Every piece of writing submitted to a publisher or published online should go through rigorous editing and proofreading prior to releasing it released to the public. Since there are dozens of online businesses providing this service, it is now more convenient than ever to hire a professional to help you polish your writing so that it is crystal clear, compelling, and error-free. Online proofreading and editing services range in price, and with that comes a spectrum of quality. This means that looking around at what other online services have to offer and deciding which one is ideal for you in terms of quality of revision for the money is the best way to acquire the most bang for your buck.

What Does A Proofreader Do

Hiring a freelance professional proofreader is the last step in the editing process. A proofreader will verify your manuscript one more time before sending it to print (or electronic publication). They will check for typos, grammatical errors, and other problems that could detract from a reader’s experience with your work. A competent proofreader will be able to catch everything from misplaced commas to improperly utilized homophones because of their sharp eye for detail and tried and proven procedure. They will also make sure that there are no typos or layout problems in your proof, such as the inappropriate typeface for a chapter heading or lines that are too close or too widely spaced. A good freelance professional proofreader should be attentive like a dedicated reader and analytical like an editor, catching every error and leaving nothing unnoticed.

Proofreader vs. Editor

Without altering the substance (ideas, instances, stories), a proofreader will ensure that your work is grammatically and stylistically correct in English. A professional editor will provide the same services as a proofreader but will also provide feedback on the text’s structure and flow. The difference between the final product and the original copy can be dramatic after editing, but proofreading is your words placed into Standard English. Due to the extensive nature of editing, such services typically cost more than simple proofreading. First, you should decide how much and what kind of feedback you need before hiring a proofreader or editor.

Price Range for Freelance Proffesional Proofreading

Freelance proofreaders can expect to make around $13 to $16 per 1000 words. Copy editors who also work as freelance professional proofreaders tend to charge more. The pay for proofreading is comparable to that of several 9-to-5 occupations if you do it full-time.

What Qualities Should A Freelance Professional Proofreader Have

Freelance Professional proofreaders are expected to have above-average language skills in the target languages. They may, for instance, hold degrees in both their original language and editing/proofreading. A good proofreader, however, should also be well-versed in the latest editions of the most common style guides, such as the AMA, AP, APA, MLS, CMS, and Bluebook.

When Working With An Editor, Do I Still Require A Proofreader

Even though developmental and copy editors will correct factual errors and hone your writing style, they will not detect every mechanical error. They may even create new ones in the process. Consequently, every book must go through a final round of editing by a professional proofreader. Unfortunately, many authors still try to edit and proofread their works without professional assistance. Despite your best efforts, you will inevitably miss errors that you have seen a hundred times before. Unbiased eyes are essential for thorough proofreading.

How Do You Determine Payment for Proofreading

Rates Can Be Set Per Hour Or Per Word

Proofreaders with extensive experience in the field and a desire for full-time work are the best candidates for hourly wages. However, if you are a beginner working on long-form content, charging by the hour will not go over well with your clients. There can be lot of misunderstandings and fights as a result. For both novice and freelance professional proofreaders, charging per word is more realistic than an hourly wage. Per-word rates are set in stone, while hourly rates are often unpredictable until after a project is completed. With no downside to working with you, clients will sign contracts with you hastily.

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How Much Should I Charge for Proofreading Per 1000 Words
How Proofreading Works

Estimate Time Required by Proofreading

If you’re an editor, here’s a good tip: don’t advertise your rates right soon. Instead, you should request a duplicate copy of the project from the client. This is crucial since some written works are trickier to proofread than others. As you search the web, you may find texts with more errors, which should ideally cost more.

Remember the Time Limit

Professional editors should be able to review a 2,000-word paper in a day. That’s why you shouldn’t take on that 10,000-word assignment due in three days unless you’re guaranteed some bonus payment. Because you’ll be putting in more time outside of regular business hours, the supplementary fee is warranted. It is also essential to let the client know if their expectations are too high. Make it clear that you can’t write a complete research piece in a day, especially if the topic is outside an area of expertise.

Know The Type of Document You’re Proofreading

Document type is another factor to take into account when determining proofreading rates. You may only be held accountable for technical inaccuracies, but the correction procedure will still change depending on the type of work you’re editing. Establish your prices following the level of difficulty of the genre. One alternative is to specialize in one or two forms of writing and charge extra for those. As you may not be able to capture as much as an established expert, you may be able to do so while you build your reputation. With time and effort, you can develop into an expert proofreader.

Justify Your Pricing Decision

Sometimes customers want to spend less but have unreasonable expectations. If a client balks at a freelancer’s charges, they can decide to cut them because they figure that any client is preferable to no client at all. But if you want to make it as a freelancer, you shouldn’t act this way. Justify your pricing structure. Being open about your process for establishing them is helpful. Let them know that your rates are reasonable and reflective of the genre, your level of experience, and the timeframe for completion. You may check out how your rates stack up against those of other firms.

Conclusion

The time and effort you put into writing should be rewarded by the confidence that comes from knowing that your work has been proofread and is ready to be presented. It’s essential to be compensated relatively for proofreading work and services. Determine your prices in accordance with your skills, the complexity of the paper, the time required, and the urgency of the project. Think about how much it would cost you to live there.