Hiring an Editor - Do It
- Reading Harbor
- Aug 30, 2020
- 2 min read
Editing and proofreading a work are considered essential. When properly done, they can enhance the effectiveness of your writing style or improve the clarity of your ideas. Nothing is worse than having a great quality book that's lost to the reader by excess verbiage.
A lot of self-published authors don't hire an editor. They feel they can edit themselves or save money by finding a friend to catch their mistakes. While this is true that you can D.I.Y. your own English, it is also true that it is generally harder for someone close to a project to see their own flaws and mistakes.
At first when looking at the cost of an editor, the prices can seem staggering. The price of professional editing can vary widely. Usually, traditionally published books go through several rounds of editing.
TYPES OF EDITING & COST
Developmental Editing - consists of manuscript changes or suggestions for "big-picture" issues/ fixes. This includes changes to plot, character, pacing, or overall story. Developmental editors can charge $0.09 per word.
Copy Editing - consists of fixing mechanical issues with your writing. It is meant to bridge the author's intent and the reader's understanding. Usually, this can cost $ 0.02 and 0.04 a word.
Line Editing - focuses on the content and flow of your prose. It concentrates on style rather than mechanics. Typically, line editing can cost from $ 0.04 to 0.09 per word.
Proofreading - is the last major stage of manuscript editing. It involves ensuring there are no spelling or grammatical errors in the final version of your product. Basic proof reading services usually charge $0.01 and 0.02 per word.
To reduce costs, there are many places were you can hire a flat rate editor. Typically, these editors will charge a fixed price for a set number of words. If you have a limited budget, you can try to hire one of these freelance editors on a number of platforms, such as Fiverr or Upwork.
In short, editing can offer a myriad of value and is not one of those things you want to skimp on.
This post on hiring an editor is so spot on because getting that extra set of eyes can really make or break a creative project. It actually reminds me of a stressful period last semester when I was juggling a massive writing project alongside some really difficult technical certifications. I was so spread thin trying to polish my manuscript that I found myself in a total panic over my finals, even venting to a classmate that I need someone to take my exam just so I could focus on finishing my book without losing my mind. It’s funny how we often need professional help in one area of life just to survive the demands of another! Thanks for sharing such helpful…
I liked how the post emphasizes that good editing is about clarity and respect for the reader, not just fixing typos. It made me think of how fresh eyes often catch issues we’re blind to when we’re too close to our own work. Similar conversations exist around last minute assignments and even phrases like affordable help with last minute assignment, where quality still depends on thoughtful review, not shortcuts. Editing is part of responsible writing.