Proofreading Rates
Professional proofreading with straightforward pricing and a confirmed quote before work begins. Fiction manuscripts use a published per-word rate; websites, business content and select non-fiction are quoted according to scope.
Fiction Manuscripts
Professional proofreading. Competitive, straightforward rates.
Final-pass fiction proofreading is normally 1.5¢ per word.
An introductory rate of 1.2¢ per word is currently available to new fiction clients.
Rates are in U.S. dollars.
What does that look like?
| Manuscript length | Introductory rate | Standard rate |
|---|---|---|
| 50,000 words | $600 | $750 |
| 80,000 words | $960 | $1,200 |
| 100,000 words | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| 120,000 words | $1,440 | $1,800 |
Your final quote is confirmed before work begins, so you’ll know the cost upfront.
What Fiction Proofreading Includes
Your proofreading rate includes one complete final-pass proofread of the agreed manuscript, with attention to:
- Typos and spelling errors
- Grammar and punctuation slips
- Missing, repeated, or transposed words
- Wrong-word substitutions
- Homophones and other context-sensitive word errors
- Inconsistent spelling, capitalization, and hyphenation
- Dialogue and quotation-mark inconsistencies
- Names, invented terminology, and manuscript-specific details
- Other small errors and inconsistencies appropriate to a final proofread
The goal is to catch what remains without rewriting your voice or changing your story.
Why Might a Quote Differ?
Most proof-ready fiction will fall within the published rate.
A different quote may be appropriate if a manuscript requires substantially more intervention than a normal final proofread, contains unusual technical or formatting complexity, or requires an unusually fast turnaround.
If the sample suggests that your manuscript needs copyediting or more extensive editorial work before proofreading, I’ll tell you before you commit to anything.
Once your project is booked, no additional charges will be added without your approval.
Start Fiction With a Free Sample
Not sure whether your manuscript is ready—or whether I’m a good fit?
Send a representative 750–1,000-word fiction sample for a complimentary proofread. You’ll see the kinds of errors I catch, and I’ll get a better sense of the manuscript before confirming your quote.
Booking & Payment
A 50% booking payment reserves your agreed project dates.
The remaining 50% is due when the proofread is complete and before delivery of the final files, unless we agree otherwise in writing.
Your rate is confirmed when you accept your quote. Later changes to published rates will not affect an already-booked project.
Ready for One Last Human Pass?
If your manuscript has been written, revised, and edited and is nearly
ready for publication, send a sample and let’s see what one last careful
read can uncover.
Websites & Business Content
Website and business-content proofreading is quoted by project and starts at $125. The final price depends on the amount of content, number of pages or files, format, complexity and turnaround required.
Send the URL or material you want proofread and I’ll confirm the scope and quote before work begins.
Select Non-Fiction Manuscripts
Select non-fiction projects are quoted individually because subject matter, references, formatting and editorial requirements can vary considerably. Please inquire with the topic, approximate word count, current stage and desired completion date.
Standard proofreading does not include fact-checking, source verification or substantive rewriting unless separately agreed.