So, you’ve written a document, and it needs to be perfect. Trouble is, you’re now so close to it that you can’t see the wood for the trees.
However good your writing is, when words represent your business or brand, you know that even one typo won’t reflect well. You might be asking yourself, ‘Can I afford to hire a proofreader?’ when the question really should be, ‘Can I afford not to?’
You could do with a second pair of eyes, but how much does proofreading cost?
It makes sense to compare quotes. So you Google “proofreading prices”. BAM! You fall at the first hurdle. You wouldn’t be the first person to find proofreading costs confusing. Rates can seem alarmingly different because they’re priced by the hour, by the word, by the page, and by the project.
1) By the word
This way, you know exactly how much a project will cost.
Most proofreaders apply a cost-per-word price depending on the quality and complexity of writing. If your writing is good and your topic straightforward, it will cost less per word than if English is your second language and your writing is highly technical.
My proofreading prices range from 0.05c to 0.08c per word. To determine the price of your job, I’ll ask to see a sample (with confidentiality assured) to assess quality and complexity.
Once I’ve seen what I’m working with, I’ll give you a fixed price per word so you know exactly what your project will cost.
2) By the hour
This way, you can compare the hourly rate of a proofreader with other freelancers who may work on an hourly rate. But you won’t know the exact price until the job’s done.
I charge $140 per hour for proofreading. And since I’m fast and good, you’ll get the benefit of my speed and skill.
Yes, other proofreaders may charge a lower per hour fee. But that’s because they’re less experienced and take longer. You may end up paying the same, but my work will be quicker, and results you can rely on are guaranteed.
3) By the page
When your document fits the industry standard of 250-300 words per page.
If your page layout has 12 pt Roman or Courier, double-spacing and 1” margins, you can compare per page proofreading prices.
My per page rate, depending on the amount of intervention required, ranges from $10 to $20. To give you a fixed price, I’ll ask to see a sample of pages to assess writing quality and complexity. Once I’ve seen what I’m working with, I can give you a per page price.
4) By the project
This way, you get budget certainty.
Sometimes, a project fee is the best plan of action – particularly if the job includes a mixture of text, graphics, tables or other factors. The fee is based on the size and nature of the job and turnaround time.
A note on fast turnaround proofreading
The price of proofreading can vary depending on how fast you want it. A fast turnaround generally increases the price, but remember, if your deadline is too tight, a quality job may not be possible at all.
The difference between proofreading & copy editing
Sometimes, you may think you need a proofreader, but your work actually could do with a copy edit. Rates for copy editing are higher – and again, depend on the level of intervention required.
Proofreading fixes the surface errors and perfects good writing
- Corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation and typos
- Checks page numbers are consecutive and running headers and footers are correct
- Ensures consistency of spelling, hyphenation and formatting
- Cross-checks chapter titles/pages/footnotes
- Ensures a publication-ready document.
Copy editing improves writing quality within the context of its purpose and audience
- Corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation and typos
- Enhances language use via vocabulary, tone and expression
- Checks tense, syntax and sentence structure
- Eliminates repetition, redundancy and ambiguity
- Improves style and impact
- Ensures clarity and succinctness so your writing has maximum impact.
If you’re satisfied with the quality of your writing then proofreading will suffice. But if you feel there are issues with your writing that could do with some reevaluation and rewriting, then copy editing is the service for you.
Some providers will try to sell you a proofreading service after they’ve completed your copy edit. In some cases, this is necessary (for example if the job is a manuscript). In most cases, I can provide both services at once – and that reduces your costs.
Pricing and proofreading formats – Word, hard copy or pdf
Most proofreaders prefer to work on Word or Google documents. The Track Changes tool allows changes to be made directly to the work. And you can review changes before accepting or rejecting them.
I get a kick from marking up documents in hard copy (using my trusty red pen and professional proofreading marks). If you’d like your document proofread by hand, you may find it hard to find someone with this experience.
If your job is in PDF format and requires markup in Adobe Reader, this is doable, but the work will take longer, and the fee may increase.
Still can’t decide if your document needs proofreading?
Even a minor error can distract your reader from the purpose of your prose and have them questioning your professionalism.
So, when your business or reputation is at stake, can you really afford to let the cost of proofreading stand in your way?
Remember, when searching for answers to the question ‘How much does proofreading cost?’, it’s usually only less experienced folk who’ll work for lower rates as a way to gain experience.
Offshore proofreading factories employing non-native proofreaders also offer low rates – but a poor proofreading job is a waste of your time and your money. An online checker or AI could be an option, but in my experience, they’re simply unable to understand the nuances of the English language.
An experienced proofreader will charge a fair and reasonable rate that reflects their professionalism and offers good value for a quality job. I’m pleased to say that I have many clients (including newspapers, government agencies, curriculum developers and other copywriters) who are regulars on my proofreading books.
Submit a sample of your document by email to lisa@thewordnest.com.au, and I’ll get back to you with my recommended approach and clear cost.
Thanks for such a clear explanation, not only of the pricing, but also the process of proofreading and copy -editing. Wish all businesses were as clear – and upfront – as Wordnest!