Which is the best pricing model for editing and proofreading work? Data and testing

29/10/2018

This free booklet offers one example of how an editor or proofreader might approach testing which pricing model works best for their editing and proofreading business.

I discuss how and why I collect data, and the macro and micro insights I've gained that have helped me to grow my editorial income stream.

Hope you find it useful! Visit the Money Matters page in my resource library to download this free booklet.

More resources

Louise Harnby is a line editor, copyeditor and proofreader who specializes in working with crime, mystery, suspense and thriller writers.

She is an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), a member of ACES, a Partner Member of The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), and co-hosts The Editing Podcast.

FIND OUT MORE
> Get in touch: Louise Harnby | Fiction Editor & Proofreader
> Connect: Twitter at @LouiseHarnby, Facebook and LinkedIn
> Learn: Books and courses
> Discover: Resources for authors and editors

13 Comments

Fiona Hogan link

29/10/2018 12:42:35 pm

Thanks so much Louise for this really useful book, I started my own editorial business earlier this year and am growing slowly.

Louise Harnby

30/10/2018 12:41:34 am

So glad you found it useful, Fiona! Congrats on your new business!

Lina Scarpellini link

1/11/2018 12:39:59 am

Thank you for this informative booklet. I started collecting data last year, but you have convinced me of the need to collect as much data as possible. Now I can better see which information is missing.

1/11/2018 11:08:12 am

Thanks, Lina. Yes, the more data the more informed your decisions will be!

Bette Stevens link

1/11/2018 06:53:28 pm

Thanks, Louse.

1/11/2018 09:55:52 pm

Cheers, Bette!

CeCe

2/11/2018 04:22:49 am

I will be starting a proofreading/beta reading/internet research business and this will DEFINITELY help. In figuring out that array formula for the price-per-1K word method--for someone just starting out--is there a "beginner" price you would suggest?

Jan Sikes link

2/11/2018 03:34:44 pm

Thanks so much for sharing this insight, Louise!

2/11/2018 04:06:11 pm

Glad you enjoyed it, Jan!

Merridy Cox link

19/2/2020 07:18:43 pm

I wish that number of pages was straight-forward. Here's a question: How would you charge for a 33-page paper that needs to be reduced to 10 pages (with confused author input) and includes references in APA style?

19/2/2020 07:45:19 pm

I can't tell you how to price your work, Merridy. I work on completely different types of material to you and have my own distinct outgoings that might bear no relation to your business needs.

Instead, do a sample. Record how long it takes you to work on that and what percentage of the paper that sample is. Then do the math to work out how long the whole thing will take you. Then multiply those hours by the amount you want to earn an hour. That will give you a rough idea of how you should be pricing any piece of work.

John link

20/11/2020 10:52:59 am

Louise - this looks to be a fantastic resource. Unfortunately, the download link seems to be broken. (Feel free not to approve this comment for actual posting to the site - it's really just an FYI !)