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Editorial Rates, Definitions, and Submission Guidelines
Rates are based on the 2024 Editorial Freelancers Association Rate Sheet
 

Editorial Rates
Rate determined upon review of a sample

Copy editing,
fiction

Fee Range:
$40 - $50/hour

Copy editing,
nonfiction

Fee Range:
$45 - $60/hour

Copy editing,
business/marketing/
medical/STEM

Fee Range:
$50 - $60/hour

Line editing,
all subject matters

Fee Range:
$50 - $65/hour

Proofreading,
fiction

Fee Range:
$35 - $45/hour

Proofreading,
nonfiction

Fee Range:
$40 - $50/hour

Proofreading,
business/marketing/
medical/STEM

Fee Range:
$40 - $55/hour

Definitions

  • Copy editing focuses on proper conventions of sentence mechanics, correcting any errors in spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, word usage, and sentence structure, checking cross references and ensuring logic and consistency. This review provides the perfect polish to the client’s work!

  • Line editing, also known as structural editing, is a thorough examination of a work, checking all details and framework, addressing areas such as phrasing, sentence structure and variety, repetition, best word choice, passive verb elimination, timeline consistency, and any issues specifically requested by the client. I prepare a style sheet based on mutually agreed-upon decisions regarding capitalization and style so that your writing is consistent throughout. More of an art than a science, a line edit ensures your writing is as effective as it can be, taking into account your individual style.  

  • Proofreading checks the text for errors, such as typographical mistakes or issues with typesetting and page markup. The proofread is done after the client has had previous rounds of editing performed. The latest stage of your project is compared to earlier stages to ensure changes have been made correctly. This is your quality control check before publication. 

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Submission Guidelines

​When submitting a manuscript for review, it is important that the format can be readily reviewed and changes tracked. This is the time to keep formatting minimal so I may make edits you can clearly interpret. Likewise, although you should check your publisher's submission guidelines, manuscript format requirements are generally the same:

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  1. Name your manuscript.

  2. Use 1-inch margins.

  3. Use Times New Roman 12 point font.

  4. Double space your manuscript and indent each paragraph. 

  5. Save as a Microsoft Word .docx file without any hidden formatting, watermarks, or passwords. 

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There are additional formatting requirements once your work is ready for submission to an agent or publisher. The above are what I need to do a thorough edit.

 

The exceptions to these guidelines are for:

  • review of a website which may be done directly online

  • review performed in Adobe, Workfront, or similar software

  • miscellaneous online editing

  • final proofread of formatted, designed material, which may be submitted as a pdf in Adobe. 

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With rare exceptions, I need to review and edit your completed manuscript.  

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