your writing style is more academic or stylistically complex, it simply takes an editor longer to navigate each sentence to ensure it’s clear and effective.
- Significant Structural Issues: A manuscript that needs a major developmental overhaul—reworking the plot, shoring up character arcs, or fixing pacing—will cost more than one that's already in good structural shape.
An editor isn't just correcting grammar; they are immersing themselves in your world. The more complex that world is, the more intensive—and therefore more expensive—the editing process becomes.
For a deeper dive into how different services set their prices, exploring resources on understanding various pricing structures can provide some great context. Just remember, editing is only one piece of the financial puzzle. For a complete budget breakdown, our guide to self-publishing prices can help you plan for the whole journey.
https://barkerbooks.com/your-guide-to-self-publishing-prices/
The Editor's Experience and Background
An editor’s skill and reputation are huge factors in what they charge. Just like in any other profession, true expertise comes at a premium. An editor with a decade of experience and a portfolio packed with bestselling books is going to charge more than someone just starting their freelance career.
You can generally group editors into a few tiers:
- New Freelancers: They're often building their client list and portfolio, so their rates are usually on the lower end.
- Established Professionals: These editors have a proven track record and solid testimonials. They command standard, mid-range industry rates.
- Elite Editors: Many of these pros have a background at a "Big 5" publisher (like Penguin Random House or Simon & Schuster). They often specialize in specific, high-demand genres and charge top-tier rates for their expertise.
Ultimately, you’re paying for their finely-honed skills, deep knowledge of the market, and their trained eye for seeing exactly what your manuscript needs to shine.
Urgency and Turnaround Time
Finally, your deadline has a direct impact on the price. Do you need your manuscript back in two weeks, or are you okay with a two-month turnaround? Most editors build a standard timeframe into their regular rates, but if you need it done yesterday, expect to pay for it.
Rush jobs almost always come with a premium fee, often adding 25-50% or more to the total cost.
When you request a tight turnaround, you’re asking the editor to reshuffle their entire schedule, put other projects on hold, and work late nights and weekends to meet your deadline. That rush fee compensates them for the disruption and the intense focus needed to deliver quality work under pressure. If you're on a tight budget, planning ahead is one of the easiest ways to keep your editing costs down.
Comparing How Editors Charge for Their Work
When you start looking for a book editor, you'll quickly realize that the final cost isn't just a single number—it’s the result of how an editor calculates their fee. Most professional editors use one of three main pricing models, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons for you, the author.
Think of it like hiring a contractor to paint your house. They could charge you by the square foot (per-word), by the hour (per-hour), or give you a single, flat fee for the whole job (per-project). The best choice depends on the size of the house and the complexity of the work.
Getting a handle on these different models is key. It means you can compare quotes intelligently, plan your budget without nasty surprises, and find an editor whose approach fits your manuscript's unique needs.
The Per-Word Rate
Charging per-word is the bread and butter of the editing world, especially for services like copyediting and proofreading where the workload is closely tied to the length of the manuscript. The editor sets a price for each word, maybe something like $0.02 per word.
The beauty of this model is its simplicity. If your book is 80,000 words long and the editor's rate is $0.02, you know the final cost will be exactly $1,600. No guesswork, no surprises. You can lock in your budget before the work even starts.
Why is per-word so common? It creates a level playing field, making it easy for authors to compare quotes from different editors. It focuses the cost directly on the volume of text, which feels fair to everyone involved.
This transparency provides peace of mind. You know what you're paying for, and the editor is compensated fairly for the exact amount of work they're taking on.
The Per-Hour Rate
An hourly rate comes into play when the time an editor needs to spend isn't easily predicted by word count. This is a go-to model for developmental editing, where an editor might spend hours wrestling with plot holes or untangling character motivations—work that goes far beyond simply correcting words on a page.
A seasoned developmental editor might charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour, sometimes more. The total bill depends on how long it takes them to read your manuscript, make detailed notes, and write up a comprehensive editorial letter.
The main drawback here is the potential for an unpredictable final cost. If your manuscript has deeper issues than either of you initially thought, the hours can add up quickly.
- Best For: Developmental editing, book coaching, or manuscripts with known structural and narrative challenges.
- Key Consideration: To avoid budget blowouts, always ask for a detailed estimate of the hours required and see if the editor will agree to a "not-to-exceed" cap.
The Per-Project Rate
A per-project rate, or a flat fee, is exactly what it sounds like: one single price for the entire job. To arrive at this number, an editor will evaluate your manuscript's length, complexity, and the specific type of editing you need, then quote you an all-inclusive price.
