How much can I earn?

Suggested minimum freelance rates

The recommended minimum hourly rate for proofreading in 2008 is £19.25 (according to SfEP, the Society for Editors and Proofreaders).

Note that this is a suggested minimum, so rates can be higher. Copy-editing hourly rates are £20.75, with £26 and upwards paid for substantial editing and rewriting.

The NUJ (National Union of Journalists) quote is almost the same – £21 for proofreading and £24 for copy-editing.

Knowing suggested minimum rates will help you with negotiating your fees for a particular job. Freelance rates do vary between publishing companies, so it is always wise to discuss fees first before accepting freelance work.

The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook lists hundreds of UK publishers who can offer you work (including names of people to contact, subjects published, plus full address and email details).

Check out the why learn freelancing? page for more details on earnings.