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 copy Hardcover printing$8–$20 per copy Full-color printing3–5× B&W cost 50-copy run$800–$1,500 100-copy run$1,200–$2,200 500-copy run$1,800–$3,500 1,000-copy run$3,000–$5,500 Novel / fiction$1,500–$4,500 Children's book$3,000–$8,000 Textbook / academic$4,000–$15,000 Cookbook$3,500–$10,000 Memoir / biography$2,000–$6,000 Business book$2,500–$8,000

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