by JDub07
20 replies
I need some help with pricing. I have a customer who wants me to take 16-20 page word documents and proofread and format them into ebooks. I would create a cover and format the text.

What do you guys recommend charging for something like this?

Thanks for the input!
#ebook #pricing
  • Profile picture of the author Josh880
    It depends on how much time you think the project will take you.

    From the sound of it this doesn't seem like a very hard task.

    Might only take you a couple hours.

    $50-100 bucks seems just about right.

    Other than that the guy can just outsource it.
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    • Profile picture of the author jwiggens
      The formatting of the text will take you no time at all when you set yourself up in Word. The time consuming part depending on your skill level and your client's expectations is designing the book cover.

      I would agree that for something fairly simple for the cover around $50-$100 is fine. If your client is wanting a professional quality cover that is going to make his book stand out in the market place, I think you could go easily up to $200.
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    • Profile picture of the author daioner
      if the project only take you a couple hours.
      somewhere about 69.99 - to 89.99 bucks seems just about right.
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      • Profile picture of the author JDub07
        Originally Posted by daioner View Post

        if the project only take you a couple hours.
        somewhere about 69.99 - to 89.99 bucks seems just about right.
        Yeah that is what I ended up finalizing on.
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  • Profile picture of the author GMD
    Banned
    Originally Posted by JDub07 View Post

    I need some help with pricing. I have a customer who wants me to take 16-20 page word documents and proofread and format them into ebooks. I would create a cover and format the text.

    What do you guys recommend charging for something like this?

    Thanks for the input!
    First, keep in mind it's a "customer" of yours. Right way, don't charge too much!

    Second, evaluate that time that's involved here. If you're working on this customers' order, that means you're not making money with other orders. So...

    If you offer to proofread and correct the 16-20 pages, format them into eBook form (meaning what? Kindle? Standard .pdf eBook?), and create a unique cover (are you making custom graphics or just doing a "basic" cover?) you might want to actually charge a minimum of $100 (or $99 'cause it's still $100 but psychologically pleases more!).

    One good way is to write down each and every tasks that's required to get the customer what they want -- after such a list and then putting your price there makes the price appear reasonable and fair.
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    • Profile picture of the author JDub07
      Thanks for all the great info! I just emailed the client and told them I'd do it for $79 per book. I didn't want to scare them off pricing too high because I think this will be fairly easy for me to complete.
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  • Profile picture of the author Flores
    Originally Posted by JDub07 View Post

    I need some help with pricing. I have a customer who wants me to take 16-20 page word documents and proofread and format them into ebooks. I would create a cover and format the text.

    What do you guys recommend charging for something like this?

    Thanks for the input!
    I think it all depends on the time that you are going to be putting into it. I would pay about $30-$40 an hour for a credible proof reader to look over my project and about $10 for a really good E-book cover graphic.

    Come up with some figures that you think are fare and then discuss them with your client. I know some people may not agree with that, but if you are relatively new, I think that being open with your clients would be a good route to take.
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  • Profile picture of the author valmillercorl
    I noticed you used plurals in your post. As in more than one eBook? Would you clarify please and then I can provide a better response.

    Thx...Val
    Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author JDub07
      Originally Posted by valmillercorl View Post

      I noticed you used plurals in your post. As in more than one eBook? Would you clarify please and then I can provide a better response.

      Thx...Val
      Val,

      They have 5 books ranging from 16-20 pages each.
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  • Profile picture of the author RySpencer
    I think you picked a good price. Especially if you anticipate this customer bringing you more business.

    Now reinvest that $79.00 and advertise your services in the "Warriors for Hire" Section!
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  • Profile picture of the author valmillercorl
    I won't tell you that recently I had a client pay me $75 per page for 3 pages...okay I guess I just told you. I had to brag, sorry, no one in my world outside of IM gets it when I tell them this.

    $79 is a cheap price for this, but Ryan's right, re-invest in the "hire" section!

    Let us know if they accept!

    Val
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  • Profile picture of the author Kierkegaard
    Proof reading

    When I was a proof reader how much I charged depended on the number of words (rather than pages) and how long I had to do the job.

    Example:

    10,000 words
    1 week
    $140

    10,000 words
    48 hrs
    $165

    Editing costs a lot more but there is a lot more work involved.

    Formatting

    This depends on what the customer wants. If it is simply turning a Word doc into a PDF then around $20.

    If they want something more professional then the price will increase.

    Cover design

    This is relatively simple to do. I would charge about $20-30.

    Advice

    The fact of the matter is that you can get good money proof reading. There are authors aplenty putting their novels and books on places like Amazon, Lulu, Createspace, etc. and many are looking for proof readers.

    Anything less than $100 per 10,000 words and you're robbing yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Mcalorum
    I have always found the following price points to work well

    7
    10
    17
    27
    37 &
    47
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    • Profile picture of the author JDub07
      Originally Posted by David Mcalorum View Post

      I have always found the following price points to work well

      7
      10
      17
      27
      37 &
      47

      Maybe $79 was too high. I strongly considered with going something lower like $47.
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      • Profile picture of the author daioner
        Originally Posted by JDub07 View Post

        Maybe $79 was too high. I strongly considered with going something lower like $47.
        dont forget the 47.99
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        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
          $200 is a fair price.

          Don't sell yourself short.

          Daniel
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          • Profile picture of the author manVSspam
            IMO $10,$20,$30 for a really good e-book cover is a ridiculous amount. A good ebook cover is not simple, its all about composition, design, balance, golden ratio etc....
            I would charge $60+ for a good cover and over $100-$150 for a really good one, $600+ for a professional cover (look around the internet and you will find even $600 is cheap).

            I would charge per page for each the proof and format + the convertion + the cover.

            I agree with Daniel, dont sell yourself short.
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  • Profile picture of the author JDub07
    Well I got an e-mail back from my client and was told that my rate of $79 seems good!
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  • Profile picture of the author Austin357
    $79 is a fair price since you are going to get repeat business for your client. Plus, the referrals along with that. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author wiljep
    Hey there

    In general, article writers or content writers are charging $1 - $5 per 500 words depending on their capability and whether they are freelancers, individuals or a company and a team.

    As of proof-reading is concerned I would suggest you to charge a dollar for 500 words and around $10 - $20 for making the cover

    This would put your rates to be competitive and would also help you to retain your client for a long term business or get in more referrals


    Originally Posted by JDub07 View Post

    I need some help with pricing. I have a customer who wants me to take 16-20 page word documents and proofread and format them into ebooks. I would create a cover and format the text.

    What do you guys recommend charging for something like this?

    Thanks for the input!
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