Why do costs for writing and editing services vary so much?

Prospective clients interview me and ask, “Why do costs for writing and editing services vary so much?”

Many variables go into answering this question and in the cost for services, too. Some considerations for overall cost of services:

  • Experience of service provider
  • Depth of services required
  • Length of project (number of pages)
  • Project quality
  • Project deadline

For instance, writing coaches, ghostwriters, and editors are going to charge more based on work experience and work load. A professional with 20-plus years of experience will charge more than a professional with two or three years of experience. And they should. The more experienced professional can do a better job in less time, in most cases, there... Read More

What’s the difference between an editor and a beta reader?

Following my last few posts on editing, I’ve gotten this question: What's the difference between an editor and a beta reader?
 
Beta readers are not professional editors and professional editors are not beta readers. Before someone finds offense, let me clarify this is most often the case and there are exceptions to every rule. For example, an editor may offer to work as a beta reader on a friend’s book or as an author’s fan. However, to confuse the experience and jobs of the editor and the beta reader or to settle for working with one over the other is a mistake, which sacrifices quality. Both serve a... Read More

What questions to ask an editor before hiring?

What questions to ask an editor before hiring? How to find a good editor is a matter of the writer asking questions related to experience, process, work ethic, costs, schedule, and sometimes it really can come down to personalities.

Knowledge is gained by asking how long the editor has worked as an editor. If the editor has repeat business and longevity, there is value for the writer. Also, check out social media to see if there is a presence and are there positive reviews on their page. If that doesn’t provide credibility, ask for references. You may get this answer in different forms. Don’t expect to get client phone... Read More

Will an editor change my story too much?

Will an editor change my story too much? I hear writers say, “I won’t hire an editor because they’ll change my story.” Sometimes the complaint is about changing plot line or changing word use so it no longer sounds like the author’s. As a writer, I understand this concern. As an editor I respond with, "You might have hired the wrong editor."

As an experienced, professional editor, the manuscript remains the author’s work written in their voice, in language they’re comfortable with, only better. Because in writing and editing, and in much of life, we join our expertise to find we’re better together! An editor is a fresh pair of eyes to catch errors or omissions... Read More

What’s an editor and why do I need one?

What’s an editor and why do I need one? Remember back to grade school, when an -or/-er is added to the end of a word it means “one who,” therefore an editor is one who edits. The dictionary says: “Editor” is a noun for a person in charge of determining content of a book, magazine, newspaper, or blog. But editors also edit film and video, not just moving pictures, but sound quality, and more.

Commonalities

Editors, within their area of expertise, are tasked with making the product the best possible. Editors are professionals. Editors get paid to edit. The better and more experienced the editor, the more they charge. Writing and publishing a book is not free or cheap,... Read More

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