What Are Average Proofreading Rates?
From only $0.016 per word to . Here are 5 answers to the question, “What rate do you expect to pay for proofreading? Alternatively, what is your proofreading rate?”
- No More Than $0.016 Per Word
- Depends on Length and Complexity
- Around $0.13-$0.16/Word
- Less than $0.10/Word
- $30-$40/Hour
No More Than $0.016 Per Word
I expect to pay only $0.016 per word when I contract for proofreading services. I believe this is a reasonable fee for the quality of work I am guaranteed to get in return. I feel I am making a sound financial investment when I use this rate.
Professional editors will carefully proofread and edit documents with attention to detail, accuracy, and clarity. These editing services take knowledge and experience, so I understand why the rate is what it is. I accept it as necessary for me to have access to skilled professionals who can guarantee superior results every time.
Natalia Brzezinska
Marketing and Outreach Manager, ePassportPhoto
Depends on Length and Complexity
The rate for proofreading services varies significantly depending on the length and complexity of the document, as well as the experience level of the proofreader. Rates can range from a few cents per word to several dollars per hour.
More experienced proofreaders charge higher rates because of their expertise in identifying errors and making corrections quickly and accurately. Furthermore, proofreaders may charge an additional fee if they have to extensively edit the document or if there are tight deadlines.
Aviad Faruz
CEO, FARUZO
Around $0.13-$0.16/Word
Proofreading, in general, is well-priced and affordable. On average, you’re looking at about 13 to 16 cents a word. Rates can fluctuate a bit based on a few factors, however. Turnaround time or the complexity of the task can both affect how much you may be charged for the work you need done.
Obviously, editing a short story for young adults is likely going to be less time-consuming than proofreading a technical manual, even if both pieces of content are the same length. You’ll need to talk to your proofreader about the details of the job before you can be assured of the cost. Regardless, good proofreading is paramount to good and accurate content. The money you spend to make your content shine will be worth the investment.
Max Schwartzapfel
CMO, Schwartzapfel Lawyers
Less than $0.10/Word
The average rate for proofreading on most freelance platforms is typically less than $0.10 per word. However, the rate can vary depending on several factors, including the text’s complexity, subject matter, and length.
For instance, if you have a lengthy legal document or a specialized technical piece of writing, you may need to pay a higher rate to ensure that it is proofread accurately. Conversely, you may secure a lower rate if your project is simpler and shorter.
It is important to note that the rate you pay for proofreading will depend on the text. Therefore, discussing your project with potential proofreaders and obtaining an expected rate estimate before selecting a provider is essential. Doing so can ensure you receive high-quality proofreading services that meet your budget and requirements.
Burak Özdemir
Founder, Online Alarm Kur
$30-$40/Hour
As a book publishing coach for nonfiction authors, I advise my clients that the going rate for proofreading is typically $0.02 to $0.03 per word, or $30-40 per hour. Fiction proofreading is often on the lower end of that range, with nonfiction often on the higher end of that range. Proofreading rates for STEM titles and business books may occasionally be a little higher than that.
We can find average rates based on surveys of proofreaders in Writer’s Market, published annually, and on the now-slightly outdated Editorial Freelancers Association Editorial Rates page.
Daniel Tortora
Nonfiction Book Coach and Editor, Daniel J. Tortora
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