Some people refer to the Editorial Freelancers Association for suggested rates. I’m glad to see their tool has added some nuance, and you can select “more experienced” and “professional training.” Nevertheless, their rates always trend low ($0.03-0.04/word), and you will get what you pay for. The tool doesn’t indicate whether this includes only one pass, or two. I always include two, because I make edits, then the writer gets a turn to integrate suggested changes, and I believe a final proofread is essential. I have certification as an editor from University of Chicago, where the Chicago Manual of Style originates. I attended their publishing program in person. I then worked for giant publishers in New York and network with New York publishing professionals in person. So I feel this is added value to my clients. The EFA rate tool doesn’t consider the publishing coaching you may receive from your development editor… the weekend hours… the research to verify facts… and the source of wisdom on character arc, setting, structure, and audience considerations. Also market research. I am grossly underpaid for the time I spend researching authors’ comps, delving into their topics, scouting for agents, calls for submission for companion pieces, and market research! I can’t help myself—I become an author’s champion when I take them on as a client. I still send clients resources years after we’ve finished working together because their specialty has lodged in my brain.
Many people come to me after receiving lackluster or even damaging feedback from beta readers. One writer came to me after having stripped everything personal from her self-help book because a beta reader told her it sounded “whiny.” We wove her personal story back in, and it was terrific!
You also want an editor to pledge to guard your authorial voice. There are intangibles you can’t put a price on.
Some people refer to the Editorial Freelancers Association for suggested rates. I’m glad to see their tool has added some nuance, and you can select “more experienced” and “professional training.” Nevertheless, their rates always trend low ($0.03-0.04/word), and you will get what you pay for. The tool doesn’t indicate whether this includes only one pass, or two. I always include two, because I make edits, then the writer gets a turn to integrate suggested changes, and I believe a final proofread is essential. I have certification as an editor from University of Chicago, where the Chicago Manual of Style originates. I attended their publishing program in person. I then worked for giant publishers in New York and network with New York publishing professionals in person. So I feel this is added value to my clients. The EFA rate tool doesn’t consider the publishing coaching you may receive from your development editor… the weekend hours… the research to verify facts… and the source of wisdom on character arc, setting, structure, and audience considerations. Also market research. I am grossly underpaid for the time I spend researching authors’ comps, delving into their topics, scouting for agents, calls for submission for companion pieces, and market research! I can’t help myself—I become an author’s champion when I take them on as a client. I still send clients resources years after we’ve finished working together because their specialty has lodged in my brain.
Many people come to me after receiving lackluster or even damaging feedback from beta readers. One writer came to me after having stripped everything personal from her self-help book because a beta reader told her it sounded “whiny.” We wove her personal story back in, and it was terrific!
You also want an editor to pledge to guard your authorial voice. There are intangibles you can’t put a price on.