Did you know people make around 7.9 errors per 100 words when writing? That's right, even the best among us tend to make mistakes. Now, there's no shame in making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, but it's important to have them fixed, especially if you're writing a book. 

That’s why you need professional book proofreading services. The following piece will explore the cost of hiring one and the factors that affect proofreading rates.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Proofreader?

Some may believe proofreading is simple, as it involves reviewing the document to find errors and inconsistencies. However, we're here to tell you it's false. Proofreading is a skill through which a person reviews and fixes errors to turn the final draft into a complete manuscript. 

It requires a keen eye and adept knowledge of the language to help find inconsistencies in format, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Although it is something that you can do with your book as well. But, when time is of the essence, and you have a strict deadline to follow, it becomes apparent that you need an online book publishing service and a professional proofreader. 

So, what does a proofreader cost? Some people have the misconception that an average proofreader can charge their service based on hourly rates, but based on the complexity of the work, it's not the standard service they offer. Nevertheless, you can expect to pay around $10 to $100 per hour for their services if they charge per hour. 

Most proofreaders charge the project based on a specific word count. For instance, they can charge you a price for proofreading 1000 words, often four pages. The average cost proofreaders can take for proofreading 1000 words would be around $17 to $30. However, other factors can weigh in and alter the cost.  

What are the Factors that Affect Proofreading Rates?

Proofreading doesn't have a standard rate and many proofreaders are freelancers with their own costs and charges. The price can change based on multiple factors. The following factors can change the price of hiring a proofreading service. 

1. Turnaround Time:

How quickly you want your project delivered is among the crucial determinants of the service cost. The quicker the turnaround time, the costlier you can expect the service to be. Suppose you needed it back in 90 minutes or want it after a week; the 90-minute service would be costlier. 

2. Project Type:

Another thing that can impact the service cost would be the type of document you want them to proofread. Do you want them to proofread a blog, or do you request their services for proofreading a technical eBook? The service will differ for every project, depending on your project. Consult with a proofreading service beforehand regarding your document and the rates on which it will be charged. 

3. Writing Quality:

Your overall writing quality will also be a key determinant in making up the pricing. Depending on how you write, they can charge you. If you tend to make more mistakes, expect to pay more compared to a document with fewer mistakes. It's because, with more mistakes, the proofreader will have to work more extensively than a document with fewer mistakes. 

4. Proofreader Experience:

The proofreader's years in the industry are also a factor in the cost of hiring one. The more experience they have, the better the quality of service. Make sure you question the proofreader about their experience before you hire a book proofreading service. 

Final Word

All in all, a proofreading service can cost based on hourly rates or on the basis of words. However, the price can vary on the turnaround time, project type, writing quality, and experience. Make sure to consult with a professional about the cost before you hire a book proofreading service. 

FAQs:

1. How Much Are Proofread Prices?

An average proofreader can cost around $10 to $100 on hourly rates, whereas $17 to $30 per 1000 words. Consult the proofreader regarding how much they charge for a typical project before you hire them. 

2. Do Proofreaders Charge per Page?

Yes, a proofreader can charge on the basis of pages. Proofreaders can often charge $17 to $30 per 4 pages or 1000 words. 

3. How Long Does it Take to Proofread 100 Pages?

A typical project like proofreading 100 pages could take around 10-12 hours. However, the turnaround time can be reduced if a higher price is paid. 

4. What is the Difference Between Proofreading and Editing and Ghostwriting?

Proofreading:

Proofreading is like giving your work a final check. It involves looking for and correcting errors such as spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, punctuation issues, and formatting inconsistencies. The goal of proofreading is to make sure the written piece is error-free and polished, but it doesn't involve changing the content or style significantly.

Editing:

Editing goes a step further. It focuses on improving the overall quality of the content. Editors not only correct errors but also look at sentence structure, clarity, and coherence. They may suggest changes to make the writing more concise, engaging, and coherent. Editing can involve substantial revisions to improve the flow and impact of the text.

Ghostwriting:

Ghostwriting is a different ballgame altogether. In ghostwriting, a writer is hired to create content on behalf of someone else. The ghostwriter is hired to write the entire piece, whether it's a book, article, or any other content, but their name doesn't appear as the author. The credit goes to the person who hired them. Ghostwriters often work closely with the author to capture their voice and ideas, and their primary role is to bring someone else's thoughts and concepts to life in a well-crafted piece of writing.

In summary, proofreading is about fixing errors, editing enhances the quality and clarity of the content, and ghostwriting involves writing on behalf of someone else while keeping their name as the author. Each of these roles serves a distinct purpose in the world of writing and content creation.