Editing Rate and Quote Calculator

Who this is for

A quote built from the manuscript and your own pace. Enter the word count, then for each pass your speed and either an hourly or a per-word rate, and the sheet works out the hours, the price of each pass and the total quote.

Freelance copy-editors, line editors, developmental editors and proofreaders who want to price every job the same way from their own figures.

What this helps you track

• The manuscript, client and service in one place
• Estimated hours for each pass at your own speed
• The price of each pass at your hourly or per-word rate
• The total quote, the deposit you ask for and the balance due

How to use it

1. Write the client, the manuscript title, the service and the word count at the top.
2. Add a line for each pass you will make, with the words per hour you usually manage on that kind of pass.
3. Enter either your hourly rate or your per-word rate on each line; if a per-word rate is entered it is used instead of the hourly one.
4. Hours, pass prices and the total are worked out in the browser and the workbook; on paper, divide and multiply across.
5. Enter the deposit you want and your payment terms, then send the quote and keep this sheet with the job.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser
• Excel / Google Sheets workbook

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The workbook uses plain formulas only — SUM, IF, COUNTIF and the like — so it opens in Excel, LibreOffice and Google Sheets without anything breaking, and every calculated cell is grey so you can see which figures it worked out.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

Where do the speed and rate figures come from?

From you. Time a sample of the manuscript on each kind of pass to see your own words per hour, and use the rates you have set for your business. The sheet supplies none.

What if I charge per word rather than per hour?

Enter the per-word rate on the line and leave the hourly rate blank. The quote for that pass is then the word count times your rate, and the hours are still shown so you can see what the job pays per hour.

Can I quote for a sample edit first?

Yes. Put the sample's word count in the header, quote it, then start a new sheet for the full manuscript once you know your speed on this particular text.

Does it add tax?

No. If you need to add a sales tax, do so on your invoice at whatever rate applies to you, or note it in the payment terms.