Copyediting Rates: 5 Best Tips for What to Charge
Written by Carley DenBoer and Matt Roseti
If you’re thinking through copyediting rates as a copyeditor or a writer, you’re in the right place, my friend. In this blog, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty about what copyediting rates to charge as a copyeditor –AND what to expect to pay as a writer.
But first, picture this: It’s a Tuesday morning.
You’re at your favorite local coffee shop with an untouched iced coffee sweating condensation next to you. ☕
Why would that coffee go untouched, you ask?
Well, that’s because you’re editing a client’s piece. And you’re deep in.
You’re not just correcting the grammar, but you’re giving them real, higher-level feedback that will truly change the quality of their work as a whole.
BUT as you madly type away – you’ve got a few nagging questions bouncing around your mind:
- Am I charging enough for all of this work?
- Or did I just sign up for way more than I’m getting paid for?
In other words: What are fair copyediting rates?
👓 If you’re a copyeditor: You GET this conundrum.
You care deeply about your clients and their writing. You’re personally invested in their projects.
And at the same time, you know HOW much work goes into editing a piece. You also care about your own business, and you want to make sure that you’re getting fairly compensated for all of your time and dedication.
✏️ If you’re a writer: You’re invested in your writing. And you’ve poured everything into your business.
You’re willing to pay for a great copyeditor because you care about your work. But for you – you want to make sure you’re not getting ripped off. How do you know if the copyediting rates you’re paying for are fair?
I’m Carley DenBoer. I’m a copyeditor, copywriter, copy coach, and founder of The Editing Marketplace – a platform that connects great writers with great editors. Today, I’ll tap into my years of experience both as a writer and an editor to give insight into how to form copyediting rates that work for both writers and editors. I’ll also share how I came up with my own pricing guidelines for The Editing Marketplace.
Pricing can feel icky – I get it. Pricing is one of the trickiest things for me STILL after all these years. And look – we can talk about money mindset another time. But today, we’ll explore practical questions and elements that factor into forming fair copyediting rates that work for both parties.
I’ll cover:
- 2 Types of Copyediting
- 5 Tips to Set Your Copyediting Rates
- How to Create Your Own Pricing Formula for Copyediting Rates
So, if you’re ready to take the “ick” out of pricing and copyediting rates – let’s dive in.
2 Types of Copyediting
Okay, before we get into copyediting rates, let’s talk about the different types of copyediting. Just so we’re all on the same page. People like to throw the term “copyediting” around, but it means different things to different people.
Basically, there are 2 camps when it comes to copyediting:
- Copyediting for books and manuscripts
- Copyediting for copywriters, business owners, and marketing
Here’s a quick rundown:
Copyediting Rates for Books & Manuscripts
The world of book editing is vast, and this won’t be our main focus today.
But basically, editing for books happens in 4 stages:
1) Developmental Editing
2) Line Editing
3) Copyediting
4) Proofreading [1]
To learn more about these stages, check out my blog:
“What Is Copy Editing for Copywriters?”
At The Editing Marketplace, we edit ALL types of copy, and some of our editors specialize in book and manuscript editing.
You can check out our editors HERE to find those who specialize in working with authors.
Copyediting Rates in the Marketing World
Our main focus today will be copyediting rates in the marketing world. So that means people getting their copy edited who are:
- Copywriters
- Business owners writing their own copy
This type of editing is for copy – meaning writing designed to help a business with its marketing and to get people to ACT.
Some examples of copy that you might want to get edited are:
- Blogs
- Website Copy
- Emails & Email Sequences
- Landing Pages
- Social Media Posts
- Product Descriptions
Some unique factors that go into copyediting for the marketing world are:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – optimizing online content to rank higher in Google searches
- Headline Analysis – writing headers and titles that get clicks and capture attention
- Marketing Strategy – analyzing how this particular piece of copy fits into the business’s overall marketing strategy and funnel.
