How Much Does Academic Editing Cost in 2026?

Academic editing services rates vary based on a variety of things. Often times rates vary based the length of your document or the level of edit requested. Some companies also separate the level of effort based on proofreading, copy editing, and content editing.

Some editing companies separate their rates based on the type of academic document. For example, different prices may be charged for a journal article versus a dissertation. To give a few examples, the cost to have 2,000 words edited within 1 day by an academic editor is $68 at Editor World, $85 at Scribendi, and $91 at Scribbr as of 2026.

Some online academic editing companies charge for editing by the word, while others charge by the page. If you're being charged per page, you'll want to know how many words are considered one page. Some academic editing services charge different prices for various turnaround times. In contrast, others charge a flat rate regardless of the turnaround time.

It's important that you check how the editor you choose sets prices. This helps you have a clear understanding of what the cost will be before you get started. Academic editing rates are often higher at editing companies that specialize in academic editing. Hourly rates often exceed $75 per hour at these companies.

As a guideline, you should expect to pay at least $5 per 1,000 words for proofreading, $10 per 1,000 words for copy editing, and $12 per 1,000 words for content editing. Some editing companies also offer a discount on a second round of editing, which is advisable regardless of the kind of document being edited. These price ranges are only a guide, but it's worth knowing what price you'll be expected to pay.

What’s important is to do your research before choosing an online academic editing service. This is especially true if the rates are not accessible on the company's website.

At Editor World, we offer academic editing services by PhD editors and charge by the word. All of our editing rates, whether academic, business, creative, or other types of editing, are completely transparent. Our rates are provided on  Our Prices page and we provide a price calculator so you always know what your full rate will be. Additionally, you choose the document editor who best meets your needs based on the editor reviews and areas of expertise.

FAQs About Academic Editing Rates

Why do you charge less than competitors?

As a small business, Editor World has less overhead than larger corporations that provide editing and proofreading services. This allows us to charge lower rates while still providing the same quality of services.

What do you charge for academic editing services?

Our rates for academic editing services are transparent. See our Prices page and use our price calculator to view the total price for editing services. Choose a PhD editor and get started today.

What do your academic editing services include?

Our services for academic manuscripts improve the clarity and readability of your academic document, focusing on flow as well as grammar, word usage, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and style.

About Editor World: Academic Editing Services | Proofreading Services

Editor World: Editing Services | Proofreading Services provides  fast, affordable, and reliable editing and proofreading services for academic documents. Professional editors and proofreaders are available 24/7, and clients have the benefit of choosing their own professional editor or proofreader.

Clients also benefit from an on-site messaging system, which allows the client and editor to develop a professional relationship. The price for academic editing services at Editor World starts at $0.021 per word as of 2026.