Briefing an editor

The tasks, roles and responsibilities should be set out in a written brief. Feel free to discuss the project with the editor in developing this brief.

For an itemised list of editorial services that you might want to include in your brief, see the commissioning checklist developed by the Canberra Society of Editors.

Understanding quotes and rates

The Society of Editors (WA) Inc does not prescribe rates for professional editing services. The rates charged by individual editors reflect the complexities and requirements of the particular project (which might require a combination of editorial services), the level of responsibility involved, and the experience and expertise of the editor.

As a rough guide, in February 2006, the national average freelance rate for editors was $61 per hour and ranged up to $120 per hour. (The MEAA industry award as of 2010 is $211 per hour.) Proofreading rates may be as low as $35 per hour.

Editors may work for an hourly rate or a negotiated fee. It’s a good idea to obtain more than one quote when seeking editorial services and ask to see examples of work. Make sure that quotes itemise exactly what is included and that both parties understand your budget and expectations.

Editors might provide a ‘ballpark’ quote for a particular job before they have a detailed look at the project. A more accurate costing can only be provided, however, once they have a brief and have seen and assessed the document.

Confirm with the editor whether the quote is firm or an estimate only. Extra charges may be incurred by late changes to the brief.

Adapted, with permission, from the website of the Society of Editors (NSW), which in turn credits the Freelance Register of the Society of Editors (Vic.).

Hiring an editor

Be clear about what you want the editor to do: assess your document, edit or proofread it on hard copy, edit it on screen, or take full responsibility for producing the finished product.

Involve the editor early rather than later in the process. Editorial corrections and suggestions for improvements to the structure are easier and cheaper to incorporate before the text goes into the page layout (or layout) stage.

You also need to be clear about accountability. Does someone in your organisation need to approve editorial changes (and if so, at what stages) or does the editor have a relatively ‘free hand’?

Be realistic in your expectations of working with an editor. Editors can maximise the potential of your document in many ways, but even the most experienced cannot review and attend to everything in a single read. Be aware that the time and budget you set will affect what an editor can contribute. Remember, too, that editing and proofreading are separate processes, and an edited document should also be proofread before being printed.

You can hire an editor by using the freelance register.