Korean Job Discussion Forums

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

I was asked to do some editing and writing for an ESL publisher. I've never done this before, and I've no idea what to charge. I don't want to be greedy, and I don't want to undercut prices because it screws other freelancers. Should I charge by the page, or the hour? I'm leaning towards charging by the hour. I was thinking 50 per hour, just cuz that's what I charge for privates. Can anyone give me some pricing advice? I'd really appreciate any help with this! ^^

Karabeara · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:32 pm Post subject:

Charge should be per page. But make sure they define exactly what "one page" means. Companies are famous for giving you 50 pages of something, then paying you less than you expect, and saying that the actual "per page" rate is XXX number of words. Just find out to avoid surprises.

Also, insist on half in advance, if possible, and DO NOT hand over material until you get paid. A company called E-Public screwed me over, and I was paid 40% less than I was originally told I would be paid.

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

Thanks for the info! I know several people who have been screwed over in regards to their editing work. I don't understand why they wouldn't pay you for work (I know it happens all the time, but WTF?). Should I have a contract? Anyway, how much is the going rate per page? Thanks again!!

ontheway · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:16 am Post subject:

I've done dozens of these "editing" jobs. I always just charge my regular hourly rate. Why? Some of the writing is pretty good. I can whip through a page in minutes. Some writing is so bad, I have to sit with the author and decipher it, line by line. I also have to fix their math, logic and tone down grandiose conclusions.

Greekfreak · Joined: 25 May 2003

5,000 won a page regardless of the quality of writing.

You're being paid to proof-read, not editorialize. Just make sure they haven't reduced the fonts to -2 in order to squeeze it all onto less pages.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

I charge 10,000 won per page. Sometimes the Konglish is so thick you're really working at one page per hour.

Peeping Tom · Joined: 15 Feb 2006

5,000 won is too little, unless the writing is very good already and perhaps not full pages.

The worse the translation, the higher your price should be. It can take a long time to edit (read: retranslate) a page of text.

The hourly rate is the best way to go if you can. Just remember, don't feel bad about charging more than they want to pay. You have no obligation to edit for them, and they have every right to find another editor.

Greekfreak · Joined: 25 May 2003

Actually, when you run into the hundreds of pages, I disregard the hourly rate and just ask for a flat fee. I was referring to a 10-page essay or what have you.