Always Write offers four levels of editing: proofreading, standard copyediting, heavy copyediting, and substantive editing. You’ll find a brief description of each service below to help you determine which level of editing is right for your project. Not sure what you need? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you decide. Some projects may benefit from a combination of editing services, depending on the condition of the manuscript and your goals for the finished work. Our standard editing rate is $45 per hour, and the final cost of your project will depend on the amount of time required to complete the requested services. The guidelines below are designed to help you estimate the cost of your project based on the level of editing needed and the length of your document. For estimating purposes, a standard page is considered 250 words (approximately one double-spaced page in 12-point font). For digital and other non-print projects, estimates are based on the equivalent word count.
Proofreading
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.
Standard Edit
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
We can typically perform a standard copyedit of 5-6 pages, or 1250-1500 words, per hour.
Heavy copyedit
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 Edit
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
Because substantive editing is the most extensive editing service, it moves at a much slower pace. We can typically perform a substantive edit at a pace of 2 pages, or 500 words, per hour. 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.

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Phone
830-353-7167
Email
writingspecialist@alwayswrite.us