The cost of a developmental editor in the UK can vary depending on the size of your project and the particular skills and experience of the editor. Generally speaking, a developmental editor should charge a fee in the region of £30-£50 an hour, with a minimum fee for a single project of around £250. While this is the starting point, the final fee will depend on your individual project size and complexity, so it is wise to discuss a final fee with your editor.
It is worth noting that experienced developmental editors will have a portfolio of clients and may be able to negotiate an all-in fee covering an agreed number of hours of work, which helps spread the cost of the professional editing over a long-term project relationship.
It can also be useful to ask potential editors for references who can attest to the quality of their work and provide recommendations or suggestions. Ultimately, the cost of a developmental editor can be worth the investment if you want to ensure that your project is of the highest quality.