How Much Does Professional Book Editing Cost?
Let’s get into the true price (and value!) of a professionally edited book!
If you’re a writer preparing to publish your book, you’ve probably wondered about the topic of editing costs with some dread. The answer can feel confusing, especially when editors and editing services offer wildly different pricing models—from per-word fees to hourly rates to vague quotes based on page count. At BookReady Editors, we do things differently. We offer flat-rate editing services that take the guesswork (and sticker shock) out of the process.
In this post, we’ll break down average editing costs, explore the factors that influence those prices, and explain why our transparent, flat-rate model may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Average Book Editing Costs (2024 estimates)
There are several types of book editing, each with different levels of depth and price. According to the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), here’s what you might expect to pay in the U.S. in 2024:
Proofreading: $0.013–$0.021 per word
Copy Editing: $0.021–$0.035 per word
Developmental Editing: $0.08–$0.12 per word (or more)
So, what does that mean for you (and your book)? Let’s say that your book is 80,000 words. That’s about the average, but it varies by genre, and debut fiction writers —and many of BookReady’s writers—start with fewer. Here’s what that might cost with traditional editors, following the pricing above:
Proofreading: $1,040 – $1,680
Copy Editing: $1,680 – $2,800
Developmental Editing: $6,400 – $9,600+
Because of that big range, and because many authors don’t even know what kind of editing they need until they start talking to an editor, we’re partial to BookReady’s flat rate model.
Why Per-Word Pricing Can Be Confusing
Most freelance editors and agencies charge per word, which can make budgeting stressful. Authors often:
Underestimate their word count (especially in early drafts)
Get hit with surprise fees if the scope changes
Feel unsure if they’re being overcharged
Some even offer hourly pricing, which brings even more uncertainty. Without a clear estimate of how many hours the job will take, you’re left hoping your editor is fast—and honest.
The BookReady Editors Solution: Flat-Rate Editing That Works for You
At BookReady Editors, we designed our services to be author-friendly. We believe editing should be transparent, affordable, high-quality, and stress-free. No hidden fees. No per-word math. No worrying about whether your 72,000-word manuscript will cost more than you can afford. Here’s the details how BookReady’s model benefits you:
Budget-friendly and Affordable: You know exactly what you’ll pay. Up to 80,000 words, your price is the same.
Encourages Better Writing Habits: You don’t have to trim content just to save money. Write the book you need to write; we’ve got you covered.
Same Quality, Every Time: Just because we offer flat rates doesn’t mean we cut corners. Our editors are experienced, detail-obsessed professionals who care deeply about your voice, your story, and your goals.
Zero Guesswork: Not sure if you need a copy edit or a developmental edit? Our editors help you choose the right level of service, with no upselling or overcharging.
How We Keep Our Editing Affordable
Wait a minute—how can BookReady Editors afford to charge less than the industry average? Here’s how:
We’ve implemented streamlined processes that eliminate admin bloat:
Efficient workflows based on clear scopes and expectations. We keep things simple: No layers of project managers or complex intake forms. Just choose your package, upload your manuscript, and let us get to work
No middleman markups. We don’t outsource or work through third-party platforms. More of your payment goes directly to your editor, not to overhead or profit layers.
We focus solely on editing—no distractions. Unlike companies juggling multiple services, we specialize in editing. That singular focus means better quality, faster turnaround, and fairer pricing.
We also believe in fair pay for editors. All our editors are paid competitively and are matched to projects that fit their strengths. It’s a win-win: authors get better results, and editors get to do their best work.
What About AI Editing?
We get this question often: can’t AI tools do editing for less—or even free?
Yes, but here’s the catch:
AI can’t truly understand tone, nuance, or context.
It often misses repetitive language, logic errors, or plot inconsistencies.
It can actually introduce mistakes when it rewrites your sentences.
It doesn’t know the endless days of work you’ve put into your manuscript. We do, and we treat it with the according respect.
At BookReady Editors, we believe your book deserves a human touch—one that understands rhythm, emotion, subtext, and structure. That’s why we never use AI to edit your manuscript. Every sentence is reviewed by a real editor with real experience.
So … How Much Should You Pay for Editing?
Did you just skip to the end of this post? Okay, if you want the short answer to “how much does it cost to edit a book,” here’s the short answer: It should cost enough to ensure high-quality, personalized work, but it should also be clear, honest, and affordable.
At BookReady Editors, we think that’s a flat rate that respects both your budget and your book.
