Updated: June 2026

Pricing and rates

How much does editing cost? The answer to that question – as with everything to do with editing – is ‘it depends’.

There is no standard fee or pricing for editing, proofreading or indexing, and AFEPI Ireland members are free to set their own fees for each individual project.

Calculating fees for editing and proofreading is based on a number of criteria, including (but not limited to) the type and complexity of the editing or proof-reading work required, the length or word count of the project, and the skills, expertise and experience of the editor carrying out the work. Rates will be higher for specialist editing services in areas requiring professional knowledge of technical concepts, terminology or methodologies. Also, certain types of client may have larger budgets, and can therefore pay higher fees than others.

To facilitate fair negotiations on pricing for our members and clients, AFEPI Ireland have calculated suggested minimum rates for the different types of work carried out by an editor or indexer with professional training and experience in the core skills of developmental and structural editing, copy-editing, proofreading and indexing.

See our FAQs page for information on the distinction between proofreading, copy-editing, substantive editing, etc.

Suggested minimum rates for proofreading and editing

Below are the suggested minimum rates for different categories of editing services. Note that, while a single figure is given for hourly rates, a range of pace (words per hour) and rate per 1,000 words is given to reflect the fact that editing projects can vary greatly in complexity.

These suggested minimum rates are offered as guidelines and are provided for information purposes only.

Proofreading

Light copy-editing

Heavy copy-editing

Developmental/structural editing and specialist editing

Project management

Manuscript assessment

Reader’s report

Suggested minimum rates for indexing

With indexing, it is more usual to refer to a rate per page. Costing an index involves consideration of a number of factors: nature of text, number of pages, level and depth of index needed, any special requirements such as multiple indexes, cumulative indexes, etc. Clients buying indexing services should ask for an initial estimate based on a representative sample chapter.

VAT

Please note: These suggested minimum rates are exclusive of VAT. Not all freelance editors, proofreaders or indexers charge VAT. Please clarify this with the individual freelancer when you obtain a quotation.