Why Are Editors So Expensive? (And How Can I Reduce My Cost?)
I mean, it’s not the red pencils.
But yes, it’s true, editors are expensive. I am one, so I know. Not only that, I’m an author who has hired editors, and it’s expensive for me, too. To be sure, editing is the costliest step in an author’s journey to publication. So why does it cost so much?
There are a number of things that contribute to the cost of an edit—the condition of the writing, the length of the manuscript, the editor’s experience, and the kind of edit being performed. Still, all things being equal, the two factors most responsible for inflating the expense: skill and time.
An editor is a highly-skilled professional.
Any time you hire someone for their skillset—a plumber for example, or a doctor, or an attorney—you are paying them for a specific set of skills they acquired through years of training, education, and/or mentorship. An editor is no different.
Since we live in a world of technology and AI, I’ll throw this in as well—hire a professional editor, an actual person. Apps and software may correct grammar and such, but I’ve had many clients come my way after debacles with such products. No app or software platform will give you the human touch, like subjective feedback, relevant advice to help shape your manuscript overall, or ongoing support and encouragement as you make your way through revisions.
Editing is time-intensive.
Each editor is different, as is each kind of edit. Regardless, quality editing is neither quick nor easy. It is all at once a tedious, detail-oriented, and big-picture-minded job. On top of that, because of the intense focus required, six hours a day of editing is considered a maximum for the most skilled among us.
On average, most full length manuscripts take me three weeks to complete. That time can vary depending on my personal and professional calendar, the condition of a manuscript, as well as its word count. Naturally, the more errors and issues, the more time I’ll require to work my way through it. Usually, I am able to gauge the condition of the manuscript fairly accurately when I assess it during the proposal process.
How can you reduce your cost?
Consider these five tips:
1. Edit as much as you can yourself. Don’t submit your first draft.
2. Do your best with formatting. Think indents, line spacing, dialog syntax.
3. Get beta readers to give you feedback on the content. Then revise.
4. Shop around. Ask 2-3 editors you’ve narrowed it down to for a sample edit and proposal.
5. After an edit is complete, follow your editor’s advice and ask questions if needed during your revision work before you submit the manuscript for another round of editing or final proof.
An edit is an essential step in the writing process, and well worth the investment. Get what you want out of the editing process by asking questions before and after the work is done. Here are a few other articles that may help you on your journey. And just below those links, you’ll see how to access my free publishing guide as well.
The First Draft Adventure (from my editor, Dr. Roger Leslie)
Get the Most From Your Editor (tips for hiring and questions to ask an editor)
Three Reasons You [Really Do] Need a Final Proof (why you should never skip it)
Free Publishing Guide from Andria Flores
If we haven’t met yet, I am Andria Flores: author, editor, and recovering perfectionist. For more articles like this one, connection with a supportive author network, and access to trusted publishing resources, subscribe to my newsletter today. When you do, I’ll send you my free Publishing Guide as a gift, and I won’t blow up your inbox every week. My 40+ page eBook is a step-by-step guide through the publishing process, including tips, tricks, and links that you can use along the way. Get yours here!
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