I’ve seen a lot recently about how my editing prices “undervalue” the industry, and I’ve even seen some other editors go so far as to say that if authors aren’t paying at least $3,000 for their editing, and if they’re not waiting at least 6 weeks for their book to get back to them, then their editor sucks, and they need a new one.
I disagree with that, wholeheartedly.
If your editor is working on only one project, then unless they have multiple other income streams and projects going, it should not take a full 6 weeks to edit or proofread a book. I think the only time it took me that long was when the book was almost 250,000 words, and it was in such bad shape that I wanted to pull my hair out.
Literally, you can ask my friend Gabe. He got most of my complaining.
Consdering I can read a book for pleasure in about 6 hours, reading to correct errors or grammar/punctuation shouldn’t take 6 weeks. Even with my day job, it doesn’t take me that long.
Now, it is entirely possible that these other editors have a process that requires more time than I do, because different types of editing requires a different time commitment. So, with that in mind, I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
But, pouring ALL editors into the same bucket, based on ONE editor’s experience, is stereotyping, and needs to stop.
Now, let’s talk about pricing. I will admit, my prices are WAY lower than industry standard. But, I do that on purpose, for several reasons.
- I work almost primarily with self-published authors. These authors have limited budgets, and shouldn’t have to save up for years to be able to afford $3,000 for another editor or proofreader. If they choose to do so, that is their choice, but they shouldn’t be FORCED into that situation, simply because it’s the only option available.
- I live in a lower cost of living area of the United States. If you compare my current cost of living with another state, like California, I’m able to live on about 1/3 of what is required for the lowest and crappiest apartment in that state. So, when I charge what I do, I’m actually excited about my “paychecks,” because they seem like a lot of money to me, when they would seem like pittance to someone from someplace like California. If my friend Sandra tried to live on my paycheck, living where she lives now, she wouldn’t be able to survive. Her cost of living is just too high. But, because mine is lower, I’m able to charge less, and still feel like I’m making good money.
- The thought of raising my rates honestly makes my stomach hurt. I started editing and proofreading to help authors, not to make a ton of money. I saw a need, and decided I could fill that need. Helping is at the core of who I am, and when I feel like I’m doing something for the money, rather than living with my values and who I am, it hurts my soul.
- I have several different income streams, so editing is not the only way I make money through The Picky Bookworm. I offer ads on both my podcast and this website, as well as candles, the indie blogger/author planner, and some other things coming down the pipeline. Because editing is not the only way I make money, I can charge less, and make up the difference in my other income avenues.
- People talk about going into business for themselves to get rich. I’m not interested in getting rich. I have no interest in a big house, although a home office would be nice. I would like to be able to pay my bills with the income from The Picky Bookworm, and have the flexibility to travel when I want, without being tied to a desk at my day job. That’s it. I didn’t get into editing to make millions. I doubt the other editors did, either, but that’s where item number 2 comes in. Those editors probably live in a higher cost of living area, so need that extra income to pay for things like food and toilet paper. Gas is insanely priced, too.
Now, my work is “inexpensive,” because I work hard to give my clients quality for a low price. The quality of my work is more important to me than charging a crazy amount. I wouldn’t work any harder if I charged more. I wouldn’t work less hard if I charged less.
If an author were to go to someplace like Fiverr, pay $100 for an edit on a 135,000 word book and got it back in a week? Yeah, that’s cheap work. In my opinion? That’s cheap, shoddy, and shady. Don’t do that. I’ve seen authors on twitter decide they want to offer proofreading for $5 a book, because they think they’re doing other authors a favor. Don’t do that either. Those authors aren’t doing anyone any favors. Editing is hard work. I’m not saying it’s not. It’s mentally taxing, and it takes immense focus to make sure we don’t miss an error or two. It also takes reminding ourselves not to get lost in the book when we run across a really good one. I can think of two books off the top of my head that were like that for me.
But, charging $500 for a 76,000 word book isn’t out of the range of possibility. Especially when I live in a low cost of living area, and I’ve worked with the author long enough that I am familiar with his work, his voice, and his writing style. Would I have charged him that much when I was first starting out? No. Because I was first starting out. I needed the experience under my belt to feel like I was worth that much.
Now, even though I know I’m WORTH charging more than what I am, I’m confident enough in myself to charge what I want, and to heck with the people who don’t think I’m charging enough. Because it’s not about them. It’s about me, and my relationship with my clients. As long as my clients are happy with the work I give them, and continue to come back, and recommend others to me? That’s all I want. Other editors’ opinions of me aren’t my concern.
Ok, now that I’ve gotten the rant out of the way, you have a better idea of why I charge what I do, and why I think I’m worth it, I’d love to work with you! Hit me up on my work with me page, and let me know if you’d like me to edit or proofread your book! I’d love to meet you and discuss your work!
Until Next Time, Friends!
