Rates depend on whether content editing, copy/line editing, or proofreading is requested.  All jobs are quoted on a project basis. Typically, rates range from $25 per hour for proofreading to $50 per hour for content editing.

Proofreading

Proofreaders check only for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format mistakes. Occasionally, they may also be asked to compare a revised manuscript against the original, marked-up copy.

Proofreaders need no special subject knowledge, but they must possess an absolutely perfect command of spelling and punctuation, and a keen eye. They may also be asked to check spellings of technical terms.

Proofreading project quotes based on $25 per hour (approximately 4 - 8 pages per hour).

Copy/Line Editing (terms are synonymous)

Copy Editing is not concerned with content or style; instead, it focuses on:

• Spelling and punctuation 
• General grammar issues, such as sentence structure, noun/verb agreement, parallel construction, etc.
• Correct word use (e.g., pore vs. poor vs. pour; it’s vs. its)
• Consistent terminology (e.g., does the author hyphenate a word in some places but not in others?)
• Consistent use of numerical terms, numbers, dates, etc. (e.g., does the author say "11 PM" in one sentence and "12:00 a.m." in the next?)
• Redundancies (e.g., does the author say, “10 a.m. in the morning”?)

Although Copy Editors aren’t required to have knowledge of the subject matter, they must be knowledgeable about grammar and spelling and be able to explain grammatical changes to the author.

Copy Editing project quotes based on $35 per hour (approximately 2 - 5 pages per hour).

Content Editing

Content Editing addresses issues of content and style. The manuscript is reviewed with the following questions in mind:

• If nonfiction, is the material accurate (to the best of the editor's knowledge)? Does it answer the questions a reader would expect to be answered?
• Is the writing clear and easy to understand by the audience for whom it is intended? (If the editor has difficulty understanding the manuscript, a reader may have difficulty as well.)
• Does the material flow in a logical, orderly manner?
• Is spelling correct and consistent? (Is a character referred to as “John” in one instance and “Jon” in another?) If abbreviations and acronyms are used, are they consistent? Will the reader know the meaning of technical terms and acronyms or do they need to be explained?

Content Editing project quotes based on $50 per hour (approximately 2 – 5 pages per  hour).

All project quotes are based on standard manuscript submission format: 8 1/2" x 11" page, double-spaced, 1" margins all around, 12 point standard font, appropriate header, and page numbers centered at the bottom.

After the first round of proofreading, editing or copywriting is submitted to author for approval, a second round will be provided at no extra charge. Third round and beyond will be billed at usual fee.

A 10% discount is offered to St. Louis Writers Guild referrals.

A 20% discount is offered to St. Louis Writers Guild members.

A 25% fee will be added to Rush Jobs.

FAQs about Editing
(Answers the following questions)

• But I’m a good writer! Why can’t I edit my own manuscript?
  
  

• But I’m not self-publishing. My commercial publisher will do the editing—right?
  
  

• Okay, you’ve convinced me. I need an editor. Can I pay them after I start making money on my book?
  
  

• I see your point. What type of editing do I need and how much will it cost me?