Book editing services prices confuse authors because “editor” is three jobs. How much does an editor cost for a book is the wrong question until you know whether you need developmental work, copyediting, or a last proofread.
Listed AuthorShelf editing prices
- Developmental editing — $380 (see the live product page). Structure, pacing, argument or story.
- Copyediting + proofreading — $799 combined. Sentence-level polish plus residual errors.
- Proofreading alone is not a substitute for developmental work on an early draft.
Also searched as book editing prices, manuscript editing rates, line editor cost, and how much to edit a book. Definitions: types of book editing · hub: book editing services.
When a package is cheaper than stacking editors
Freelancer stacks (dev + copy + cover + interior) often beat a listed package only on paper — you become the project manager. AuthorShelf self publishing packages from $399 include editorial depth by tier. Most debut authors who also need design and distribution start at Launch ($597) or Pro ($997).