Revising Basics: The Cost of Revisions
As author J.U. Scribe prepares to publish their novelette, Before the Legend, the editing process has proven to be a crucial step in the journey. Both the editor and beta reader have been invaluable in refining the work, ensuring that it meets the highest standards before reaching the readers.
Editing is more than just correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It involves a comprehensive review of the overall plot, character actions, dialogue, and the consistency of tenses and point of view. The editing process can be broken down into three main categories: developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
For developmental editing, which focuses on plot, structure, and overall content, costs can range from $0.03 to $0.10 per word. This translates to approximately $2,400 to $6,400 for an 80,000-word novel. Copyediting, addressing grammar, punctuation, and style, typically costs between $0.02 to $0.05 per word, or about $1,600 to $4,000 for the same manuscript length. Proofreading, the final check for typos and minor errors, costs $0.01 to $0.03 per word, amounting to around $800 to $2,400 for 80,000 words.
For a typical 50,000 to 80,000-word novel, budgeting at least $1,000 to $5,000 for professional editing is common, depending on the service levels chosen and the editor’s experience. Hourly rates can also apply, ranging from $25 to $100+ per hour, but per-word pricing is often preferred for predictability.
Complex genres may require specialized knowledge and may cost 10-15% more. Combining copyediting and proofreading often totals $2,400 to $5,200 for a full-length novel. Many authors find that developmental editing is the most expensive but crucial for story quality, especially if the manuscript needs structural help.
It's common to request sample edits from multiple editors to find a quality and style fit within your budget. Hiring from reputable directories like Reedsy or the Editorial Freelancers Association can improve quality versus cheaper platforms.
Self-editing tools like Grammarly and Pro Writing Aid can be great for catching errors and improving the writing, but they should not be considered a substitute for a professional editor. These tools, when used effectively, can help identify areas in the work that need improvement. Grammarly focuses more on grammar, while Pro Writing Aid checks for cliches, grammar mistakes, spelling, passive voice, sentence variety, and more.
The author of Before the Legend emphasizes the importance of editing in writing, stating that not editing will result in a huge price to pay. Finding editors who are willing to edit for free can be challenging, but it's an essential step for any writer who is serious about publishing. The author found an editor on Wattpad and a beta reader on Fictionpress.
In summary, expect the cost to range roughly from $0.01 to $0.10 per word, translating to about $500-$6,000 depending on editing depth and manuscript length. A good professional edit is a major investment that significantly affects a self-published novel’s success and reader reception. Editing is a critical step for any writer who is serious about publishing. The author is currently in the process of editing their own work.
[1] Reedsy. (2021). How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Editor? [online] Available at: https://reedsy.com/blog/self-publishing/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-an-editor [Accessed 13 Mar. 2023].
[2] The Editorial Freelancers Association. (2021). Editorial Rates. [online] Available at: https://www.the-efa.org/rates/ [Accessed 13 Mar. 2023].
[3] Self-Publishing School. (2021). How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Editor? [online] Available at: https://selfpublishingschool.com/cost-to-hire-an-editor/ [Accessed 13 Mar. 2023].
[4] The Balance Careers. (2021). How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Freelance Editor? [online] Available at: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-freelance-editor-2059278 [Accessed 13 Mar. 2023].
- The author of Before the Legend highly recommends investing in professional editing, as it is a critical step for any writer who is serious about publishing, affecting the success and reader reception of a self-published novel.
- Budgeting for a professional edit can range from $0.01 to $0.10 per word, with developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading having varying costs, depending on the complexity of the manuscript and the editor's experience.
- In the quest for a quality and style fit within a budget, authors may consider requesting sample edits from multiple editors through reputable platforms like Reedsy, The Editorial Freelancers Association, or Self-Publishing School, rather than relying solely on self-editing tools such as Grammarly or Pro Writing Aid.
