Proofreading vs Editing vs Fees
Proofreading and Editing Services are more often needed than you might imagine, as every publication or (final) paper should be thoroughly edited, or at least proofread.
Many are uncertain what the difference between proofreading and editing is, therefore let´s start with some definition work:
Proofreading: the job of a proofreader is to detect any errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. They should also put a focus on layout, so that the original layout matches the target layout.
Editing: the job of an editor is to compare source and target text, including arranging, revising, and preparing a written, audio, or video material for final production. The objections are to detect factual, grammatical, and typographical errors; clarify obscure passages; and eliminate parts not suitable for the targeted audience. Goal is to transfer the original meaning of the source, but create a proper sequenced product, that is smooth, has an unbroken flow and sounds native. An executed editing job contains a proofreading work.
Transparent Charging
Editing & Proofreading Solutions are usually charged on a per word rate basis, whereas editing solutions are commonly higher priced than proofreading solutions, due to the scope of work required for each solution.
It´s important to know that a word usually consists of 9 characters with spaces. The per word rate is a common and mostly used method to charge for both proofreading and editing solutions.
Now as client of such solution you might have a big document, but are running out of time due to whatever reason, may it be an approaching deadline, or you need to present it in a meeting. For such cases, you should agree with the Language Solution Provider (“LSP”) on an hourly rate, rather than a per word rate. This is especially of advantage when you have 20,000 words to proofread, but only have 6 hours available to give to the LSP to complete the job. In that case the LSP will not be able to finish the job in the given time with the care you would expect, as one proofreader / editor can process on average between 7,000-10,000 words per day.
Nonetheless, during the given time the LSP can dramatically improve the quality and do the basic check a document requires before publication.
The different method to charge for also applies to editing or proofreading work of video or audio material. In this case you may either consider paying the LSP on an hourly rate, or agree to a per minute rate, based on the total amount of minutes the audio or video file contains.
Set A Limit
When it comes to hourly rates, it is very tricky to predict what the LSP might charge you. Therefore, it is advisable to agree with the LSP to a maximum number of hours to charge for, so that the LSP can´t overcharge you in terms of adding extra hours to the work they provided, or add additional staff members to virtually increase the numbers of hours chargeable.
At Wagner, we provide field expert native speakers for proofreading and editing services in hundreds of languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Kurdish, Lao, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Zulu to name a few, as well as Scandinavian combinations like Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish.
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If you wish to receive a detailed offer or consultation on Wagner Consulting´s editing & proofreading solutions, then please feel free to contact our Sales Team, who will gladly assist you. Quality Assurance Division – Editing & Proofreading Solutions at Wagner Consulting |
