A Note on Rates
HOW MUCH DOES A FREELANCE EDITOR NORMALLY CHARGE?
After surveys and industry recommendations, Australia's national editorial body, the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd), has developed rates current as of August 2021. These rates are $80-$120+ per hour ($53.33 to $80+ per 1000 words, if we use the same calculations as below).
COMPARING MINIMUM RATES ACROSS ZONES
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It's hard to know what to expect as far as rates go when you're looking for a professional editor. To make it easier to get an overview, I've created a comparison table below.
These rates have been calculated to reflect 1000-word lots, rather than an hourly rate. The calculations are done on the basis that the editor in question is editing at 1500 words per hour. I don't charge per hour, as I often spend more time than I've estimated for a job. A flat rate (per word) means you don't get overcharged. Keep in mind, however, that each editor defines their services differently, so one editor may offer more as far as line editing goes (for example), compared to another. Such fluctuation in services and editing speeds means that this chart is only to be used as a guide.
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Things to note:
*IPEd rates listed in the table are based on the 2016 survey, as the current listed rates (2021) do not account for different types of editing.
**CIEP and IPEd and do not account for Line Editing, so costs are calculated as Copyediting despite there being significantly more work involved.
CIEP prices are based on suggested minimum rates, last updated March 2022. As a result, these numbers will be lower than what might be considered the average rate.
EFA prices are based on median ranges, based on a survey completed in April 2020.
IPEd prices are based on mid-range rates, based on a survey completed in 2016 (published 2017).
Type of Editing
Line Editing
$45
£20.86 ($36.75)**
$49.33**
Developmental Editing
$55
£24.00 ($42.29)
$49.33
Proofreading
$35
£17.93 ($31.59)
$36.66
Copyediting
$40
£20.86 ($36.75)
$43.33
$73.50 ($98.15)
$58.05 ($77.52)
$43.50 ($58.09)
$43.50 ($58.09)
Prices in blue indicate AUD.
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As you can see there is huge fluctuation over rates worldwide, and barring CIEP (which are minimum recommended rates), the rates are outdated and do not reflect the world we live in now. Additionally, my rates are the absolute maximum you will pay, so it's important to send me your manuscript so I can assess it individually and give you an accurate quote.
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​​UK - Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading