How to Budget for Book Editing (with Real Examples)

How To Budget For Book Editing (With Real Examples)

Gary Smailes
Gary Smailes | 5 November 2025

Clarify Your Editing Needs and Baseline Budget

Money goes farther when you know what problem you are paying to solve. Start there.

Name the problem

Quick test:

Consider lighter options first

An editorial assessment, also called a manuscript critique, gives a high‑level diagnosis without heavy margin work. Think a focused letter and a call. Strong choice for early drafts or tight budgets. You revise, then book deeper work only where needed. For many writers, this path saves thousands and shortens later edits.

When to pick an assessment:

Match service to your publishing path

Self‑publishing usually means the full stack: developmental, then line, then copyediting, then proofreading on designed pages. That sequence builds quality in layers and prevents expensive rework.

Querying authors often lead with an assessment or a developmental edit. Agents read for concept, execution, and voice. A sharp structure and a strong opening lift requests. Save line and copy work for later, unless feedback points to sentence‑level problems.

Hybrid paths exist. For example, assessment now, partial line edit on the opening 50 pages before a conference, then copyediting once a deal or a firm plan sits in place.

Right‑size by draft readiness

Listen to early readers before you hire. Their notes reveal where money should go.

A simple pre‑edit checklist helps:

Set a baseline budget

Pick a budget band before requesting quotes. Low, Mid, High. Use a simple formula: Cost equals word count times per‑word rate. Then run three scenarios for the services you need.

Example steps for a 75,000‑word novel:

  1. Developmental assessment

    • Rate range 0.01 to 0.02 per word.
    • Low band: 75,000 × 0.01 equals 750.
    • Mid band: 75,000 × 0.015 equals 1,125.
    • High band: 75,000 × 0.02 equals 1,500.

  2. Full developmental edit

    • Rate range 0.03 to 0.08 per word.
    • Low band: 75,000 × 0.03 equals 2,250.
    • Mid band: 75,000 × 0.05 equals 3,750.
    • High band: 75,000 × 0.08 equals 6,000.

  3. Line editing

    • Rate range 0.03 to 0.07 per word.
    • Low band: 2,250.
    • Mid band: 3,000.
    • High band: 5,250.

  4. Copyediting

    • Rate range 0.02 to 0.04 per word.
    • Low band: 1,500.
    • Mid band: 2,250.
    • High band: 3,000.

  5. Proofreading

    • Rate range 0.01 to 0.02 per word.
    • Low band: 750.
    • Mid band: 1,125.
    • High band: 1,500.

Plug your own word count and rates. Write three package totals. For example:

A mini exercise to lock this down

Grab a sheet of paper.

Now you have a budget band and a service plan. Quotes will still vary, yet this prep anchors the conversation. You speak to editors with clear aims, a realistic range, and a request that matches your stage. Editors respond faster. You get better work for the same money.

Understand Pricing Models and Typical Ranges (USD)

You are not buying an edit. You are buying hours, judgment, and deliverables. Pricing reflects all three. Learn the models, then compare on the same footing.

How editors price

Always ask for the per‑word equivalent. It levels the field.

If an editor declines to give a per‑word equivalent, request a tight scope with a cap, or move on.

Typical per‑word ranges

Rates vary by genre, complexity, and timeline. The middle of each range fits most trade fiction and general nonfiction. Academic work, heavy jargon, citations, and translation often sit higher.

Add‑ons that affect cost

You control many of these. Book early. Deliver clean files. Decide up front whether you want a second pass.

Deliverables that change scope

What you receive drives price. Ask for clarity on deliverables before you sign.

Two quotes at the same per‑word rate might have different deliverables. One includes a 60‑minute debrief and a detailed style sheet. The other offers email support for a week and a shorter letter. Weigh the package, not only the number.

Quick estimate examples

A few more for context:

If a quote arrives as hourly, convert it. Example: $70 per hour for proofreading, 2,000 words per hour, per‑word equals 70 ÷ 2,000, $0.035. That sits closer to copyediting rates, so ask what level of polish is included.

A quick story from the inbox

Two authors, same 85,000‑word thriller. Quote A: $0.05 per word for line editing, includes a style sheet, Track Changes, and a 45‑minute call. Quote B: $2,550 flat fee for line editing, no details. Divide B by the word count, per‑word equals 2,550 ÷ 85,000, $0.03. Cheaper, yes, but scope is thin. The author who pushed for a detailed deliverables list learned that B excluded rewrites and included minimal commentary. Price aligned with service once both sat side by side.

Build a simple spreadsheet

Open a sheet. Set columns for:

Enter your scenarios.

Example rows for a 60,000‑word novel:

Add a total row for each package. Color rows by priority. Note availability dates and deposit terms. Now you see trade‑offs in dollars and days, not vibes.

A mini exercise to compare quotes

Your goal is not the lowest number. Your goal is the right level of work at a price that fits your plan. Get the math straight, then hire the brain you trust.

Real Examples: Editing Budgets at Different Levels

Numbers feel abstract until you tie them to a real plan. Here are five budgets I see often, with choices that keep the work focused and the spend under control.

Example A: Query‑ready 80k novel on a tight budget

Goal: polish for agents without draining savings.

Package:

Total: $3,600. Add a 20 percent buffer, $720, if you might want a second look at the opening.

Levers:

Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks across two rounds of revision.

Anecdote: Dana trimmed a thin subplot after the assessment. Cost dropped by $90, and the query pages snapped into focus.

Example B: Indie 90k epic fantasy, premium quality for self‑publishing

Goal: publish wide with pro polish equal to a trad release.

Package:

Total: $13,950.

Levers:

Deliverables to confirm:

Example C: 45k business nonfiction, mid‑range budget

Goal: sharpen structure and authority for a speaking and consulting platform.

Package:

Possible extras:

Total: $4,575 to $5,075.

Levers:

Mini exercise: list your three most repeated terms. Provide your preferred versions up front. Editors use that list to lock style, which shortens queries.

Example D: 35k romance novella, shoestring plan

Goal: a clean, fun read for digital release, with smart spending.

Package:

Total: $1,470.

Levers:

Anecdote: Priya’s group flagged head‑hopping in two scenes. She fixed POV before hiring, which kept the copyedit light and within the quoted level.

Example E: 1,000‑word picture book

Goal: precise rhythm and page turns. Few words, high scrutiny.

Package with common minimums:

Total: $525 to $950.

Levers:

How to mix and match

These are patterns, not cages. Use them to build a plan that fits your draft.

Action: pick the example closest to your project. Swap one service if your needs differ. Recalculate totals using your word count and the ranges above. Then book dates and set aside a 10 to 20 percent buffer for surprises. Your future self will thank you.

Plan Timeline, Phasing, and Cash Flow

Time and money run the show. Plan both, or the calendar slips and the bill swells. A clear sequence keeps every round focused. A cash plan keeps stress low.

Phase the work

Sequence edits so your brain has room to revise between them.

Book each slot early to avoid rush fees.

A simple timeline for an 80,000‑word novel:

That schedule fills three to four months. Leave white space for life. One tough chapter has a way of eating a weekend.

Quick check: if the revision window looks short, extend before booking. A packed calendar breeds rushed changes, which raise costs later.

Know the payment schedule

Most editors ask for a deposit to hold dates. Anywhere from 25 to 50 percent. Balance due at handoff. Longer projects often allow milestones. Ask early.

A common pattern:

Set reminders when you sign. Missed payments push dates, which often brings rush fees when you try to catch up.

Control follow‑up time

Questions help. Scattershot questions drain time and money. Batch them.

Result, fewer stray emails, clearer answers, no billable drift.

Mini exercise: write three questions that would unblock revision today. Keep each to two lines. Send only those in the first round. Add the rest after the call, if needed.

Coordinate with production

Proofreading needs page proofs. Schedule proofing after interior design. A proofreader will flag typos, plus layout issues such as headers, widows, orphans, and bad line breaks.

Sample sequence for a self‑pub novel:

Add a hold date with the proofreader before design starts. A busy freelancer with no slot equals a scramble.

Build time and cash buffers

Scope shifts happen. A new scene. A rewrite on the opening. A second pass on the first chapter. Budget for that reality.

Example: a $4,000 plan needs $400 to $800 in reserve. If nothing changes, that money funds marketing. If the opening needs a second look, no panic.

Sample timeline and cash flow

A realistic mid‑range plan for an 80,000‑word novel.

Rates and totals:

Cash plan with 30 percent deposits:

Calendar highlights:

Notes:

Keep momentum without burning out

Protect revision energy. Schedule days off after each delivery. One morning of rest saves a week of sluggish work.

Guard focus during revision:

Common scheduling traps

What to confirm before you sign

Action: create a simple Gantt‑style calendar. One row per phase. Columns for start date, end date, invoice date, deposit amount, balance due, and revision window. Add a small buffer row after each phase. Color code payment days. Keep this file open during the whole project. A clear plan saves fees and keeps the book moving.

Reduce Costs Without Cutting Quality

You want a strong edit without draining the account. Good. Most savings come from smarter prep, sharper scope, and clear expectations. Here is how to keep standards high while trimming spend.

Trim word count before quotes

Per‑word pricing rewards lean prose. Cut 10,000 words and the quote drops fast.

Where to cut:

Quick exercise: list five scenes that do not move plot or deepen character. Pick two to delete or merge today.

Do targeted self‑edits

A focused pass before hiring reduces level, which lowers cost and shortens timelines.

Structure pass:

Clarity pass:

Consistency pass:

A strong style sheet saves your copyeditor an hour or three. That savings often shows up in a lower level quote.

Use beta readers and critique partners

Recruit three to five readers who love your genre. Give them a clear brief and a deadline.

Provide a short questionnaire:

Use their notes to target fixes in one more revision round. Arrive at professional editing with fewer structural gaps and cleaner pages.

Tip: mix one or two genre diehards with one general reader. The blend helps you catch both trope logic and clarity issues.

Target the spend with a paid sample edit

A 1,000‑word sample edit is a smart filter. Request a representative scene, not the opening only. Pay for the time.

How to compare:

Pick the editor whose notes level up your pages. The right partner saves money later because feedback lands and revisions work.

Negotiate scope, not quality

You are not haggling over commas. You are right‑sizing work to your goals and budget.

Options to discuss:

Savings example for an 85,000‑word novel:

Compare value, not price

Two quotes at the same rate rarely deliver the same package. Ask for specifics so you are matching apples to apples.

Confirm:

A slightly higher rate with a clear style sheet and a solid call often beats a lower rate with vague deliverables and no support.

Do the math before you trim

One more exercise. Price two paths for a 70,000‑word novel.

Path A, full line at $0.04 equals $2,800, then copyedit at $0.03 equals $2,100. Total $4,900.

Path B, editorial assessment at $0.015 equals $1,050, revise, then copyedit at $0.03 equals $2,100, then proofread at $0.015 equals $1,050. Total $4,200.

Different paths serve different needs. If structure still wobbles, Path B often lands a stronger book for less money.

Action step when a quote feels high

Ask for an alternative package. Keep it professional and specific.

Sample note you can adapt:

Respect earns respect. Editors want your book to thrive and will often guide you toward the best spend for your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a developmental editing package typically include and how do editors price it?

A standard developmental edit delivers an edit letter (diagnosis and concrete fixes), margin comments throughout the manuscript, and usually a consult call to prioritise revisions. Some packages add a scene map, beat sheet or a second‑look review on revised pages — those extras drive the fee higher because they require additional hours.

Editors price developmental work per word, hourly, or as a flat project fee; always ask for the per‑word equivalent so you can compare like with like. Scope — number of passes, letter depth, margin comment density and follow‑up support — matters more than the label on an invoice.

How do I decide between an editorial assessment and a full developmental edit?

Use a quick readiness test: if you need a diagnosis and a revision roadmap because the spine or stakes are unclear, an editorial assessment (shorter letter, minimal in‑text work) is the cost‑effective start. If you’re ready to rebuild scenes now and want scene‑level coaching with sample rewrites, choose a full developmental edit.

If you’re unsure, commission a paid sample edit (for example 1,000–3,000 words) — that shows how the editor reads your pages and helps you decide whether to escalate to a full developmental edit or run the recommended revisions first.

What should I request in a brief or quote to compare editors fairly?

Submit a concise editorial brief with genre, target reader, comps, word count, draft state, services sought and timeline. Ask each editor for the per‑word equivalent, edit letter length, estimated margin comments (light or heavy coaching), meeting time, and follow‑up support or second‑look terms so you can compare deliverables as well as price.

Also request a paid sample edit or a redacted example of a previous edit; seeing the editor’s tone, specificity and use of a style sheet helps you choose the right fit rather than the cheapest option.

Which supporting documents shorten editor hours and reduce the quote?

Provide a scene inventory or scene map (one line per scene with POV, purpose and turn), a timeline, character sheets and a glossary for invented terms. These support docs prevent the editor from having to reconstruct the book map and cut down billable detective work.

For complex projects — braided timelines, many POVs or heavy worldbuilding — the time you invest in clean support materials typically lowers the per‑word equivalent and produces clearer, faster developmental notes.

How can I reduce a developmental edit quote without sacrificing quality?

Tighten the manuscript first: run a beat audit, cut scenes with no turn, remove filler phrases and standardise formatting (Word with Track Changes). Trim word count where possible — per‑word pricing rewards lean prose — and supply a short style sheet listing names and spelling choices to save copying time later.

Consider targeted options such as an assessment followed by a focused developmental pass on the opening acts, or a paid sample edit on the opening and a knotty scene. Negotiating scope (fewer passes, leaner letter, focused chapters) preserves impact while lowering cost.

What is a “second look” and when should I budget for one?

A second look is a follow‑up review of revised material — commonly the revised opening, midpoint or climax — to check whether structural changes landed and to catch ripple effects. It is labour‑intensive because the editor must rebuild their map of the manuscript, so it typically costs a significant fraction of the original pass.

Budget for a second look when you anticipate a substantial rewrite or new scenes; if you want reassurance that the opening and midpoint now work, request a quoted second look on a specified word count (for example 5–10k words) in your original brief to avoid surprises.

How should I phase edits, plan timelines and manage cash flow for a full editorial stack?

Phase the work: assessment → developmental → line → copy → proof on designed pages. Allow revision windows between stages (typically several weeks) and book editor slots early to avoid rush fees. Most editors require a deposit (25–50%) with balance on delivery or set milestones for long projects.

Create a simple calendar and cash plan with deposit dates and final payments, and include a 10–20% money and time buffer for second looks or scope shifts; this reduces stress and prevents rushed, costly decisions late in production.

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