Publishing your work is a multistage journey that should be reflected in your budget. It’s possible to publish a book with no financial outlays, but that’s not realistic, even if you’re a full-time author. No matter which stage of the writing process you’re in, if you want to publish a book, you must consider your budget. Today we’ll look at writing and editing costs for you to consider as you work on your budget.

Writing Costs

You may not want to rely only on the free version of Word or the library’s free computers as you write. Maybe you already have a good computer and word processing software at home. If so, you’re set. Happy writing!

But maybe your tech is outdated or glitchy. A Geek Squad membership will set you back about $200. If you need a new laptop, that’ll cost between $300 and $3,000. A Microsoft 365 subscription runs about $8 per month. Of course, you can write an entire manuscript using old software. But you may need to share files with your writing group or editor. Plus, you’ll need to export the file to your publishing software. That’s when those older versions of Word don’t always play nicely. Upgrading your tech now can save you some headaches later.

Some writers prefer to use specialized software like Scrivener or Novlr. The paid accounts include features beyond word processing, like file organization, backups, goal and time tracking, reference templates, discounts on editing or publishing services, and even suggested playlists. If you struggle with outlining, organizing files, backing up your work, or formatting your references, these all-in-one options may be worth it for you.

Even if you want to stay analog, you’ll still need to spend on notebooks and your favorite pens.

If you’re struggling with your manuscript, you may want some help to deal with a plot issue or writer’s block. Writing coaches charge between $60 and $70 an hour on average. Online communities or programs for writers provide support, encouragement, accountability, and a safe place to ask questions. Some are free, but many charge a monthly subscription fee.

Practical Budget Application

Let’s say Jamie wants to write a book about her twenty-year career as a teacher. She buys a new laptop and a Microsoft 365 subscription. She’s comfortable with technology, so she bypasses the extra writing apps and tech support. She’s happy with her free local writers’ group and commits to writing 60,000 words over the next six months.

Laptop = $1,000

Microsoft subscription (annualized) = $84

Total writing costs = $1,084

Editing Costs

The editing process is one area where you don’t want to skimp on your budget. Multiple editing options are available depending on what you need help with. Just keep in mind that the cost of editorial services depends on several variables:

Average Rates

Many first-time authors aren’t aware of the different types of editing or the typical rates associated with them. The chart below shows average hourly rates based on survey responses from EFA members in 2020.

Service	Description	Hourly Rate
Editorial assessment	A report containing a manuscript evaluation and suggestions for revisions	$51–$60
Developmental edit	A structural edit of the entire manuscript that includes everything in an editorial assessment along with in-line recommendations and edits, detailed suggestions regarding big-picture issues, and focused advice on writing craft	$51–$60
Line edit	A language edit that focuses on the rhythm, flow, style, and sound of the text at the sentence level to enhance the writer’s voice	$46–$50
Copyedit	A language edit focused on the mechanics of writing at the word level to address grammar, punctuation, word choice, and verb tenses	$41–$45
Proofread	A language edit at the letter or character level, targeting consistency with formatting and style guide application	$36–$40
Authenticity read	A focused read-through of the manuscript to check for unconscious or internalized bias, inaccuracies, or stereotypes	$31–$35
Fact-checking	Research confirming the accuracy of the manuscript’s assertions, statistics, facts, sources, historical references, names, titles, etc.	$46–$50
Indexing	A collection of the manuscript’s key terms and subjects sorted alphabetically, cross-referenced with related terms, and paired with page numbers, direct links, or other locators	$36–$50
Permissions	The process of contacting copyright holders, requesting permission to use their materials, negotiating fees, handling contracts, identifying rights, and creating source lines	$46–$50

Will you need all these services? Probably not. But to make sure your book meets industry standards and shines, consider at least three of them: an editorial assessment or developmental edit, plus a copyedit and proofread.

Practical Budget Application

Jamie meets her six-month deadline and produces a full nonfiction manuscript with 60,000 words. Her writing group performs critiques and acts as her beta readers, but she also pays for a developmental edit. After making revisions based on the feedback from her developmental editor, Jamie works with a copyeditor and a proofreader.

Developmental edit: $2,640

Copyedit: $2,064

Proofread: $912

Total editing costs: $5,616

Takeaways

Setting a realistic budget for your publishing journey is important. As you set your goals and build your publication timeline, consider your strengths and weaknesses and how those will affect your budget. In our example, Jamie had writing and editing expenses totaling $6,700, and that doesn’t include her design or marketing expenses yet. (We’ll look at those in the next post!) The highest costs are associated with the editing stage, and for good reason. Editing your own manuscript is important, but it’s risky to rely completely on self-editing for a book you want to sell. Your content is what matters the most, so that is where you need to make the largest investment. If you’re ready to invest in your manuscript, contact me! I’d love to learn about your project and help make your writing bulletproof.

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