Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need an editor?

Say you’ve written something - it could be as big as a thesis, or as small as a exhibition biography. An editor will crosscheck for consistency, check your grammar and spelling, look at the structure, consider if there is more or less you can say to get your message across. It’s a bit like invisible mending.

I’m doing a thesis - how does editing work?

Once your thesis is complete, and you and your supervisors are happy with the content, you can work with an experienced academic editor to make sure the thesis meets all the requirements of your university. For example I will check all your grammar and spelling, your formatting (margins, hierarchy of headings), your references, your figures and tables and will make sure that the work is as free from errors as possible. After all, when you write it, it’s often impossible to see those tiny errors that can creep in.

The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) has developed some indicative costs for editing theses and academic papers, so you have a clear idea of the costs up front. Most supervisors will recommend you use an editor in those final stages before submitting your thesis.

Difference between copyediting
and proofreading?

Copyediting is when the editor is looking for clarity and consistency and that the writing is appropriate for the audience.

Proofreading involves checking that the document is ready to be submitted or published. It includes checking that all the elements are present and updated, layout is error-free, the document meets any particular requirements and that all spelling or punctuation errors have been corrected.

What does it cost?

The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) has developed pay rates to provide guidance to clients looking for editing work. The hourly pay rates represent what a professional self-employed editor in Australia charges to ensure a sustainable, long-term business.

Editors may have different ways of presenting prices, such as a price per word or 1,000 words, per page or per job.

According to IPEd, ‘some clients may offer a total price for an editing job. Editors may consider, based on the work required, whether the client’s budget is appropriate, and accept it, or negotiate the scope of work and/or budget’. A professional editor may charge between $60 and $110 an hour. More information on IPEd pay rates can be found here.