Editcetera members set their own rates, depending on the type of work required and other aspects of the job. Our CEO may be able to give you a typical price range for your job but cannot quote an exact figure. Most members prefer to work on an hourly basis, although some will negotiate project or page rates. Standard payment terms are net 30 days, although we sometimes work under other arrangements. Editcetera requires a minimum of $200 for the first job that one of our members does with a new client. We do not charge clients a separate referral fee. Members do pay a small commission to sustain our nonprofit organization, however, and consider that when setting rates.
Our rates are competitive with the rates of other professionals who have the experience and the level of expertise that we provide. Some authors look for the lowest bid, and if you are one of these, you might find someone outside our group to work for less. But keep in mind that editors come with many levels of expertise and experience. A family member or friend might have a gift for language but not the specific training and understanding of publishing conventions that careful editing requires. Our members are professionals who have been vetted through our rigorous screening process.
An hourly rate is one factor to be considered in determining overall cost. Time required is another. More-experienced editors sometimes work faster—but not always. Exceptional editors do provide higher-quality work and are likely to reduce the time required for follow-up proofreading services and the cost of corrections at late stages in the process.
Keep in mind that the value an editor offers goes far beyond the monetary rate. A skilled editor can guide you through the publishing process and can make the difference between a publication that is mediocre and one that will draw attention and be widely read.