What should the quote include?
Provide a representative sample, word count, audience and deadline. Ask how many passes are included and whether comments, a style sheet and follow-up questions are covered.
Which charges need a closer look?
Check extra rounds, major rewrites, formatting, fact-checking and rush delivery. Ask what happens if the manuscript grows after the quote.
Have the provider mark each item as included, optional or charged separately. An item left blank is a question to resolve, not something to count as free.
Before you decide
Have the editor explain what will be returned and what they will leave untouched. A small paid sample can make the work clearer before you commit to a full manuscript.
Compare the total you would pay
Put the offers side by side using the same work, dates and quantities. Add required extras and applicable taxes to each starting price. Keep optional upgrades separate so you can choose them deliberately.
- For an hourly price: ask about minimum time, the expected hours and approval before the bill grows.
- For a package: ask about its limits, expiry and the price of work outside it.
- For a deposit: confirm whether it counts toward the total, when the balance is due and what happens if you cancel.
Keep the agreed price and work list together. If the plan changes, ask for the revised total before agreeing to the extra work.
The rewrite date records an editorial update, not a verification of local prices. How we research fees.