Hi Margie,

Many copy editors charge by the page for book editing projects. Makes things simpler because then the author knows exactly what to expect when the invoice comes. To figure out my per-page rate, I sat down with about ten pages worth of content (you can use an existing book or a business report or website content...doesn't really matter, but make sure that the number of words per page is somewhat consistent, around 400 words per page) and timed myself as I edited each page. I had to force myself not to rush through, though, since I knew the timer was going, LOL! Then I divided my hourly rate by 60 (minutes) to get my rate per minute. When I determined the average amount of time it took me to edit each page, I multiplied the number of minutes by my rate per minute to get a per-page rate.

For example, if you charge $30 per hour, your per-minute rate is $.50. If each page takes you 5 minutes to edit, your per-page rate would be $2.50 (which is pretty standard for copy editing rates).

If you were applying for an editing job on Elance or Guru, please know that the providers there tend to way undercharge for their services, so you might have been severely undercut even though you were offering a fair rate. Hang in there, though...there are authors out there who are willing to pay for quality work.

Thank you so much, Tammi. That is the formula I am looking for.

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Margie Gibson
http://mgvirtualofficesolutions.org

Hi all,

I had already posted a thanks to Michelle for the Demand Studios reference, but as I was reading back through the posts I noticed that you, Tami, said something about whether you need a degree. I have actually been looking into some of the programs offered out there since I am very interested in the copyediting.

I found a a course called Proofreading and Copyediting 101, with universalclass.com, that offers a basic course for $39 or $64 if you want to receive a certificate and CEUs. ed2go.com also has a 6-week course called The Keys to Effective Editing for $139.

Even though I feel I have the skills for the proofreading already, both of them include a grammar refresher, etc. I haven't chosen which program I will be enrolling in yet, but I thought that readers of this post might be interested in the information if they are looking into copyediting.

Deanna

Thanks for asking this question - it was interesting and informative to read. I was wondering about the difference myself. Janine

Thanks for the great tips and info in this thread. I, too, wondered where the "lines were drawn" regarding proofreading/editing.

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Valerie

The content in this thread has been very informative, thank you for posting the question. I have always loved grammar and proofreading. I will definitely be doing more research into proofreading and editing as a service.

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Marjorie
www.aysvirtualsolutions.com

Many people can use proofreading/editing services. I'm thinking about making this my niche.

This was a very informative thread! Thanks for the clarification between proofing, editing, and copy editing! I always thought they were more or less the same thing, now I need to re-think my services and how to inform potential clients of the differences in these services.

~ Gloria

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~ Gloria
http://www.uptimevirtualassistants.co m

I never thought about taking classes for it but Proofreading/Editing will be a part of my niche.

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Élite Assistants LLC
www.eliteassistants.net (Site Under Construction)

Hi Michelle,

Editing is a deeper process than proofreading. Basically, proofreading is just intended to catch surface errors, while editing (as you said, too, there are several types within that terms) takes meaning, organization, clarity, accuracy, completeness, consistency, etc. into account. Depending on the level of editing, a client may want these things just marked/pointed out, or s/he may want fully written suggestions for how to do it better.

Here are a few helpful links. Some are in academic rather than business terms, but don't worry about that. They get to the same basic points.
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/proofread.html
http://deannahoak.com/2005/08/31/p188/
http://www.fonerbooks.com/editor.htm
http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/processes/editing/

Yes, proofing/editing can be a viable specialty option. I don't currently do anything but proofing, editing, and writing now, except for occasional reminder service or submission assistance for writing/editing clients.

I agree with the others that there's not really a degree or certification anyone cares about. Experience matters a lot more. Clients like to hear about you from others with whom you've worked and/or have a short-term trial project with you themselves before going for the big work. I think in this way, proofing/editing is like any other specialty: In a client's eyes, the real proof is in the pudding.

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AnnaLisa Michalski, Sunny Words Writing Services