This model offers the best of both worlds—the budget certainty of a per-word rate and the flexibility to account for the unique demands of a manuscript. For example, an editor might quote a flat $3,500 for a complete developmental edit of a 90,000-word novel that needs a lot of plot restructuring.
Average flat-rate fees give you a good ballpark: line editors can range from $600 to $2,000 for a typical book, copy editors often fall between $300 and $1,200, and proofreaders might charge from $200 to $1,000. To get a better handle on what goes into these numbers, you can discover more insights about book editing costs and how they translate to value for your book.
To make it even clearer, let's break down how these three models stack up against each other. Each has its place, and the right one for you depends entirely on your project and your budget.
Comparing Editor Pricing Models
| Pricing Model | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-Word | Copyediting, proofreading, and manuscripts of standard quality. | Highly predictable costs. Easy to compare quotes between editors. | Doesn't account for manuscripts that need unusually light or heavy work. |
| Per-Hour | Developmental editing, book coaching, and complex manuscripts. | Fairly compensates the editor for time spent on deep, structural work. | Can be unpredictable for the author's budget without a clear estimate or cap. |
| Per-Project | Any type of editing, especially for authors who want a single, fixed cost. | No surprises—the price is set upfront. The editor assumes the risk of the project taking longer. | The editor may build in a buffer, so it might be slightly higher than other models. |
Ultimately, there's no single "best" model. The most important thing is to find an experienced editor who is transparent about their pricing and can clearly explain why they charge the way they do.
How to Get the Best Value from Your Editor
Knowing how much a book editor costs is one thing, but getting the best possible return on that investment? That’s what really matters. It's not about finding the cheapest rate. It’s about finding the right professional partner who can take your manuscript to the next level and set it up for success.
Think of it like hiring a specialist. You wouldn't look for the cheapest surgeon or the least expensive architect for a critical project. You’d look for skill, experience, and a proven track record. The same mindset applies here. A quality edit is a foundational investment in your book's future.
Prepare Your Manuscript First
Before you even think about sending out quote requests, do a thorough self-edit. Honestly, a cleaner, more polished draft often leads to a lower quote because it simply requires less work from the editor. Run spell-check, of course, but also try reading it aloud. You’ll be surprised how many awkward phrases you catch.
Taking the time to understand the fundamental principles of effective writing can also make a huge difference. A strong starting point lets your editor dive into high-level improvements instead of spending their time fixing basic mistakes.
Always Request a Sample Edit
This is the single most important step you can take. A sample edit is your "test drive." Most professional editors will edit a small piece of your manuscript—usually 1,000 to 1,500 words—for free or a small fee that gets deducted from the final project cost.
This little sample does two crucial things:
- It shows you their work: You get to see their editing style, the kinds of changes they suggest, and the quality of their feedback firsthand.
- It helps them quote accurately: By actually working on your writing, the editor gets a feel for its complexity and can give you a much more precise and fair quote.
Never, ever skip this step. A great sample edit is the best predictor of a successful author-editor relationship. If you're ready to start looking, our guide on how to find a book editor walks you through finding top-notch talent.
Questions to Ask a Potential Editor
Once you have a few sample edits back, it’s time to dig a little deeper. A true professional will welcome your questions and be completely transparent about their process.
Treat this like an interview. You are hiring a key member of your publishing team, and clarity on both sides is essential for a smooth collaboration.
Here’s a checklist of questions you should absolutely ask:
- What's your experience in my specific genre?
- Can you walk me through your editing process from start to finish?
- What’s the expected turnaround time for a manuscript my size?
- What exactly does your fee include (e.g., an editorial letter, style sheet, follow-up calls)?
- Could you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
For intensive work like developmental editing, the investment can be substantial. For an 80,000-word novel, you might see costs ranging from $2,190 to $4,000, which reflects the deep structural work involved. Asking the right questions upfront is critical to making sure you feel confident and informed about your decision.
Here’s the rewritten section, designed to sound like an experienced human expert:
Think of Editing as an Investment, Not an Expense
So, we've walked through all the numbers, the different types of editing, and what goes into a final quote. It’s easy to look at the total and see it as just another cost. But that’s the wrong way to look at it.
Hiring a professional editor isn't just about spending money; it's a direct investment in your book's future. It's you, the author, making a powerful statement that you believe in your work enough to give it the professional polish it deserves. You’re not just buying a service; you’re entering a partnership to make your manuscript shine.
