Publishing a book is an exciting journey, and for many authors, one of the most impactful steps is getting professional feedback on their manuscript’s core. That’s where a developmental editor comes in. But before you dive in, a common question pops up: how much does it cost to hire a developmental editor?
Understanding the cost to hire a developmental editor can feel like trying to hit a moving target. Prices vary widely based on many factors. However, by breaking down the typical rates and what influences them, you can budget effectively for this crucial investment in your book.
What is Developmental Editing?
Before we talk about money, let’s clarify what a developmental editor actually does. This isn’t about correcting typos or commas. Developmental editing is a big-picture, structural review of your manuscript.
A developmental editor examines the very foundation of your book. They’ll look at:
- Overall Structure: Does the story flow logically? Is the argument clear and compelling?
- Pacing: Does the narrative move too fast or too slow in places?
- Character Development (Fiction): Are characters believable, consistent, and do they grow?
- Plot & Conflict (Fiction): Are there plot holes? Is the conflict strong enough?
- Argument & Clarity (Non-Fiction): Is your central thesis well-supported? Is the information presented clearly and effectively?
- Voice & Tone: Is your authorial voice consistent and engaging?
- Target Audience Appeal: Does the book resonate with its intended readers?
Think of it as an architectural review for your book. It helps ensure your foundation is solid before you start decorating.
Typical Pricing Structures for Developmental Editors
When looking at developmental editor cost, you’ll primarily encounter three main ways editors charge for their services.
Developmental Editing Cost Per Word
This is one of the most common pricing models for developmental editing. The developmental editing cost per word can range quite a bit, but generally falls between $0.03 to $0.08 per word.
- Example: For an 80,000-word novel, a rate of $0.04/word would translate to $3,200. A rate of $0.06/word would be $4,800.
- Pros: You know the total cost upfront, which helps with budgeting.
- Cons: Doesn’t always account for how “messy” a manuscript might be, as the per-word rate is fixed.
Hourly Rate for Developmental Editing
Some developmental editors charge an hourly rate for developmental editing. This can range from $40 to $80 per hour, sometimes higher for highly specialized or in-demand editors.
- Pros: This can be fairer for both parties if the manuscript needs significantly more or less work than initially estimated.
- Cons: The total cost isn’t fixed upfront, which can make budgeting tricky. Editors might provide an estimated range of hours after reviewing a sample.
Flat Fees for Developmental Editing
Some editors, especially after reviewing a sample of your manuscript, might offer a flat fee for the entire project. This is often based on their assessment of the word count and the estimated complexity of the work.
- Pros: Provides absolute cost certainty, which authors often appreciate.
- Cons: Less common for projects where the scope isn’t perfectly clear from a sample.
Key Factors Influencing Developmental Editor Cost
Many elements can push the cost to hire a developmental editor up or down. Understanding these will help you gauge what you might pay.
Manuscript Length & Complexity
This is usually the biggest factor. Longer manuscripts simply take more time and effort to review. Similarly, a manuscript with a complex plot, intricate world-building (for fantasy/sci-fi), or highly technical subject matter (for non-fiction) will likely cost more.
- A 120,000-word epic fantasy will cost more than a 60,000-word contemporary romance.
- A non-fiction book requiring extensive fact-checking or specialized knowledge will be priced higher.
Editor’s Experience & Reputation
Just like any profession, editors with more experience, a strong track record, and a reputation for working on bestsellers often command higher rates. Newer editors or those building their portfolio might offer more affordable pricing.
- An editor who previously worked for a “Big Five” publisher might charge more than a freelancer just starting out.
- Their expertise is often worth the investment, but you should always look for a good fit and clear communication.
Genre Matters: Developmental Editor Cost for Fiction Books vs. Nonfiction Books
While overlap exists, the nature of the work often differs, influencing developmental editor cost for fiction books and for nonfiction books.
- Fiction Books: Developmental editing focuses on plot, character arcs, pacing, world-building, dialogue, and theme. Rates might be slightly lower for straightforward genres like contemporary romance but higher for complex fantasy, sci-fi, or literary fiction.
- Nonfiction Books: Developmental editing for non-fiction emphasizes argument strength, logical flow, clarity, evidence, and audience engagement. It can be more expensive if the topic is highly specialized or requires the editor to delve into complex research or fact-checking. Medical or highly technical non-fiction often sits at the higher end of the range.
Project Turnaround Time
Need your edits back in a hurry? A rushed timeline can increase the developmental editor cost. Editors often charge a premium for “rush jobs” because they might have to prioritize your manuscript over other work, or even work extra hours to meet your deadline.
Average Developmental Editing Costs
Based on industry data (like the Editorial Freelancers Association or Reedsy), here are some general averages to help you get a ballpark figure. Remember, these are broad ranges.
- Overall Average: A full developmental edit for a standard 80,000-word manuscript can range from $2,000 to $5,000+.
- Per Word: As mentioned, $0.03 to $0.08 per word.
- Hourly Rate: Generally $40 to $80 per hour, though highly experienced editors may charge more.
Here are rough estimates by length:
- Short Stories (up to 10,000 words): $200 – $800
- Novelettes/Novellas (10,000-40,000 words): $500 – $2,000
- Standard Novel/Non-Fiction (50,000-100,000 words): $1,500 – $5,000+
- Longer Works (100,000+ words): Can easily exceed $5,000.
All Developmental Editing Cost Pricing Table
Below is a quick reference for estimated developmental editing costs based on manuscript length and type.
| Manuscript Length/Type | Typical Rate Range (Per Word) | Estimated Total Cost Range |
| Short Stories (up to 10,000 words) | $0.04 – $0.08 | $400 – $800 |
| Novellas (10,001 – 40,000 words) | $0.035 – $0.075 | $350 – $3,000 |
| Standard Novel/Non-Fiction (50,000 – 80,000 words) | $0.03 – $0.065 | $1,500 – $5,200 |
| Longer Works (80,001 – 120,000 words) | $0.03 – $0.06 | $2,400 – $7,200+ |
| Highly Complex/Technical (any length) | $0.05 – $0.08+ | Varies significantly by project |
Is the Cost of a Developmental Editor Worth It?
Hiring a developmental editor is a significant investment. However, for many authors, it’s an indispensable one.
A strong developmental edit can:
- Elevate your manuscript: Transform a good idea into a truly compelling read.
- Increase your chances: A polished manuscript is far more likely to attract a literary agent or publisher or succeed in self-publishing.
- Save time and money later: Fixing foundational issues early prevents costly rewrites after later editing stages.
- Improve your craft: You’ll learn valuable lessons about storytelling and structure that benefit future projects.
Ultimately, the value of a developmental editor lies in the transformation they bring to your manuscript, making it ready for its journey to readers.
Ready to Perfect Your Manuscript?
Understanding the developmental editor cost is the first step. The next is finding the right expert to help your book shine.
If your manuscript has a great idea but needs that professional touch to refine its structure, pacing, and overall impact, Ghostwriting Solution offers more than just writing. We also provide comprehensive developmental editing services. Our experienced editors can assess your work, provide targeted feedback, and help you strengthen the very foundation of your book.
Don’t let structural issues hold back your book’s potential.
