Qualified book editor in the UK explains new rates & prices for professional book editing services & bundles!
Just an update to say that I’ll be raising my editorial rates as of today, 26th October 2021.
I had previously planned to wait until April 2022 when everything increases, but I’ve been reminded today how much I hate working as an employee and how much I love being self-employed.
Yes, you’re correct in thinking that I run Stand Corrected Editing as a full-time book editor, but as some of you may have read on my blog or on Instagram, I also still cover some shifts within the library service, which is where I worked before I became self-employed. One: I wanted to stay in touch with my favourite colleague within a library setting. Two: I need the extra income while I continue to grow Stand Corrected Editing.
However, although this year has been financially better than 2020, it’s still been incredibly tough to keep my head above the water. I live in one of the most expensive areas in the UK and I’m trying to save up to move house, so I’ve been nothing but stressed, a ball of anxiety, and on the verge of a breakdown.
Mental health has always been difficult for me – I’ve always battled with anxiety & depression, but with the added financial stress, it’s been even harder to deal with, and I’m getting to the point where something needs to change.
In this case – my prices.
Instead of relying on the extra income from the library service to see me through the month, I want to be comfortable and feel safe. These last few months in particular, I haven’t felt secure.
When starting a new business, it’s usually best to offer lower prices at first, but Stand Corrected Editing turns two this year, and I want to grow my lil business as much as possible while I can.
I can’t do that when I’m dealing with difficult and aggressive customers within the library service – which isn’t even where I want to work anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I had the best few years of my life working for the libraries, and I’ve made a great friend, but it’s time to call it a day and make enough money to live comfortably while still offering immense value and advice.
After all, my ultimate goal will always be to help passionate writers become successful authors, so that will always be a priority no matter what my editorial rates are.
My New Prices
Developmental Editing (including free editorial report): £0.024
Line Editing: £0.021
Copy Editing: £0.017
Proofreading: £0.012
Developmental & Line Editing Bundle: 15% off
Developmental & Copy Editing Bundle: 15% off
Developmental & Proofreading Bundle: 15% off
Client Loyalty Discount: 26% off
Additional Information
How I've Calculated the New Prices
I combined the recommended editorial rates from both the Editorial Freelancers Association (ETA) and the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and worked out an average.
What if Clients Can’t Afford It?
I understand that money can be tight (I’m currently struggling with that now), so clients who opt for my book editing services will absolutely be able to pay deposits or in monthly instalments if they would rather not pay the full amount in one go. The payment dates will be added to the contract I’ll ask you to sign, but these dates can be flexible if need be.
Current Clients
I’m aware that I’ve worked with some amazing writers over the last couple of years, so I have taken them into consideration (you know who you are!)
For my current clients, the agreed price quoted and invoiced will remain the same for the manuscripts I’m currently working on as it’s not fair to impose higher rates in the middle of an agreement.
Returning Clients
If you decide to return for my book editing services in the future, you’ll need to pay the new rates, but you’ll also receive my client loyalty discount, which is 26% off.
Writers Who Have Got in Touch and Received a Direct Price
If you’ve got in touch with your word count recently and received a specific price based on my current (lower) rates, you won’t need to abide by the new prices unless you return in the future with another manuscript, but then you’ll receive the client loyalty discount, which is 26% off.
Writers Who Have Got in Touch But Not Asked for a Direct Price
As you haven’t received a specific quote from me, you’ll need to abide by my new prices.
New Clients
Brand new clients will need to abide by my new editorial rates.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with me here.
Chelsea x
ABOUT CHELSEA
Hey! I'm Chelsea and I'm a professional book editor at Stand Corrected Editing, my editorial business in the UK. If you're looking for professional book editing services, please get in touch!
With my book editing and proofreading services, I hope to spread my knowledge and expertise on how to make your novel a success, and be a mentor to others who desperately want to pursue a fruitful career as an author!