Working as a copy editor can be a great way to earn a living as a freelancer. Rates for copy editing can vary greatly, depending on the project, the client, and the editor's experience. However, most copy editors charge by the word, with a typical rate of $0.01-$0.03 per word. Some copy editors also offer package rates, which can be a flat fee per project or a per-word rate that is lower than their usual rate.