Copyediting 1,000 words is not a simple process. It involves much more than reading the words and running a spell-check. The quality of an edit depends on several factors, including how well the writer expresses themselves and the editor’s ability to see and overlook errors.
Cost of copyediting 1000 words
The cost of copyediting a thousand words depends on several factors. The editor’s experience and expertise can significantly affect the price, so it’s essential to consider their level of expertise when choosing the right editor for the best dissertation writing service. Some editors charge a minimum service fee, so comparing quotes for the entire project is wise. You should also consider the deadline for the project and whether the editor will work on weekends or evenings.
A typical editor charges $40-$60 per hour or about $0.01 per word. Some editors offer flat-rate pricing based on the word count (for example, $400 for less than 50,000 words and $700 for 50,000-75,000 words). In general, editors make comments on the text and suggest improvements or changes that the author can make to address any problems. They also typically include an editorial report, which explains the big-picture issues and gives advice on what to fix.
Editing companies charge differently based on the level of editing required. Content editing, for example, costs more than proofreading because it involves more work. Some companies charge by the hour, per word, or per page. Others charge per thousand words, and you can expect to pay more for higher-level services and faster turnaround.
The time frame for completing an edit
The time it takes to complete a copy-edit of 1000 words is dependent on several factors. The type of errors and the depth of the edit will all play a role in the time required for a copy-edit. A typical line edit should take about two weeks.
Some copy editors provide an estimate based on the word count, while others use a price per 1000 words. A reputable copy editor will provide a sample edit of your manuscript before providing an accurate quote. If they refuse to do so, this should be a red flag.
Sample edits available
A copy editor will edit a document for style, mechanics, and content errors. This type of editing requires heavy content revision, and the rate will vary depending on the level of editing needed and the number of rounds of edits. Copy editing can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per thousand words. Proofreading services are also available, but the cost of this service is typically based on the word count.
A thousand-word manuscript needs extensive copyediting for clarity, consistency, and errors. This process takes between 35 hours and one to two weeks for a basic copyedit and about 80 hours for a deeper line edit. The editing process is highly dependent on the writer’s ability to convey the meaning of their work and their editor’s ability to spot mistakes.
Sample edits are a great way to gauge the quality of an editor’s work before you pay for the service. Most editors will be more than happy to offer copy-edits of a small portion of your manuscript for a small fee. It is important to send your manuscript to several editors for sample edits so you can see how each one edits it. This will help you decide if the editor will be able to retain your voice and whether they will get along well with you.
While charging for copy-editing samples may not be the best approach for every editorial freelancer, it may be the right choice for some. Some clients may expect the editing to be free as a courtesy, and it is fine to do this as long as you have a reasonable chance of securing the full project. On the other hand, new entrants in the field may want to grab any chance they get to get paid for their work.