These are the services I offer, along with a guide to my fees. The prices listed are just that, though; a guide. With the exception of manuscript assessments, these rates are starting points. This is because each project is different and I’ll need to discuss your requirements and see your manuscript before I can provide an accurate quote.
If you’re interested in commissioning me to edit your project and are happy with my quote, I can provide you with a sample edit so you can be sure I’m the right editor for you before you commit to working with me.
If you need more than one service (for example, you might want me to typeset your book and provide a proofread once the formatting is done), then I’m happy to discuss a package deal that works for your project.
Please note: I only work with texts that are written by humans and are free of content generated by AI. I don’t include AI tools for checking spelling and grammar in this definition though; it’s okay if you’ve used Word’s in-built spelling and grammar checker, or a service like Grammarly, to tidy up your work and get rid of any errors.
If you have any questions, do feel free to get in touch with me at alexjgardner@hotmail.co.uk
Manuscript Assessment
£0.002 per word
E.g. 80K word manuscript = £160
Your project is fully or partially written and you want some feedback on how you’re doing.
Think of the manuscript assessment as a mini developmental edit. It’s a cost effective way to address the structural elements of your project. My assessment will focus story level critique, highlight strengths and weaknesses and provide some writing tips so you can continue to develop your project with confidence.
Copyediting/Line Editing
From £0.01 per word
E.g. 80K word manuscript = £800
You’ve done everything you can on your project, so it’s time to hand it over for a thorough polish.
I’ll check the writing at a sentence level. I’ll look at spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, flow, style and the suitability for your audience.
I’ll create an editorial style sheet detailing all the conventions used in your project.
Typesetting/Interior Book Design
From £100 + £1 per 1000 words
E.g. 80K word manuscript = £180
Your manuscript has been edited – now it’s time to make it look fabulous for publication in print and/or e-book format.
I’ll format your manuscript, and work with you to create a design scheme for your book so it looks just how you’d like. We’re talking font choices, presentation of running heads, page numbering, front and back matter, graphic ornamentation etc. I’ll produce print-ready files, as well as an electronic version if required.
Proofreading
From £0.005 per word
E.g. 80K word manuscript = £400
Your manuscript has been formatted and a final check needs to be completed before you hit the “publish” button.
I’ll look for any remaining errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar, as well as consistency of style and any issues with the layout.
I also offer a lower cost, lighter “final pass” proofread, which could be suitable if your work has already been edited extensively. Drop me a message if you’d like to discuss this option.
FAQs
How do you set your prices?
My rates are based on the suggested hourly rates recommended by the CIEP, and are calculated based on my qualifications and experience.
What software do you use for typesetting/interior book design?
I design graphic elements in Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop and in ProCreate (iPad). I typeset for print in Affinity, and I code e-books in Calibre and/or Sigil.
How long will it take to edit/proofread my manuscript?
That depends on several factors! Each job is different, and some rounds of editing are quicker than others. It also depends on the word count and complexity of the job. I can give you an estimated timescale for your project when you get in touch and we can come up with a schedule that works for us both.
Alex J. Gardner - Editorial & Book Design Services 