Rates and Services
Always Write offers professional editing, writing, formatting, and related services at an affordable, competitive rate. Our standard hourly rate is $40. Although it's possible to get an idea of the cost of editing services based on the below descriptions, we will need specific information about your project in order to give you an idea of the cost of writing, formatting, and other specialized services. Please contact us to discuss your project and receive an estimate.
Editing Services
Editing services include proofreading, standard copyediting, heavy copyediting, and substantive editing. Below are brief descriptions of each. If you're not sure which service you need, contact us and we'll help you decide. Some jobs may require a slight mixture of editing services.
Also included below are general guidelines that can be used to determine an estimate for editing costs. As mentioned above, our standard rate is $40/hr, and actual cost of a job will depend on the amount of time it takes us to complete the requested service(s). The guidelines included here can help you estimate a cost for your editing project based on the type of service you need and the length of your document. Estimates are based on a standard page (double-spaced, 12-pt font, 250 words per page) for print jobs or word count for non-print jobs.
Proofreading is the most basic service and is typically appropriate only for works that have been previously copyedited; a proofread serves as a final review to catch any remaining punctuation, spelling, and grammar issues after revisions have been made. We can typically proofread 7-8 pages, or approximately 1750-2000 words, per hour.
Most works require a standard copyedit, at a minimum. When copyediting your work, we will look for and correct errors in the following areas:
Some works will require a heavy copyedit; this type of edit is needed for works that contain extensive issues in the above areas. Because correcting extensive issues takes longer, the typical pace for a heavy copyedit is 3-4 pages, or 750-1000 words, per hour.
Substantive editing services include a standard copyedit but also focus on assessing and resolving (or advising clients on) more in-depth, big-picture issues in the following areas:
Note: Since such extensive changes are necessary with works that require heavy copyediting and substantive editing, we recommend that clients utilizing these services also consider having a final proofread done once all revisions are completed. We offer a discounted rate on the final proofread if we performed the edit.
Also included below are general guidelines that can be used to determine an estimate for editing costs. As mentioned above, our standard rate is $40/hr, and actual cost of a job will depend on the amount of time it takes us to complete the requested service(s). The guidelines included here can help you estimate a cost for your editing project based on the type of service you need and the length of your document. Estimates are based on a standard page (double-spaced, 12-pt font, 250 words per page) for print jobs or word count for non-print jobs.
Proofreading is the most basic service and is typically appropriate only for works that have been previously copyedited; a proofread serves as a final review to catch any remaining punctuation, spelling, and grammar issues after revisions have been made. We can typically proofread 7-8 pages, or approximately 1750-2000 words, per hour.
Most works require a standard copyedit, at a minimum. When copyediting your work, we will look for and correct errors in the following areas:
- Spelling
- Punctuation
- Grammar (e.g., fragments, run-ons, tense shifts, agreement issues)
- Transitions
- Word choice (wrong words)
- Basic sentence structure and clarity
- Basic repetition
- Inconsistencies in usage
Some works will require a heavy copyedit; this type of edit is needed for works that contain extensive issues in the above areas. Because correcting extensive issues takes longer, the typical pace for a heavy copyedit is 3-4 pages, or 750-1000 words, per hour.
Substantive editing services include a standard copyedit but also focus on assessing and resolving (or advising clients on) more in-depth, big-picture issues in the following areas:
- Sentence structure
- Paragraph structure
- Overall content clarity
- Cohesion
- Development
- Overall organization
- Overall impact
Note: Since such extensive changes are necessary with works that require heavy copyediting and substantive editing, we recommend that clients utilizing these services also consider having a final proofread done once all revisions are completed. We offer a discounted rate on the final proofread if we performed the edit.
Writing Services
We offer a broad array of writing-related services, ranging from rewriting material that you've created to researching and//or writing new material to meet your needs. We can help as a collaborator, ghostwriter, or creative consultant on such things as the following:
- Scripts/screenplays
- Other creative works, such as novels, short stories, or poetry, as well as creative non-fiction
- Scholarly manuscripts and textbook chapters/materials (in certain fields)
- Website content
- Promotional/marketing materials
- Presentation materials
Formatting Services
Whether in conjunction with editing/writing or as a standalone service, we can help you with formatting a variety of materials, including:
- Dissertations/theses to meet style guide and university guidelines (we work extensively with APA 7 and are familiar with MLA, ASA, Chicago, etc.)
- Scholarly manuscripts to meet peer-review journal guidelines
- Creative fiction and non-fiction to meet self-publishing platform guidelines
- Scripts/screenplays to meet industry guidelines
Other Services
In addition to the above, we can help with the following:
- Resumes: Need a neat, clean, professional-looking resume? We can format and edit your content to help create a resume you can be proud of.
- PowerPoint Presentations: Need help creating an eye-catching PowerPoint presentation? We'll be happy to lend you a hand!
- Basic Website Design/Creation: Need a basic website but don't want to pay a fortune or wait several months for help from a website design firm? We can help! We offer basic website creation using templates. Give us a call or send us an email for more information.
- Academic Publications: Need help turning your thesis or dissertation into a manuscript for peer-review journal submission? We can provide the guidance you need.
We invite you to click on the link below to compare our rates to industry standards:
Editorial Freelancers Association Industry Rate Chart
Editorial Freelancers Association Industry Rate Chart
