Work out editing rate per hour instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Editing throughput falls sharply with depth: proofreading manages about 2500 words an hour, copy editing 1500, line editing 900 and developmental editing 500. Eight thousand words of copy editing is 5.33 hours, so at 40 an hour the cost is 213 - about 0.027 per word, which is how per-word quotes are derived.
Hours required
hours = word count / words per hour for the level
Cost
cost = hours x hourly rate
Proofreading catches errors in near-final text. Copy editing also fixes grammar, consistency and clarity, which is why it takes almost twice as long.
Per word gives clients certainty and rewards efficiency, but only works when the manuscript quality is known. Hourly protects against unexpectedly poor text.