Every project is different. Before we can agree on a fee, I need to understand what I’m doing to earn it. That means we need to discuss what you’re asking me to do — whether, for example, it’s a final proofread or an intense responsive edit where I’ll be providing substantive feedback as well as fixing a lot of language errors.
If it’s a long project, I also need to edit a sample. That gives me a chance to see what condition your draft is in (please make sure it’s a representative sample!), and it enables you to judge whether I’m the right editor for you.
After we’ve discussed the task and (if the project is a big one) you’ve seen my sample edit, we can discuss the fee. I can provide either a flat fee for the project or an hourly rate.
My quote is always negotiable — until I start work. I’m especially flexible for students, for clients willing to commit up front to several rounds of editing, and for first-time authors willing to commit to coming back at a higher rate if they write a second book.
Once you give me the go-ahead, I ask for payment of 50 percent of the fee (or the anticipated fee), and I expect to be paid the rest as agreed.
Let’s get started. There’s no commitment till you tell me to start.