What is the average cost of proofreading? | $8.40 for 300 words

What is the average cost of proofreading?

The average cost of proofreading can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of content, the level of expertise required, the turnaround time, and the proofreader's experience and location.  Some online editing companies charge by the word, while others charge by the page. If you are being charged per page, it is important to know how many words are considered one page. Some editing companies have different prices for various turnaround times, while others charge a flat rate regardless of the turnaround time. Prices vary based on the following:

1. Type of Content : The complexity and subject matter of the content can impact the cost. Proofreading academic, technical, or specialized documents may cost more than proofreading general or non-technical content.

2. Expertise : Highly specialized or technical content may require proofreaders with specific expertise in that field, which can command higher rates.

3. Turnaround Time : Urgent or rush jobs often come with a premium cost, as proofreaders may need to prioritize your work over others.

4. Experience : More experienced and skilled proofreaders often charge higher rates than less experienced ones.

5. Location : The cost of proofreading can vary significantly based on the region or country where the proofreader is located. Rates in high-cost-of-living areas tend to be higher.

6. Length of the Document : Some proofreaders charge per word, per page, or per hour. Longer documents will generally cost more to proofread.

7. Quality of Service : Premium proofreading services with additional quality checks and revisions may cost more than basic proofreading.


Basic proofreading services can range from $0.01 to $0.05 per word. This means that proofreading a 1,000-word document might cost between $10 and $50. However, prices can vary widely, and some providers may charge by the hour or offer package deals for multiple documents. The following tables show the prices and turnaround times of several editing companies for various word counts. 


Cost to Proofread 300 Words:

 Company 2-Hour 4-Hour 8-Hour 24- hour OR 1-Day 48-hour OR 2-Day

 3-Day or Longer

 EditorWorld.com  $17.40  $16.50  $15.90  $10.20  $9.60  $8.40 and up
 BookBaby.com  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A
 ServiceScape.com  $18.95  $18.95  $18.95  $13.95  $12.95  $11.95 and up 
 TrueEditors.com  N/A   $18.00  N/A   $11.00  N/A   N/A
 Scribendi.com  N/A   $21.29  $17.97  $13.91  $13.91  $13.91 and up 
 Enago.com  N/A   N/A   N/A   $23.00  $22.00  $20.00 and up
 GEEditing.com  N/A   N/A   N/A   $24.00  $24.00  $24.00 and up
 Scribbr.com  N/A   N/A   N/A   $28.00  N/A   $26.00 and up 
 WileyEditingServices.com  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

 

 

Cost to Proofread 5,000 Words:

 Company 24-hour OR 1-day  48-hour OR 2-Day  3-Day 
 Editor World  $150  $145  $125
 BookBaby.com  N/A   N/A   N/A 
 ServiceScape.com  $216  $200  $183
 TrueEditors.com  $160  $128  N/A
 Scribendi.com  $193  $175  $164
 Enago.com  $383  $367  $321
 GEEditing.com  N/A  N/A  $142
 Scribbr.com  $160  N/A  $125
 WileyEditingServices.com  N/A  N/A  N/A

It's essential to obtain quotes from several proofreaders or proofreading services to get a better understanding of the cost for your specific project. Additionally, consider the qualifications, reputation, and turnaround time of the proofreaders to ensure you receive high-quality proofreading services that meet your needs.