- Skimmability – keeping the audience’s eyes moving through the content
- Call to Action (CTA) – all copy should have a CTA that prompts people to act – whether it’s to continue reading more content or purchase a product or course
At The Editing Marketplace, we specialize in editing copy for ALL of these factors. Our main specialty is helping copywriters and business owners tighten up their copy to produce stellar writing that will get sales and leads to businesses.
Learn more about how we help copywriters and business owners HERE.
5 Tips to Set Copyediting Rates
Okay, now let’s talk pricing and copyediting rates.
*Cue awkward hush over the room*
Look, you’re not alone if you start sweating and pulling at your shirt collar when the question, “So what do you charge?” comes up – whether you’re asking it OR being asked.
But if you follow these 5 tips for setting copyediting rates, I promise it’ll feel easier.
I’ll be sure to pull from all of my knowledge and experience as a copyeditor, and I’ll do my best to break it down to a science for you.
But let me tell you first: there’s not one right answer.
I know how frustrating that can be to hear, but hang in there with me.
Because at the end of the day, setting copyediting rates is about:
- Finding copyediting rates that work for YOU and those working with you
- And treating everybody with respect, including yourself
These tips for setting copyediting rates will address all of that – and they can help you as a writer and as an editor.
Setting Copyediting Rates Tip #1: 👑 Assess Your Experience & Skill Level
Okay, the first aspect to consider when setting your copyediting rates is your skill level and experience.
The only question to consider isn’t just “How long have you been copyediting?.”
There’s a lot more that goes into someone’s skill as a copyeditor than just length of experience.
Copyediting isn’t like one of those job applications that says, “Entry level” but requires “5 years of experience.” ‘Cause we all HATE those. (Side note: can we just take a moment to appreciate being business owners and not having to work a job that expects us to stay at the same level for half a decade.🙏)
You can totally provide STELLAR copyediting services without a degree in English. AND you can totally invest in your copyediting career without years and years of work experience.
For example, I encourage you to consider these questions:
- What skills do you have from previous experiences that enhance your editing?
- How do you personally invest in your editing clients and their businesses?
- Have you invested in yourself professionally to grow in your editing skills?
ALL of these factors play a role in how to set your copyediting rates.
If you’re a new copyeditor looking to level up your skill, I recommend the Copy Anatomy Course. This is a copyediting course I created that’ll teach you ALL the most important aspects of how to edit copy to grow businesses.
If you’re a writer looking to hire a copyeditor, the same rule applies. Your first question shouldn’t necessarily be: How long have you been doing this?
Consider asking your editor how they edit and how they’ve invested in THEMSELVES and their CLIENTS, and that’ll provide a much clearer picture than years of experience. Then, let this drive the conversation about copyediting rates.
Setting Copyediting Rates Tip #2: 📜 Take Notes on Your Process
As an editor, consider your work process and flow when setting your copyediting rates.
Here’s what I mean.
Next time you sit down to edit a piece, write down a step-by-step process of everything you do. Pay attention to the smaller tasks and details – especially the things you do naturally.
For example, when I edit a piece of copy, I really naturally find myself looking at the bigger marketing picture of the business and helping the writer fit this piece into that bigger picture. I try to do this when it will really help my clients.
BUT assessing the overall marketing strategy and funnel for a business takes some time. So, I want to make sure I account for that time and that skillset I bring to the table in my copyediting rates.
The more logistical work you put on yourself, then theoretically, the higher the price should be to compensate for that.
If you’re a writer, you can be super clear with your copyeditor about which strengths and skills of theirs you’d like to utilize for the edit. Then, factor this in as you negotiate copyediting rates with them.
Setting Copyediting Rates Tip #3: 🤫 Use a Secret Hourly Rate
If you’re a freelancer, you’ve probably heard of the term “secret hourly rate.” It just means being aware ahead of time of how much you’d like to get paid per hour.
