Book Editing Cost Calculator
Calculate manuscript editing expenses across per-word and hourly models for developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
Manuscript Word Count & Editorial Rate
Manuscript Editing Fee Formula
Per-Word Model: Total = Word Count × Rate Per Word; Hourly Model: Total = (Word Count / Words Per Hour) × Hourly Rate- Per-Word Pricing: Standard industry model for fiction and narrative nonfiction ($0.015 to $0.045 per word).
- Hourly Pricing: Calculated using estimated pacing (typically 1,500 to 2,500 words per hour for copyediting, or 1,000 to 1,500 words per hour for heavy line/developmental edits).
- Pacing Speed: Cleaner manuscripts result in faster editorial turnaround and lower overall cost.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
- Total Cost = 80,000 words × $0.02 = $1,600.00.
- Estimated Editor Hours = 80,000 / 2,000 words/hr = 40.0 hours.
- Effective Hourly Rate = $1,600 / 40 hrs = $40.00 / hour.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your manuscript total word count.
- 2Select whether your editor quotes per word or per hour.
- 3Input the quoted rate and reading speed to view total cost and estimated editorial duration.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Rates align with standard Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) benchmarks.
- A standard editorial page is defined as 250 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the going rate per word for book editing?
According to the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): Proofreading averages $0.013 to $0.019 per word; Copyediting averages $0.020 to $0.029 per word; Line editing averages $0.025 to $0.038 per word; and Developmental editing averages $0.030 to $0.050+ per word.
Why do most editors charge per word instead of hourly?
Per-word pricing provides transparency and price certainty for authors, ensuring the budget won’t balloon if an editor works at a slower pace. It also eliminates disputes regarding billable time tracking.
Should I get a sample edit before hiring?
Yes. Most professional editors offer a complimentary or paid 1,000-word sample edit. This confirms whether the editor’s feedback style matches your creative voice and helps the editor evaluate the manuscript’s cleanliness before quoting.
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