When you go to hire an editor, it’s important to remember that there are different levels of editing. You don’t want to accidentally hire a proofreader and expect them to be a book coach! That kind of mismatch in expectations will just lead to frustration on both sides.
 
Below, I break down the various levels of editing and the typical cost per hour in 2024, as calculated by the Editorial Freelancers Association. Keep in mind that the range mainly accounts for the type of writing. Editing for academic, business, medical, and legal texts will usually be more expensive because it requires specific technical knowledge.

We've all been there. An essay for school is due the next day, and you'd swear you'd read over the darn thing at least a hundred times. There can't possibly be any errors. A few weeks later, you get it back, covered in red ink. Clearly, the teacher just has it out for you, right?

Maybe not.

Even the most talented writers know better than to rely solely on self-editing their work. It's why publishing houses provide editors to their authors, and large companies have teams of editors dedicated to reviewing marketing materials and press releases. You can be an expert wordsmith and still miss plenty of errors.