Learn the pros and cons of charging by the hour or by the word for proofreading services, and get some tips and tricks to make the most of your rates and fees.

I wouldn't choose either. Charge per project. And you don't have to know what others are charging to set your price. You know what your services are worth, so charge to reflect that.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of charging by the hour versus per-word for proofreading services?

If you offer proofreading services, you may wonder how to set your rates and fees. One common dilemma is whether to charge by the hour or by the word. Both methods have their pros and cons, and you need to weigh them carefully before deciding which one suits your needs and preferences. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of charging by the hour versus per-word for proofreading services.

1 Hourly Rates

Charging by the hour means that you bill your clients based on the time you spend on each project. This can be a fair and flexible way to price your services, especially if you work on different types of documents that require varying levels of attention and expertise. You can also adjust your hourly rate according to your skills, experience, and demand. However, charging by the hour also has some drawbacks. For example, you may have to track your time carefully and provide proof of your work to your clients. You may also face difficulties in estimating how long a project will take and communicating your expectations to your clients. Additionally, some clients may prefer a fixed price upfront and avoid hourly rates that could vary depending on the quality and complexity of the document.

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Mohd. Asadali K. Shaikh

Global Head of Product | Driving Innovation in EdTech Solutions
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Charging by the hour for proofreading services offers flexibility and potentially higher earnings for complex documents, but it may lead to ambiguity in pricing and client dissatisfaction with longer projects. Per-word pricing provides clarity and consistency for clients, especially for straightforward tasks, but it may undervalue the effort required for intricate documents and discourage efficiency. Finding a balance or offering both pricing models can cater to diverse client needs while ensuring fair compensation for the proofreader's time and expertise.

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2 Per-Word Rates

Charging by the word means that you bill your clients based on the number of words in the document you proofread. This can be a simple and transparent way to price your services, especially if you work on similar types of documents that have a standard level of difficulty and quality. You can also easily compare your rates with other proofreaders and market your services accordingly. However, charging by the word also has some disadvantages. For example, you may not be able to account for the time and effort you spend on different aspects of proofreading, such as formatting, layout, references, and feedback. You may also encounter problems with clients who request revisions or changes that affect the word count. Additionally, some clients may try to negotiate your rates or expect a lower price for shorter documents.

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3 How to Choose

Choosing whether to charge by the hour or by the word for proofreading services depends on several factors, such as your goals, preferences, niche, and market. You need to consider what works best for you and your clients, and what reflects the value and quality of your services. You may also want to experiment with different methods and see what results you get. Some proofreaders use a combination of both methods, depending on the project and the client. For example, you may charge by the hour for complex or technical documents that require more research and expertise, and by the word for simple or general documents that have a consistent level of difficulty and quality.

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Belinda R.

Sr. B2B SaaS Content Writer & Strategist
(edited)
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I wouldn't choose either. Charge per project. And you don't have to know what others are charging to set your price. You know what your services are worth, so charge to reflect that.

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Hani Mojta

Writer | IT | Experienced in ghostwriting & in-depth research | Voice-over artist | Creative thinker | Fond of teamwork
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It is difficult to choose between charging by the hour or per-word for proofreading services. Flexibility and a guarantee for fair compensation for the time spent are obviously ensured in charging by the hour. However, we all know that clients may not be quite sure about costs. On the other hand, per-word pricing provides you the opportunity to deliver both clarity and predictability. However, there is the chance that this method won’t correctly represent the required effort for the task. The factors you need to consider in choosing are project complexity, client preferences, and your efficiency. Diverse tasks are best carried out under hourly rates. Standardized projects are more suitable for per-word rates.

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4 Pros and Cons

When deciding which method to use for charging for proofreading services, it's important to consider the pros and cons of charging by the hour versus per-word. Hourly rates are fair and flexible, adjusting to skills, experience, and demand. They also account for different types of documents and levels of attention and expertise. However, they require time tracking and proof of work which can be difficult to estimate and communicate. On the other hand, per-word rates are simple and transparent, making them easy to compare and market. They also appeal to clients who want a fixed price. However, they do not account for different aspects of proofreading, are prone to problems with revisions and changes, and may invite negotiation or lower expectations.

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5 Tips and Tricks

No matter which method you use to set your proofreading rates and fees, there are some tips and tricks to make the most of it. Research the market and use online tools to get an idea of the average rates and fees for proofreading services. Be clear and consistent with your clients in writing, avoiding any hidden or extra charges. Remain flexible and willing to negotiate, but also professional and confident in charging what you are worth. Offer discounts or incentives for repeat or referral clients, or for large or long-term projects. Deliver your work on time and to the best of your ability, standing by your rates and fees without apology or justification.

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Etimbuk Antia

I Write And Edit SEO Articles |Record Eloquent Voiceovers |Edit Videos To Perfection | And Review Books📚
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While if I could choose, I'd go with charging per hour over per word, both compensation methods can serve wrongfully. And why's that? The knowledge of what other proofreaders are charging wouldn't be there. The market may have revolved and you would still be stuck at a run-over spot with the old prices. So research the market.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Brooke Black

Crafting Publishable Manuscripts | Editing Your Words | Amplifying Author Voices
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All of your clients are different so it's extremely difficult to have set rates. Some editing is going to need more work, some is going to need very little. Consider turnaround rates as well, and maybe provide a "rush" option if something has a deadline on a tighter timeline. Consider how much time you spend also-- are you quicker or slower with your editing services? For me, someone who edits very quickly, it is not helpful for me to charge hourly. However, charging by word sometimes doesn't account for those bigger projects (that need a lot of work) where I spend more time. There are pros and cons to both and you by no means have to choose one as a blanket rate for all clients.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of charging by the hour versus per-word for proofreading services?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Hourly Rates

2 Per-Word Rates

3 How to Choose

4 Pros and Cons

5 Tips and Tricks

6 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of charging by the hour versus per-word for proofreading services?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Hourly Rates

2 Per-Word Rates

3 How to Choose

4 Pros and Cons

5 Tips and Tricks

6 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

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