How much will it cost?
It’s difficult to give a one-size-fits-all definition of how much it will cost to edit, proof-edit or proofread your book. I’m happy to give a no-strings-attached estimate, so here are two options to help me assess the fee for your project.
- Contact me here with a brief description of the work involved, e.g. proofreading or copyediting, and the total word count. Let me know which genre you are writing in and when you need the work completed by. I can then give you a preliminary estimate and you can decide whether you want to take things further, OR:
- Click on the button below to download the client enquiry form (Word document). Please fill it in and return via email to anne@asgeditorial.co.uk. This will give me an idea of how long it will take to complete the project and help me to provide you with a more realistic estimate and timescale.
Any questions?
Below are some of the questions that frequently appear in my inbox. Click on the downward arow to reveal the answers
How soon can you start work on my project?
I usually need at least two weeks’ notice. It’s a good idea to get in touch a month before you need my services to check my availability.
What are your payment arrangements?
I ask new clients for half of the agreed fee upfront and the rest after the finished project is handed back. Once we’ve worked together a few times, and depending on the size of the project, I will invoice as normal on the day I return your edited/proofread material. I allow 28 days for the payment of my invoices. If the project is lengthy, I may invoice at agreed intervals.
Do you do sample edits?
Sometimes. However, I prefer to ask the potential client to send a 1,000-word extract taken from the middle of their manuscript, so I can get an idea of how much work is needed. This helps me to estimate how long the project will take and how much it will cost. If they ask for a 1,000-word edit, I’m happy to do this for a small fee (£20), and if they sign me up, this will be deducted from the final invoice.
How fast do you work?
I use Word macros and editing software to speed up the mundane tasks, but you can never replace a good editor with computerised systems. I check every word, and the time that takes depends on whether I’m copyediting, proofreading or proof-editing. Here are some examples that may help:
Copyedit of (translated to English) crime novel by well-known Danish author (100,200 words). Time taken: 48 hours
Proofread of literary fiction novel for publishers (78,100). Time taken 25 hours
Proofread/Fact-check city coffee shop guide (22,000). Time taken 20 hours
As you can see from the above examples, time taken and, consequently, the final fee depend on a number of variables. This is the main reason why I need to know as much as possible about your project, including seeing a sample, before I estimate how much it will cost.
What’s your rate?
Depending on the type of service you require, I charge between £26 (proofreading) and £30 (copyediting) per hour. If you send me a sample of your work, I can use this to provide an estimate of the final fee. Once I’ve given you an estimate, there is no obligation to proceed. If you do decide to go ahead, I will send you a copy of my T&Cs and a Client Form, which includes the agreed fee or rate per hour and a timeline and completion date.
Can you guarantee my edited manuscript will be perfect?
Aside from the fact that perfection is subjective; for example, one person’s comma is another person’s semi-colon, your manuscript will be edited to a high standard and be as error-free as humanly possible.