Book editing is usually priced per word, and typical freelance rates run from about 2 cents per word for proofreading to roughly 4 cents or more for developmental editing, with line editing higher still. For an 80,000-word novel, that means a few hundred dollars for a light pass and several thousand dollars for a full sequence of developmental editing, copy editing and proofreading. The exact figure depends on the editor, your genre and the condition of your draft.
This guide explains how editors price, shows worked examples for three manuscript lengths and tells you how to avoid paying twice for the same work. If you want a fixed price for your own manuscript, you can request a free quote for our book editing services. For the wider picture, see how much it costs to self-publish a book.
Key takeaways
- Most editors charge by the word, and the rate rises with the depth of the edit
- Reedsy’s 2025 marketplace averages are about 2.0 cents for proofreading, 2.7 for copy editing and 3.6 for developmental editing
- Line editing usually costs more than copy editing, and rates vary widely by editor and genre
- Edit in the right order, so you pay for each kind of work once
- A fixed written quote with a clear scope protects you from surprises
In this article
- How do book editors charge?
- What do typical rates look like for different lengths?
- What makes editing cost more or less?
- In what order should I edit my book?
- How can I keep editing costs sensible?
- What should an editing quote include?
- How do we price editing at The Author Publishing?
- Frequently asked questions
- Services that can help
How do book editors charge?
Most editors charge per word, because it scales fairly with the size of the manuscript. Some quote per page, usually based on 250 words a page, and Reedsy reports per-page rates of roughly $5 to $10. Hourly rates also exist, and the Editorial Freelancers Association, whose rate pages draw on a survey of more than 1,100 members, reports hourly figures that depend on the kind of editing. The EFA does not set rates, so treat its figures as a guide to what editors report and not as a price list. Some editors also charge per project, which can be useful when a manuscript is unusual.
What do typical rates look like for different lengths?
Using Reedsy’s 2025 marketplace averages, here is what a manuscript might cost at three lengths. Line editing is shown as a range, because rates for it typically sit between 4 and 6 cents per word.
| Type of edit | Average rate per word | 60,000 words | 80,000 words | 100,000 words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial assessment | 2.6 cents | $1,560 | $2,080 | $2,600 |
| Developmental editing | 3.6 cents | $2,160 | $2,880 | $3,600 |
| Line editing | 4 to 6 cents | $2,400 to $3,600 | $3,200 to $4,800 | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| Copy editing | 2.7 cents | $1,620 | $2,160 | $2,700 |
| Proofreading | 2.0 cents | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
These are averages, not quotes. Individual editors may charge less or considerably more, and some fiction and non-fiction specialties cost more than others.
What makes editing cost more or less?
- The condition of the draft: a messy first draft takes longer than a clean one
- The genre: technical, academic and heavily researched books cost more than straightforward fiction
- The depth of the edit: a developmental edit asks more of an editor than a proofread
- Speed: rush jobs usually carry a premium
- Experience: established editors charge more than newer ones
- Extras: a second read, a style sheet or a follow-up call may be priced separately
In what order should I edit my book?
Edit from big to small. Start with a developmental edit or an editorial assessment for structure, plot, argument and pacing. Then move to line editing or copy editing for language, consistency and grammar, and finish with proofreading after the book is laid out. If you proofread first and then rewrite chapters, you pay again for the same pages. Our guide to developmental editing, copy editing and proofreading explains what each level does and when you need it.
How can I keep editing costs sensible?
Self-edit first, using a checklist, so the editor spends time on what only a professional can fix. Ask for a sample edit of a few pages and a written scope. Choose the level your manuscript needs, since a clean second draft may not need a full developmental edit. Beta readers can catch large problems cheaply before you hire a professional. Do not pay for proofreading before the text is final. And do not choose the cheapest quote by default, because a very low price usually means less time on your pages.
What should an editing quote include?
A clear quote names the type of edit, the word count it is based on, the delivery date, the number of passes and any follow-up included. It says whether you will receive tracked changes, a style sheet and an editorial letter. It also says what happens if the word count changes or you want another round. We include all of this in writing before work starts, and you can see the full scope before you decide.
How do we price editing at The Author Publishing?
We do not publish a price list, because the right edit depends on your manuscript. We read a sample, recommend the level you need and give a free quote with a fixed price in writing. You approve the plan before any work begins. Our developmental editing, copy editing and line editing and proofreading services can be bought separately or together.
Frequently asked questions
Is editing charged by word or by page?
Usually by word, though some editors quote per page using 250 words as a page. A per-word rate makes comparing quotes easier.
How much does it cost to edit a 60,000-word book?
At Reedsy’s 2025 averages, about $1,200 for proofreading, $1,620 for copy editing and $2,160 for developmental editing. Your own quote may be lower or higher.
Do I need all three types of editing?
Not always. A strong second draft may need only copy editing and proofreading, while a first draft usually benefits from a developmental edit first.
Is a cheap editor a bad idea?
Not automatically, but a price far below the market usually means less time on your manuscript. Ask for a sample edit and references.
Can I skip proofreading?
It is not wise. Even good editing leaves small errors, and layout can introduce new ones. A final proofread is inexpensive compared with the damage typos do to reviews.
Does editing cost more for non-fiction?
It can, especially for technical or heavily researched books, because the editor must check terminology, citations and consistency.
Services that can help
- Book editing services
- Developmental editing
- Copy editing and line editing
- Book proofreading
- Non-fiction editing
This guide is part of our book editing guides and connects to our book editing services.