Then, when you accept client work, you consider:
- How long a project will take
- And you factor this into the pricing…
…so your copyediting rates are in line with your secret hourly rate.
And then, of course, we call it secret because it’s not a number we need to disclose to our clients. And no, you can’t ask me what mine is! 😜 It’s a secret for a reason.
Back when I first started writing and editing, I was actually setting a secret hourly rate and didn’t even realize I was doing it! I kept comparing my pay to what I got as a floor nurse and trying to beat it!
Lots of people ask me: What is an acceptable copyeditor hourly rate? And my answer is that it shouldn’t be based on what job posts say but on what works for you.
Some questions to ask yourself when using a secret hourly rate to set your copyediting rates:
- Do I feel right about the amount I’m charging for this project?
- Does the pricing feel fair to my client?
- Does the pricing feel fair to me?
- Can I complete this project without feeling resentment for the pay-to-work ratio?
- Does this pay sit well with my conscience?
From my experience setting my copyediting rates with a secret hourly rate, here are some takeaways.
🟢 Pros of the Secret Hourly Rate: This method promotes awareness of your own personal and business goals. It helps ensure that each project aligns with those goals, so you can feel good about the projects you complete.
🔴 Cons of the Secret Hourly Rate: I found this to cause some stress and unnecessary expectations around how long each edit should take. So I had to learn to let myself go slow if I wanted to. I’m the boss. It’s ok. And I enjoy my work – when I’m not rushing.
Setting Copyediting Rates Tip #4: Choose a Model
Now that you’ve been sworn in to the covert world of the secret hourly rate, we can explore two models for setting copyediting rates that you can use.
I always recommend that copyeditors start with this secret hourly rate and then see which of these models works best for that rate.
Model #1: Price Per Word Model
You’ve probably heard of the price per word – or PPW – model for setting copyediting rates.
The copy editing rates per word model is super popular and honestly pretty easy to follow. A standard rate would look something like 4-5 cents per word.
🟢Pros of the Copy Editing Rates Per Word Model: The copy editing rates per word model is straightforward and easy to understand.
🔴Cons of the Copy Editing Rates Per Word Model: This is not a good structure for writers who tend to write skimpy first drafts but bulked-up second drafts. The editor ends up not getting compensated fairly – so something to be aware of.
Model #2: Set Price Per Type of Copy
Another option when setting your copyediting rates is to have a set rate per type of copy. You can tap into your secret hourly rate to help you set these rates.
The more you edit different genres of copy, the more you’ll start to see trends in which ones tend to take you shorter and which ones tend to take you longer.
You’ll probably also find that you enjoy editing certain types of copy more, so you might go a little faster on those.
For example, let’s say it takes me an hour to edit a blog, and my secret hourly rate is $80/hour. In that case, I’d charge $80 per blog as a standard price point.
🟢Pros: A set price per type of copy can make your copyediting rates super clear for both you and your clients. As you grow in familiarity with different types of copy, you’ll find that you can get super fast at these edits.
🔴Cons: Price per type of copy has its weaknesses though – one of them being that it doesn’t account for word count or length of the piece, which can fluctuate a lot.
Setting Copyediting Rates Tip #5: Be Kind
Finding the right pricing strategy for your copyediting rates will most likely require some trial and error. As you gain experience and build your reputation, you can adjust your copyediting rates accordingly. Balancing fair compensation for your skills and attracting clients is key to establishing a successful copyediting business.
I share all of these tips because – like I said – there’s not JUST one way to set your copyediting rates. You’ll most likely need to play around with some of these options and find which ones work for you.
Really, all of this comes down to just valuing each other.
AND valuing ourselves.
So, if you’re a copyeditor trying to set your copyediting rates, check in with yourself throughout the process. Make sure you feel valued with the pay you’re getting for your work. Make sure you feel like your time is being honored. And also make sure you’re respecting the writer on the other side of your edits by charging them fairly.
