Self-publishing Timeframe for Hiring a Professional Editor
…with Bonus Budget Tips
Hi there!
If this is your first time self-publishing a book or hiring a professional editor, here’s what to expect regarding timeframe and budgeting. Both should already be part of your self-publishing plan.
The fact that you have written a manuscript is mind-blowing! Give yourself a well-earned treat and maybe even take a little break.
Now the hard work begins: find somewhere comfy with a notebook and pen and start writing down your self-publishing schedule. If you are outsourcing to professional illustrators and editors, etc. you must start researching them now if you haven’t already done so! Do your due diligence to make sure you find a professional you can trust. Read more about how to find an editor you can trust here.
Once you have found an editor who you think lines up with your values (because you’ve done your research and you’ve checked out their website and socials, etc.) it’s time to get in touch and start a conversation. In order to know when you should be striking up that first conversation, it is important to know an editor’s timeframe and to take into account what kind of editing you will need. Learn more about the different services an editor might offer and how long each might take here.
Be Clear on What Kind of Editing You Need
Some clients come to me for all stages of the editing process, from developmental editing to line editing, to the final proofread. Learn more about what each of these services has to offer here.
If you choose to hire an editor for developmental, line editing, and proofreading, this could add up to four-plus rounds of editing. Bearing in mind that I allow myself up to five weeks to complete a quality line edit (depending on the length and complexity of the project), the professional editing process could take two-plus months. If you have had beta readers to help you develop your characters and plot, you may choose to hire an editor for just the line editing and proofreading stages.
Make Sure You Have Budgeted for Your Editor
Good editors should be charging industry standard rates, which can be found here for the US and here for the UK. I believe in freelancers earning a fair wage as these rates reflect the training, experience, and professionalism that you will get from hiring a professional editor. If you have written a substantial manuscript that is lengthy and requires several rounds of editing, you should be prepared to budget $2,000+ (£1,800+) into your self-publishing savings.
Please be advised that most editors offer payment plans to suit your budget and will let you pay your balance in installments. You should NOT be required to pay the fee in one lump sum!
When we work together:
I offer a no-obligation FREE sample edit of up to 2,000 words, which will be deducted from your total balance if you choose to work with me.
We will then discuss a suitable deposit, paid before I start work on your project.
Then we will discuss how you would like to pay the remaining balance. Some clients have paid me 50% of the balance before I start work and 50% once the work has been completed. Some clients pay the remaining balance in interest-free monthly (or weekly) installments, depending on when they get paid. We will discuss what best suits you!
Get Booked in…
…before someone else gets the slot you want! Good editors get booked quickly, so it is important to secure your slot well before your publication date. You may need to think about contacting your editor four-plus months before your publication date to make sure you get a slot with them. This is to ensure that your editor has plenty of time to carry out a quality edit of your manuscript. Don’t forget that you won’t be the only author wanting to book your editor’s services, so make sure editing is on your mind well before you’ve even finished your first draft.
Bonus Budget Tips
To ensure that you get the most out of your time and budget, consider these points:
Make sure you have budgeted for a deposit: this will be the first payment required for your editor, so be prepared to pay it early on. A deposit secures your slot and protects both your editor and yourself. Note: do not pay a deposit (or any payments) before a contract has been signed. A deposit could be between 25 - 50% of the balance, depending on the size of the project. Some editors may discuss a more suitable amount for your budget.
Think about how much you can pay monthly: discuss this amount with your editor and they’ll tell you how many months they are happy to give you to pay the balance. Top tip: if you can start putting some money away for your self-publishing journey now, that’s a great way to stay on top of your finances. Remember, timeframe and budgeting are both important parts of your self-publishing plan. You should not embark on this journey believing that a good editor can edit your book in one week and won’t charge much to do it - if you come across an editor who says they can, this would be a huge red flag!
Really love and appreciate your editor? Think about tipping them!: lastly - and this is optional of course - if you feel that your editor has gone above and beyond expectations for your project, please consider a tip. Your editor will never ask for this as they don’t just do it for the money (we love what we do!), but being a freelancer can be tough and I know that a lot of editors put real love into what they do!
“…make sure editing is on your mind well before you’ve even finished your first draft.”
— Natalie, Clever Crow
As always, thank you for stopping by. I hope this article has been informative. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I love it when people say “hi”!
