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Editing your own book might seem like a cost-effective way to complete that important process. While it’s true that being your own editor would save you money in the short term, it is a decision that could adversely affect the long-term success of your book. Hiring an editor ensures that a trained professional with extensive knowledge in craft, spelling, grammar, and proofreading uses their skillset to objectively assess your manuscript. The value of a neutral third party unpacking your work is priceless and will surely open your eyes to things you never could have caught on your own. Hiring an editor guarantees a great experience for your readers and the best possible representation of your story.
Book Editing Fees
While exploring the costs of editing, it’s important to understand that there are different stages that will be priced in varying ways and that you have options when it comes to the services you choose. When shopping for editors, here are some key points to consider:
Range of services offered
Level of experience of the editor
Size of the company—will they have the time to focus on your manuscript?
History of success with other projects
The thoroughness of the editing provided
Keeping in mind that these price ranges are an average estimate, we have outlined what to expect when hunting for the most cost-effective editing services for you.
Developmental Editing
This phase of editing speaks to the larger, overall components of the story. Craft elements like plot, character, tone, and setting come into play with developmental editing. Here, the editor will take time to look at the overall manuscript and ensure that it is cohesive, effective, easy to understand, and engaging. Developmental editing tends to be the highest-cost type of editing because of the level of experience needed to do the job successfully and the sometimes major changes that are offered through the process. This is the most thoughtful and creative level of editing, and it makes a difference in who takes on the task. Because of the level of expertise necessary, developmental editing can cost between $0.24 and $0.40 per word.
Line Editing
Line editing is typically the next step after developmental edits are complete, and the pricing can be more varied. Line editing leaves room for personality and interpretation, as it includes word choice, style, and point of view. It involves an editor looking more closely at your book, line by line, and offering suggestions for optimum flow and consistency. Keeping in mind that line editing may be priced based on experience, the typical range for this service is between $0.26 to $0.35 per word.
Copy Editing
Copy editing involves a precise look at the punctuation, spelling, and smallest details of a manuscript. Sometimes considered a part of line editing, this is normally the final round of edits before proofreading. Copyediting requires impeccable attention to detail and an expert knowledge of all things grammar. This process is often tedious and time-consuming but is essential to your book, as one small grammatical error can negatively affect your readers’ experience. Copy editing typically ranges in cost from $.06 to $0.10 per word.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the most elementary service provided by an editor, but is vital, nonetheless. Although they may seem supernatural in their ability to catch errors and suggest improvements, an editor is still only human. So proofreading, one final scour of a manuscript before it is submitted for publication, is separate from other stages of editing so that an editor can dedicate specific time to giving your book one last read. This step involves general corrections of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. Proofreading rates are rarely more than $0.02 to $0.04 per word.
Inquire About Our Book Editing Fees
At Making A Way Writing Services, we are committed to offering you the highest quality editing services at the most reasonable cost to you. We will work with you to decipher your needs and provide a clear map for how to get them accomplished. Contact us today at info@makingawaywriting.com to learn more about the editing services that we provide.
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