For Freelance Writers, Editors, Proofreaders: How to Determine What to Charge

A Definitive Look at Fees in the Editorial Industry

For freelance writers, editors, copy editors, etc., determining what to charge can be confusing. Based on my 19+ years in the editorial industry, I answer the age-old question, "What/how do I charge?" A freelancer recently wrote:

"I've recently left a staff job after a few years, and I'm now planning to stick to freelancing. But, I'm not sure of what the going rates are for writing, various types and levels of editing, proofreading, and other editorial work. I understand that different industries and types of organizations have varying rates, but can you give me any "sample ranges:" for rates to charge, i.e., hourly rates, project rates, page rates, or word rates, or tell me where I can find current rates?"

This question is too broad to answer in specific detail because pricing a job depends on so many factors: eg, breadth of assignment; type of work to be done; discipline (general, scientific, legal, etc.); field (magazine, tech firm, nonprofit, etc.); experience; etc. So, I will give a general answer.

Remember, this is a very general answer. Feel free to chime in and give the writer some feedback based on your experience.

General proofreading/copyediting rates range from a low of $15/hour to a pretty standard $35-$40/hour. Usually, the more specialized the discipline, the more you can charge for these services. Also, your experience level will count here.

I've rarely seen copyediting go beyond $50/hour though. And, that's usually for highly specialized disciplines like medical and/or technical copyediting. $35/hour is about the standard rate for general and $40 is the standard for more technical work.

Proofreading (just proofreading) usually tops out at $25/hour. The lines between proofreading and copyediting are so blurred though that most freelancers don't differentiate between the two.