I like to be fully transparent with my fees, although this is notoriously difficult for editors as we can never be sure how much work a manuscript might need until we get right into the nitty-gritty of it. Over the years I have devised a system that gives authors the peace of mind of an upper limit but with the potential for a generous reduction. This is dependent on how much work the text needs. For texts over 10,000 words, I charge a rate per 1000 words, as listed below, and I log all hours worked, calculated at £25 per hour. At the end of the job, whichever is the cheaper of the two options is the price you pay.

For example: I agree to copy-edit your text of 50,000 words @ £18 per 1000 words, giving an upper limit of £900. No matter how much work I do, you will not pay a penny more than this. However, if your manuscript is in fantastic shape and I only spend 15 hours working on it, you will be invoiced for 15 hours @ £25, a total of £375.

This method was trialled over several years with many long-standing clients and I have only once invoiced for the maximum amount. This is a very popular pricing structure, particularly for self-publishing authors and small presses. It enables me to earn a living wage whilst also giving clients the reassurance of a known maximum cost.

If you are not sure whether your work needs a copy-edit or proofreading, please contact me to discuss. Please do not just book a proofread, hoping it will be sufficient, as there is a world of difference between the two services.

Texts over 10k words charged at £18 per 1000 words or £25 per hour, whichever is cheaper. Deposit £6 per 1000 words payable in advance, balance on completion. Texts under 10k words charged at £25 per hour, minimum flat fee £100. Payment on completion.

Texts over 10k words charged at £12 per 1000 words or £25 per hour, whichever is cheaper. (The maximum is reduced to £8 per 1000 words if I am also undertaking the copy-edit). Deposit of £4 per 1000 words payable in advance, balance on completion. Texts under 10k words charged at £25 per hour, minimum flat fee £100. Payment on completion.