• Work is normally charged at an hourly rate, as is the case with most professionals.
• When proofreading I can read between 1000 and 2000 words per hour, depending on the manuscript .
• When copy-editing I can read between 800 and 1600 words per hour, again depending on manuscript and required level of intervention (technical, structural, substantive; click here for the SfEP's explanation of these terms).
• The actual rate per hour is dependant on the client and the individual manuscript. Publishers working with me usually set their own rates. Rates with individual authors are negotiable, depending on the type of work. Regular clients are, of course, always offered preferential rates.
• I frequently proceed on the basis of a flat rate for the entire job, providing I have sight of the complete manuscript and all the appendices to be included. This method seems to work well for everyone, from the contemporary publisher on a budget to the self-published author.
  
• I can also offer a special flat rate for rapidly proofreading the work of first-time authors wishing to develop their manuscripts.
• Payment by authors is either in advance of the commencement of the work, or by staged payments throughout the work as agreed by both parties.
  
• Payment by publishers and other businesses is 30 days after the receipt of my invoice, as stated in my terms and conditions.