What's the Real Payoff?
Let's be clear: a good editor does so much more than hunt for typos and fix misplaced commas. They are your first true reader, the objective eye that sees the story from the outside. They’ll tell you when a character’s motivation feels off, when the pacing drags, or when a chapter just isn't landing right.
This collaboration is what separates a decent book from a truly unforgettable one. A professionally edited manuscript leads to tangible results that can define your author career.
- Better Reader Reviews: A smooth, error-free reading experience keeps readers immersed in the story. Happy readers leave glowing reviews.
- Stronger Author Credibility: From the first page, readers, agents, and publishers will see that you're a professional who respects their time and the craft of writing.
- A More Marketable Book: A polished book stands out. It's easier to pitch, easier to sell, and more likely to get noticed in a sea of new releases.
Think of it this way: you spent months, maybe even years, building a house. The editor is the master craftsperson who comes in to do the fine finishing—sanding the floors, painting the walls, and making sure everything is perfect before you invite guests inside.
Taking the Next Step With Confidence
Now you have a solid map for the journey ahead. You know the difference between a developmental edit and a proofread, you understand why one quote might be higher than another, and you know what to look for in an editor.
The goal isn't just to find any editor; it's to find the right one for your book's specific needs at this specific stage. Whether your story needs major structural work or just a final, meticulous polish, you're now ready to make a smart choice. Go find that perfect editorial partner and give your manuscript the professional attention it needs to captivate readers.
Your Top Questions About Editing Costs, Answered
Okay, so we've gone through the different types of editing and how much they might cost. But you probably still have a few lingering questions rolling around in your head. That's completely normal.
Let's dig into some of the nitty-gritty details that authors always ask about before they're ready to sign on the dotted line. Getting these things clear is crucial for a great working relationship with your editor.
Do I Really Need to Hire a Professional Editor?
In a word: yes. I know it's tempting to rely on a well-read friend or your writers' group, and their feedback is definitely valuable. But they simply can't replace a professional who has spent years honing their craft. A pro editor brings a trained, objective eye to your manuscript and can spot weaknesses you’re just too close to see.
If you’re planning to self-publish, this step is non-negotiable. A professional edit is what separates a book that looks "homemade" from one that can stand proudly next to traditionally published titles. It's the key to getting glowing reviews and building a reputation as an author who takes their work—and their readers—seriously.
Can I Get a Discount for Bundling Editing Services?
You bet. Most freelance editors and editing companies are more than willing to cut you a deal if you commit to more than one service. For example, if you book a developmental edit and then a copyedit with the same person, you could easily see a 10-15% discount on the total price.
Beyond saving money, this is just a smarter way to work. An editor who's already done a deep dive into your story's structure will have a massive head start when it comes to polishing your sentences later on. They'll know your characters, your voice, and your goals inside and out. Always ask about package deals when you're getting quotes!
Pro Tip: Think of bundling as building a partnership. When an editor is with you for the long haul, from big-picture feedback to comma placement, the final result is always more cohesive.
What Should a Professional Editor's Contract Include?
A solid contract is your best friend. It protects you, it protects the editor, and it makes sure everyone is on the same page. If an editor is hesitant to provide one, that's a major red flag.
Don't start any work without a signed agreement that clearly lays out:
- Scope of Work: What, exactly, are they doing? It should be specific, like "a single-pass copyedit focusing on grammar, spelling, and consistency."
- Total Cost and Payment Schedule: The full fee and the payment milestones (e.g., 50% to start, 50% upon delivery).
- Firm Delivery Date: The exact date you'll get your manuscript back. No vague timelines!
- Specific Deliverables: The list of what you'll receive at the end. This usually includes a tracked-changes version of your manuscript, a "clean" version with all changes accepted, a style sheet, and maybe an editorial letter.
Is a Sample Edit Necessary and Should I Pay for It?
A sample edit isn't just necessary—it's essential. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, right? This is the same idea. It's the single best way to see if you and an editor "click" and if their style matches what your book needs.
Most editors will offer a free sample of 1,000-2,000 words. Some highly in-demand editors might charge a small fee, but they usually apply that fee toward the total project cost if you hire them. Whatever you do, don't skip this step. It's your most powerful tool for finding the perfect editor for your book.
Ready to turn your manuscript into a professionally published book that can compete on a global stage? The team at BarkerBooks offers comprehensive editing, design, and distribution services to guide you every step of the way. Get your free publishing proposal today!