What does Proofreading Cost?

Introduction

I've been in professional sales since 1994, and usually I give a straight answer about cost. However, in this case I cannot as I haven't settled on the fair cost. I do have an answer for the first few books. If you want the quick answer, please email me at gershon_ben_franja@yahoo.com.

You will have to determine if the cost exceeds the benefit, so let's explore that.

What do you Value?

It's up to the client to determine if the value exceeds the cost. I'll ask a few questions to help you decide.

1. Are you a logical buyer? If so, then you have to decide if the cost of proofreading will generate enough sales to cover the cost. The quick answer for eBooks is generally no.
   
   This is a business killer for me, but that is the reality of eBook publishing.
   
   However, there is a time when the cost is often recouped -- the dreaded one-star review for grammar and spelling. It's especially bad when it's one of the first reviews. Many times the reviewer didn't even read the book. They only read the "look inside" view on Amazon
   
   If this happens, you will never know if your book would have been successful had you hired a proofreader.
   
2. Do you hate proofreading? I think every writer hates proofreading their own work because it's a different skill than writing. By the time they finish their books, many writers are tired and they miss glaring errors. Then, after they publish and read their books, they realize they overlooked many mistakes.
   
   Writers should still do the best job they can, but experienced writers know they can't find all their errors.
   
3. Do you take pride in your work? I'm an easygoing reader, and I do overlook some minor errors. Most Indie writers make about one per page. When there are few errors, I know I've discovered a professional writer and I will often read all their books.

Client Relationship

A professional wants their clients to succeed. In a fair professional-client relationship the benefits to the client exceed the costs. These benefits are both tangible and intangible.

As a professional, I want to do a professional job. This mean limiting how much work I do a day. Proofreading is mentally difficult, and I'm currently limiting my work to 3,000 words a day. 

Since I'm limiting my work, I can be your accountability partner. You can schedule my services when you start the book, and email me every few days with your progress. When you schedule my services, tell me how many words you expect to write. This way I can fill in my calendar as much as possible. If you miss your due date, I may have to slip your book in the queue or proofread the first half of the book while you continue writing.

For more information, contact me now at gershon_ben_franja@yahoo.com

PS: My next opening is Jan 7th. I have two books in the queue.