And if you’re a writer looking to get copyediting services, make sure the copyediting rates you’re paying for don’t totally take away from the pay you’re receiving for writing the piece. You want to feel good about the service you’re receiving for the cost. And make sure you’re honoring and valuing the time of the copyeditor who’s investing in you and your business.
How to Create Your Own Pricing Formula for Copyediting Rates
As I mentioned earlier, I created my own pricing guidelines for The Editing Marketplace. I did this so that when writers and editors negotiate the copyediting rates of their editing projects, they have an easy reference point to start.
These guidelines are not the end-all and be-all, but they help writers and editors negotiate copyediting rates every day at The Editing Marketplace, so I thought they would help you as well.
Here are the factors we take into account:
✍️ Writer Skill Level
The editors at The Editing Marketplace LOVE helping newer writers edit their copy and get it in tip-top shape! In fact, that’s one of our main goals.
But we also know that helping newer writers takes a little more time and attention. For pieces of copy where you know you just need a little extra support, you can select the “TLC” option, which then gets factored into your copyediting rate for that piece.
At the Editing Marketplace, writers and business owners are never stuck at just one skill set level either. For example–maybe you took on a project outside your regular niche–and you want a little extra support. You can factor that into the edits you request.
And if you’re truly a newbie when it comes to copywriting, you can think of us more as copy mentors. Our edits will change and grow with you.
⌚ Turnaround Time
One other factor I always consider is the turnaround time. Sometimes, as a writer, you get a last-minute piece from a client that you KNOW you need some extra help with.
No sweat.
At The Editing Marketplace, we offer rush jobs, and we add that into the overall copyediting rate for that piece.
Or if a piece is written well ahead of its deadline and submitted for edits, this is a great opportunity to offer cheaper copyediting rates.
⌛ Time Between Request and Schedule
When it comes to tangibly scheduling edits, there are two timeframes to consider:
1. The time between the writer making the initial request and the editor first laying eyes on the copy
2. The time between the editor laying eyes on a piece and completing edits
Both of these affect the copyediting rates.
As a freelancer or a business owner, you truly have the benefit of making your own schedule, so I always recommend prioritizing your edits and planning ahead. This way, you can get great copyedits and pay less!
⭕ Scope
The scope of the edit is just a fancy way of saying how in-depth you want the edit to be. We offer two edit scopes at The Editing Marketplace.
Right Track: This is overall feedback on the piece. In these edits, we address stuff like: approach, tone, and structure. This scope also includes aspects of marketing strategy and overall instructional teaching. The “Right Track” style edit is typically offered for cheaper copyediting rates.
Clean Up: This scope is more in-depth, so I recommend charging more for it. This is a thorough, line-by-line style edit. This includes overall, higher-level edits as well as grammar and syntax corrections. With this scope, you’ll have a fully polished, ready-to-publish piece.
➕ Add-Ons
If you add on any specialty services, make sure you get paid for this time and skill. Add–ons are a great way to add more value to your editing services while also charging a bit more.
Some add-ons we offer at The Editing Marketplace include:
- SEO Analysis
- Q&A Round
- Proofreading Round
A Collaborative Copyediting Community
Thanks for checking out our resources today on how to set and negotiate copyediting rates.
If you’re a copyeditor running your own copyediting business and interested in connecting with more writing clients, feel free to learn more about joining our editing team.
A few notes about joining The Editing Marketplace as an editor:
- Editors at The Editing Marketplace must go through a vetting process to ensure top-notch quality!
- Openings for editors don’t happen until our current editors meet their work capacity. This helps give more predictable workloads to current editors.
Learn More About Editing for The Marketplace
If you’re a copywriter OR a business owner who’s writing your own content, getting support from a quality copyeditor can make all the difference.
Both editors and writers get access to:
- A community of other editors and writers
- Weekly Q& A calls to submit any questions
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