Editing and Proofreading Rates

Last updated: November 12, 2024

We’re commonly asked about industry-standard editing and proofreading rates. Rates can vary widely, and there’s was no standardization, though there are market trends and averages.

In 2020, the EFA put together a survey with averages and ranges of rates across various types of editing, including copy editing and proofreading.

PS: EditorNinja is a flat-rate, on-demand copy editing and proofreading service. We charge $50 per 1,000 words copy edited and proofread up to 5,000 words, with different pricing for needs above that. Schedule an Intro Call to see if we’re the right fit for you.

Copy editing rates

CopyeditingMedian Rate Per HourMedian Rate Per WordMedian Pace Of Work
Copyediting, fiction$36-40/hr$.02-.029/wd7-10 pages/hr
Copyediting, Nonfiction$41–$45/hr$.03–$.039/wd4–6 pages/hr
Copyediting, Business/Sales$46–$50/hr$.04–$.049/wd4–6 pages/hr
Copyediting, Medical/STEM$46–$50/hr$.04–$.049/wd4–6 pages/hr

Proofreading rates

ProofreadingMedian Rate Per HourMedian Rate Per WordMedian Pace of Work**
Proofreading, Fiction$31–$35/hr$.02–$.029/wd11–15 pages/hr
Proofreading, Nonfiction$36–$40/hr$.02–$.029/wd7–10 pages/hr
Proofreading, Business/Sales$41–$45/hr$.04–$.049/wd7–10 pages/hr
Proofreading, Medical/STEM$41–$45/hr$.03–$.039/wd4–6 pages/hr

How much does it cost to edit 1,000 words?

Copy editing costs a median per-hour rate of $35. This is the industry average, of course, with more senior editors (who can edit faster) charging more and less experienced editors taking longer, and so costs may vary by a few dollars per hour on either end.

EditorNinja charges $50 per thousand words edited, up to 5,000 words. Pricing is on a volume basis above that. Schedule a call with us here to chat about your need.

For the purposes of the EFA survey and this chart, a page was defined as 250 words, which is the industry standard for a manuscript page.

"EditorNinja's editors have been a game-changer for us. They've learned our very specific style guides, ask questions when something isn't clear, and always get content back to us on time. They're an important extension of our team."
Malory Speir - 10x Travel
Malory Speir
Managing Editor at 10xTravel
"As a fast growing startup building an AI-powered GTM management platform, we need a special combination of flexible, affordable, and personalized editing. EditorNinja has filled that for us perfectly with a Dedicated Editor."
Elyse Grassmuck
Senior Revenue Program Manager
VelocityEngine.com

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Remember, you can always adjust priority on documents if you need specific ones back sooner. Just remember to let your editing team know in Slack.

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