How much will it cost?

Projects differ. The skill and time required to edit or proofread a document can vary considerably depending on the type of document and the level of edit required. Page, word or project rates depend on careful analysis of the work. 

I will try to get as much information as possible from you about your project and your needs and preferences before quoting a price. For new clients, I usually suggest a sample edit. This helps to ensure:
  • the quoted price is fair, reasonable and based on your project and your needs, not on some arbitrary rate based on word count or the number of pages
  • you will be happy with the way in which I approach your project
  • I will be confident that I understand what you hope to achieve by having your project edited.

Note that I do not compete based solely on price. I provide high-quality services to people who value high-quality work.
Wendy consistently produces work of high quality. She is accommodating of requests, and delivers outstanding work under tight deadlines. Wendy is a very conscientious and dedicated person. She works extremely well with her clients and always endeavours to produce the best results for them.

Dr B (Hass) Dellal, OAM 
Executive Director 
Australian Multicultural Foundation

Sample edit

No two editors will edit a document in exactly the same way. Therefore, comparing quotes purely on price can be misleading, and knowing an editor's hourly rate is of little use because editors work at different speeds. 

You may find it helpful to ask each editor who is providing you with a quote to also provide a sample edit of your document. Then you will be able to compare the sample edits and decide if you are satisfied with both the editor's approach and the price of his or her quote. 

I charge a fee for a sample edit. If, after receiving your edited sample, you decide to commission me to edit your document, I will deduct the price of the sample edit from your invoice. 

Briefing an editor

The more information you can provide, the better. The Institute of Professional Editors provides a helpful guide on how to brief an editor.

Requesting a quote

When you contact me using the message form on the Contact page, I will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours. I will provide a no-obligation quote within 24 hours of receiving your document. For a sample edit of your document, please allow 36 hours.
I approached many editors and asked for a sample edit; their skills ranged from highly professional to mediocre. After seeing Wendy’s sample edit, I knew I was making the perfect choice for me. Based on my experience and satisfaction with the outcome, I would advise any writer to include sample edits as part of the selection process—you have worked too hard not to.

Milena Morrow
Author of Sipping Champagne through a Straw: Beyond good enough

Suggested rates

I am a professional member of the Australian Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd), which does not provide information or guidance on rates. However, some societies and other organisations do (see links below). 

Please note that I do not necessarily endorse any of the published rates below. I share them simply to give you some understanding of how widely rates can vary.

Editors WA (Australia)

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance national freelance rates, July 2017 (Australia)

Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) (UK)

Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) (USA)