Free Proofreader Quote Template
Proofreaders quote per word because that is the only reliable way to price work where the client controls the input volume. A quote states the rate per word, the expected word count, and the turnaround so the client can plan publication schedules.
Currency
Live Preview
What should a proofreader put on a quote?
A proofreading quote sets out the planned work and the price before it starts, such as a proofread, a consistency check, and final delivery. List the word count, the rate basis, and a change log, and note that a heavier document can shift the figure. The price is an estimate until the client accepts it.
Typical line items
- Proofreading (per word)
- Consistency and fact-check review
- Final delivery and change log
- Document word count
- Style sheet adherence
- Tracked changes or clean copy
- Sample proofread (if requested)
- Per-word or per-hour rate
How the work is charged
Proofreaders usually quote a per-word or per-hour rate scaled to word count, with a fact-check pass itemised. The figure assumes a stated length and condition, and a sample can confirm the level of work.
Payment terms and deposits
A quote often proposes a deposit to begin, with the balance on delivery of the marked-up document. The price holds for a stated period and is an estimate until accepted, so note what a longer document would add.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, show it as a separate line with your registration number. Confirm the tax treatment that applies to editorial services where you work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does proofreading cost per word?
Proofreading rates range from €0.012 to €0.03 per word. Legal and technical documents at the top end due to the attention required. A 10,000-word marketing brochure costs €120 to €300. A 90,000-word manuscript costs €1,080 to €2,700. Always quote on the actual final word count, not an estimate.
What's included in a proofreading service?
Proofreading covers spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typographical errors. It doesn't cover rewriting sentences or restructuring paragraphs. If a client's text needs deeper work, recommend line editing first. Make this distinction clear in the quote to avoid scope disputes.
Do proofreaders charge extra for very messy documents?
Yes. A manuscript with many errors takes longer to proofread than a clean one. Many proofreaders do a sample page before quoting: if error frequency is above 5 errors per page, they apply a higher per-word rate. Mention this in your quote process.
Related quote templates
Read the complete quoting guide to see how to price a job and turn an accepted quote into an invoice.
Back to Quote Generator →