Book Editing Cost
Independent publishing cost guide · Updated for 2026
Short answer: Professional editing typically costs $500–$2,000 for a standard manuscript. Developmental editing runs $0.02–$0.05 per word, copy editing $0.01–$0.03 per word, and proofreading $0.005–$0.015 per word. A 60,000-word novel with all three rounds lands around $1,200–$2,500.
What affects the cost?
Scope, page count and provider experience are the main drivers. Bundled services often cost less than hiring each provider separately — and always confirm what's included in revisions.
Related cost guides
Paperback printing$2.50–$8 per copyHardcover printing$8–$20 per copyFull-color printing3–5× B&W cost50-copy run$800–$1,500100-copy run$1,200–$2,200500-copy run$1,800–$3,5001,000-copy run$3,000–$5,500Novel / fiction$1,500–$4,500Children's book$3,000–$8,000Textbook / academic$4,000–$15,000Cookbook$3,500–$10,000Memoir / biography$2,000–$6,000Business book$2,500–$8,000
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