IWACA GUEST FEATURE
IWACA | 11
"I don't need an editor... just someone to proofread my novel."
There is a vast difference between editing and proofreading. In fact, there are different levels of editing, including developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting. Even if your book has gone through a developmental edit, you'll still need someone to line edit and copy edit your book before it's proofread.
Proofreading is the last step before your book is printed or e-published. It's used for catching last-minute typos, errors that inadvertently occur when changes are incorporated, and incorrect forms of words that made it past spellcheck.
"I can't afford to pay an experienced editor. Can't I just find a beginner on Goodreads to give me a free edit in exchange for free promo?"
You work ridiculously hard on your book. And while a beginner may work just as hard on it, will she or he be equipped to thoroughly and thoughtfully edit your book? Will that editor know the fine art of changing wording only when necessary, while retaining your original voice?
Although some editors charge more than others, having a high price tag does not necessarily translate to being the most qualified. But editors who work at their craft for a living need to earn enough to make a living.
Budget properly for editorial services early on in your book's development, so that you aren't blindsided when it's time to hire an editor.
“Every editor I contact says it will cost at least $2000 for an edit. I’ll never afford one!”
The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) recommends hourly rates that are dependent on the type of editing needed. The EFA rates are based on 250 words per page and an editing speed of anywhere from 1 to 10 pages an hour.
Some editors stick to EFA-rates; others will work with you to negotiate a different rate. A number of editors charge by the page or by the word instead of using an hourly rate.
But, no one wins when you drastically lowball a good editor with a figure such as $300 for a 100K novel.
That editor, even a great one, has to juggle several projects in order to charge you that low rate.
The editor who agrees to edit at a rate of 0.004 per word ( or $4 per 1000 words) is earning less than a high schooler working at McDonald's. Is that really the way to get the best out of your editor?