There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as copy editor rates can vary depending on a number of factors, including the editor's experience, the length and complexity of the document being edited, the turnaround time needed, and the type of edits required. That said, here are a few general guidelines to help you budget for a copy editor:
-1-2 cents per word is a common range for basic copy editing, which includes grammar, spelling, and punctuation corrections, as well as basic fact checking.
-3-5 cents per word is a common range for more comprehensive copy editing, which in addition to the basic edits, also includes things like ensuring the consistency of style and tone, clarification of unclear passages, and flagging potential copyright issues.
-5-10 cents per word is a common range for developmental editing, which is a more in-depth type of edit that looks at the overall structure and flow of the piece, and offers suggestions for improvement.
Of course, these are just general ranges, and your actual editor's rate may be higher or lower than these depending on the factors mentioned above. The best way to get an accurate estimate of what a copy editor will charge for your project is to reach out to a few different editors and ask for quotes.
