Why does editing cost so much?

That’s a good question. Some authors ask me this when they receive a quote, and I understand they are probably working on a tight budget, and editing can seem like an expensive luxury. But editing is a professional service, priced on the time and expertise required to make a manuscript, or any other copy, shine.

So, let’s look at why editing costs what it does and why investing in a good editor is a good choice for your project.

Editing is more than Proofreading

One of the biggest misconceptions about editing is that it’s just about fixing typos and grammatical errors. But while proofreading (the process of checking for spelling, punctuation, and grammar issues) is a key part of editing, it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

There are many types of professional editing, and depending on the quality of the manuscript, may include:

• Structural editing: where the editor looks at the big picture and evaluates how the content is organised, the flow of ideas, pacing, and the overall structure.

• Stylistic editing: where the editor refines the tone, voice, and style to ensure the content aligns with the desired audience and purpose. This might involve rewriting sentences, adjusting word choice, or suggesting changes that make the message clearer or more compelling.

• Content editing: focuses on ensuring the content is clear, accurate, and informative. Editors check for logical inconsistencies, gaps in reasoning, or missing information. They may suggest adding or removing sections to strengthen the piece.

• Line editing: where the editor hones in on the technical quality of each sentence, tightening up language, improving word choice, or breaking up long sentences for better readability.

As you can see, editing isn’t just fixing small errors; it’s improving the entire work, from structure to style.

The skills and experience

Editing is a specialised skill. It requires a keen eye for detail, knowledge of grammar and syntax, and the ability to see the big picture. Professional editors can spend years honing their craft and learning the nuances of different writing styles (I always say that a good editor reads a LOT!).

Some expertise an editor brings to the table:

• Language knowledge: an editor needs to be a master of grammar, punctuation, and style rules.

• Critical thinking: a good editor can view content from multiple angles to evaluate how well a message is conveyed, how a piece fits within its genre, and whether it will resonate with its intended audience.

• Experience: whether you’re writing a novel, a business report, a blog, or a technical manual, an editor experienced in that specific genre can bring invaluable insights. They can ensure your work aligns with industry expectations, trends, and standards.

All of this experience, which may take years to develop, is what editors charge for.

Time

Editing takes time; a lot of time. The editing process isn’t just about reading through a document once and fixing a few mistakes. It’s a detailed, iterative process; rewording unwieldy sentences while retaining an author’s voice, reordering copy for clarification or finding a solution to strengthen a character.

Editors often perform multiple rounds of revisions, taking many hours, days, or weeks, depending on the length and complexity of the work.

As an example, an editor might do the following:

• First pass: read through the document to gain a general sense of the content, identifying major issues, like structural problems or unclear arguments.

• Second pass: work on more granular issues, such as rewriting sentences for clarity, improving flow, and ensuring consistency.

• Final pass: double-check everything for grammar, punctuation, and other technical details. This is where proofreading comes in.

An editor might spend anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the length and complexity of your project.

The cost of expertise

I have tried to explain above that it’s important to recognise that editing isn’t just labour, it’s expertise. Editors don’t just work with words; they make decisions that affect the success of your project. Seriously, a good editor can turn a mediocre manuscript into a masterpiece.

The value of editing is often most apparent when you look at the difference between an unedited and a professionally edited piece. Poorly edited content, whether it’s riddled with errors, disorganised, or unclear, can damage an author’s credibility, lose their audience, or fail to communicate their message effectively. A good editor helps an author’s content/story reach its full potential and ensures their hard work isn’t undermined by avoidable mistakes.

All types of editing take time. Proofreaders, for example, are trained to read slowly, far slower than a ‘normal’ reading pace. They read every word, sometimes out loud, to catch errors that slip past the untrained eye. They also pick up any inconsistencies and style deviations. Then, when it comes to the typeset copy, proofreaders check that the design and layout are consistent (fonts and headings, etc), ensure no chapter and page numbers are missing, check that the front and back matter are correct, and much more!

The hidden costs of skimping on editing

Many writers and creators wonder if they can ‘get away’ with a less expensive editor or do it themselves. There are certainly editors who charge less for their services; this may be because they have less expertise or are undervaluing themselves.

When you skimp on professional editing, you risk:

• Lower quality work: typos, unclear phrasing, and awkward structures are more likely to slip through.

• Missed opportunities: an editor can help identify areas for improvement that could make a big difference in the final product.

• Damaged reputation: poor grammar or unclear communication can harm an author’s reputation.

• Lost time: any time an author spends editing themselves could be better spent creating new content, growing a business, or honing their skills. They might also miss things because they’re too close to the work; a second pair of eyes is so valuable.

In short, cutting corners on editing could cost you more in the long run, whether in terms of lost opportunities, diminished impact, or wasted time.

So, what are you paying for?

I hope you have now picked up that when you hire a professional editor, you’re not just paying for the hours they work, you’re paying for:

• professional judgment and experience.

• ability to identify and fix both big-picture and small-scale issues.

• ability to elevate your work, whether through improving clarity, style, or logic.

• time and energy to ensure your content is the best it can be.

So, while the cost of editing may seem high, it’s a worthwhile investment if you want your work to be polished, professional, and impactful.

Investing pays off

The costs associated with editing reflect the complexity, skill, and time needed to polish an author’s content. Whether you're a writer, business professional, or creator, an editor can help ensure your content is engaging, effective, and error-free.

As an author, editing is one of the best investments you can make in your work. So, don’t undervalue the role a professional editor can play in bringing your work to life. It may seem expensive upfront, but the long-term benefits of well-edited work are worth the price. If you want to elevate your writing and ensure your content is at its best, consider the value of professional editing.

Publishing a book takes money and effort. I hope this musing has clarified why editing costs what it does.

I hope this helps xx

If you’re an aspiring author looking to publish your book, I'm here to polish your words and create a professional, reader-friendly publication for you. I would love to support you on your publishing journey.

Contact me for an editing and typesetting estimate; let’s make your book shine!

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