How much would you pay for proof-reading/copy-editing?

[Ali]

Hi all,

I'm moving into freelance writing at the moment, and one service I'd like to offer is copy-editing and proof-reading work. This is something I've done in my day job (technical documentation for a small IT company) and in running my blog, www.theofficediet.com -- I've also got an English degree from Cambridge University so I'm fairly well qualified. ;-)

I need to consider what rates to charge, and wondered what people would think reasonable? I'm thinking $40-$70/hour at the moment: does that seem too low, too high, or about right?

This could include, for example:
- Assisting with resumes and cover letters (checking for spelling mistakes, typos, and awkward phrasings, as well as giving advice on general changes.)
- Editing short story or poetry manuscripts to ensure they were in a suitable format for submission to editors/publishers.
- Proofing e-books, providing detailed feedback or commentary if necessary.

Thanks!

Ali

[DanielScocco]

Ali, I think that is a very premium price.

I often hire people to edit articles and essays for my online properties, and usually I pay $5 to $10 per page. If you assume one spends 20 minutes to edit a page completely, that would be around $30 hourly.

But there is only one answer to your question: test it out. Starting charging something and see how the market reacts, then adapt along the way.

[Rio]

I pay $10 per 1000 words.

More recently, in an attempt to improve my writing, I have been paying an online writing coach $30 per hour. He edits my articles and offers advice on how to improve and become a better writer. I get two articles (around 400words) done for the $30.

It works out expensive because I am sending an article per day. For me, though, it's the best way to improve. You can pay more; some are $70-$90 per hour.

Just thought I'd mention this because it may be an avenue you could go down instead of straightforward editing.

[Ali]

Thanks, Rio, that's really useful to know!

How much proof-reading do you get for $10 per 1000 words? Is it just spelling and grammar corrections, or larger edits and changes? (Since you're paying a coach too, I get the impression the proof-reading is probably fairly light?)

How did you find your coach? You're right that it's something I would like to get into -- I really enjoy helping people improve their writing. :-)

Thanks again,

Ali

[Rio]

The $10 per 1000 words was done in Canada by someone who doesn't offer a coaching service, just proofreading and editing. Sometimes he would offer suggestions on word choice.

Because I really need coaching on how to write better I switched to a guy in California. He offers a coaching and editing service. These days he seldom edits, as my articles are only 500 words max. and I check each article many times over before emailing work to him.

He sends my work back the next day with advice on how the article could be written better: structure, word choice, 1st/2nd/3rd person, etc. He uses a special software that can place 'post it' type stickers over offending words or sentences. He types his advice on the stickers.

He is an excellent teacher and my writing has improved a lot with him.

The Internet isn't exactly full of people offering one-to-one coaching, just group courses, so there is a gap in the market one feels.

[Ali]

Thanks for taking the time to post that, Rio, it's really useful to know! Nice to be told there's a gap in the market for the kind of thing I'd like to do... Interesting about the 'post it' note software (I use the "comments" function in MS word for the same sort of effect, when editing a friend's work.)

Cheers,

Ali