How much to charge for editing book?

Question

I am going to edit a book of 60,000 words, 209 pages, but I'm not sure how much to charge as the client said price is negotiable and this is my first editing job. I don't want to charge too much and ruin chances with future clients, but I don't want to do it for nothing either.

The job includes proof-reading, editing, and giving comments on character development and the overall structure of the novel.

Answer 1

Proofreading and editing are two different functions. First, you need to be clear what these functions are. Second, the client needs to be clear what these functions are.

Proofreading: checking for typos, spelling errors, and grammar issues. Generally, proofreaders charge $1-$3 per page.

Editing: reading critically for POV, plot, character development, mood, theme, consistency, etc. A line by line edit generally is anywhere from $3-$5 per page.

So first you need to determine if you feel you are fully qualified to perform this work. Only you can answer that. Some people are very good at proofreading. Some are very good at editing. Few are expert at BOTH. I'm a good editor, but I suck at proofreading. This is why I employ a proofreader for our titles.

In order to do both jobs adequately, you will have to read the book twice (minimum) as each time you will be looking for different things. The two jobs are mutually exclusive. You can't hunt typos at the same time you are trying to remember is Bob's eyes were green or blue in chapter two but are brown in chapter seven.

Answer 2

Right now I'm doing an editing job for someone in my family. I'm charging $10 an hour and it's about 150 pages. You could always take one of the quotes you found and only charge something like 80% of it.

Answer 3

Have you considered doing it on a per hour basis?

Maybe charge something like $15 -20.00 per hour and keep meticulous records of time spent.

Or maybe as little as $10.00 per hour.

Doc