Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tony Burton on January 30, 2012 at 3:18pm

What defines "affordable" to you, and what level of editing do you need?  I mean, do you want copyediting (someone to find and correct spelling, typos and such), copyediting plus grammar, or substantive editing that will address things like continuity, characterization, story flow, and so forth?  

I'm not trying to be a smart-aleck, but specifying what you are looking for can make a real difference in how much it costs.  It's like saying, "I need to buy a truck."  Do you need a small pickup truck, a 4WD pickup truck, a 2-ton stake bed truck, or a semi-tractor trailer truck?  

Tony Burton

Wolfmont LLC

www.wolfmont.com

Permalink Reply by Melody S. on January 30, 2012 at 3:28pm

Tony I apologize for my vagueness. I think I will need substantive editing. I found something online that boasted affordable pricing but in talking with them the price went into the thousands. I didn't think that a project this small would run so high.....Is that right?

Permalink Reply by Tony Burton on January 30, 2012 at 3:36pm

Substantive editing can vary widely, but it is usually much more expensive than simple copyediting or copyediting plus grammar.  Let me ask this: if you printed out your novella on 8.5 x 11 paper, with one-inch margins all around and double-spaced 12-point font, how many pages would it be?  Lots of editors charge by the page for substantive editing.  I'm guessing that it would be somewhere between 120 and 130 pages.  I know of at least one editor who would do the substantive editing on a manuscript of that length for $4.00 per page.

Permalink Reply by Melody S. on January 30, 2012 at 3:40pm

That's not a bad price at all. The pages numbers are probably in the 130 range! Does this editor have a website that I could possibly visit?

Permalink Reply by Warren Martin on January 30, 2012 at 6:19pm

Melody, 

I just had my first book edited-still not got it out yet, but the editing part is done and like you had a tough time finding an editor I could afford.  Seen all ranges in pricing up to $3000.  After lots of searching I did come across someone who had very reasonable rates and did my 75,000 words in the $300 range.  She'll look over your work and give you a quote.  good luck, Warren

Adele at     http://www.withpeninhand.net/

Permalink Reply by Melody S. on January 30, 2012 at 6:40pm

Thank you so much Warren! I will take a look at that site and check it out.

Permalink Reply by Catherine A. Barr on February 10, 2012 at 5:29pm

Hi Melody.  You should check out any local editors group and their website.  I belong to one in San Diego called the Professional Editors Network (SDPEN.org)  Check out member listings and the specialty area in which you are interested.  Different editors offer different services.