How Much Does a Developmental Editor Cost?

One of the first questions writers ask when considering editing is: How much will this set me back? And it’s a fair question — developmental editing is one of the most in-depth services you can get for your manuscript, so the cost reflects that level of attention. But let’s break it down in plain English so you know what to expect (and how to budget).

What You Are Actually Paying For?

Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of your story — structure, pacing, character development, themes, and emotional impact. Instead of fixing typos or grammar, a developmental editor helps you strengthen your story’s bones so everything else rests on a solid foundation.

They’re looking at your story as a whole:

• Does the plot make sense?

• Are the characters believable and compelling?

• Is the pacing too slow in the middle or rushed at the end?

• Are the themes clear and consistent?

How Developmental Editors Charge

Rates vary, but most editors charge in one of three ways:

1. Per Word
   This is the most common. Rates usually range from $0.02–$0.08 per word depending on the editor’s experience, the complexity of your manuscript, and how much work it needs. An 80,000-word novel could cost anywhere from $1,600 to $5,600.

2. Per Hour
   This option is less predictable unless the editor provides an estimate of total hours. Rates often land around $45–$100+ per hour.

3. Per Project
   Flat fees are often based on word count and complexity. For example, an editor might charge $1,200–$6,000+ for an 80,000-word novel.

What Influences the Cost?

1. Manuscript Length
   More words = more work. A 40,000-word novella will cost less than a 120,000-word fantasy epic.

2. Manuscript Quality
   A clean, well-structured draft may need fewer passes than a first draft full of tangents and plot holes.

3. Editor’s Experience
   Highly experienced editors who’ve worked with big-name authors or publishers charge at the higher end.

4. Level of Feedback
   Do you want an editorial letter only, or margin comments plus a follow-up call? The depth of the service affects pricing.

5. Niche
   Specialization also plays a role. If your story is in a niche genre that requires deep knowledge (say, historical fiction set in 17th-century France), you might pay a premium.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Here’s the thing: a developmental edit isn’t cheap, but it can completely transform your book. It’s the difference between sending your story out half-baked or polished.

If you’re serious about publishing, whether you plan to query agents or self-publish, developmental editing is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives to the developmental edit

If you’re not ready to invest thousands, you still have options:

Editorial Assessments
It’s a lighter service (often $400–$1,200) where the editor gives you a detailed letter with big-picture feedback, without commenting line by line.

Beta Readers
It’s definitely not a replacement for an editor, but good beta readers can help you prepare your story for the next editing steps.

Partial edits
Some editors will work on just the first few chapters to give you guidance you can apply throughout.

The cost of developmental editing isn’t pocket change, but neither is writing a book. You’ve already poured your heart, time, and energy into your story. Hiring the right editor can be the difference between a manuscript that sits in a drawer and one that shines in front of readers.

If you’re considering hiring an editor, the best next step is to reach out for a sample edit or quote. That way, you’ll know what fits both your manuscript and your budget.

Marie Cela is a developmental editor who loves helping writers turn good stories into unforgettable ones. With a background in screenwriting and literary psychology, she brings both rigor and creativity to her work, digging deep into character arcs, themes, and structure while keeping the author’s own vision at the center.

She especially enjoys working with character-driven fiction and historical settings. Marie believes editing is all about collaboration and giving writers the confidence to tell the stories only they can tell.