At Proper Proofreading, rates are tailored to each engagement to ensure fairness, transparency, and accuracy. We offer varying levels of service to meet the your needs. Estimates are generally based on multiple factors, including: level of service, page count, document type and complexity, formatting requirements, and turnaround time.

Standards and guidance we reference

Our editorial process aligns with the professional frameworks and expectations common in professional accountancy, financial reporting, and A&A environments:

• AICPA and GAAP conventions — ensuring terminology, structure, and disclosures remain consistent and compliant with industry expectations.
• Firm-specific style guides and templates — preserving your internal formatting standards and preferred language.
• Professional editorial guidelines — incorporating best practices from the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), adapted for CPA-level technical documents under PCAOB guidance and AICPA best practices.

These standards help ensure your documents remain compliant, consistent, and review-ready.

Service models and billing structures

Hourly pricing for financial statements, notes, audit opinions, MD&A, and firm-level documents is based on:

• document type
• length and complexity
• formatting requirements
• turnaround time
• depth of service level

Engagements can be billed:

• Per document parameters (per page, word)
• Per project parameters (per week, section, note, page, word)
• Hourly (for consulting or workflow audits)
• Monthly or seasonal retainer (ideal for recurring support)

Tier-based retainer arrangements are available for guaranteed access to professional-level services and long-term, dedicated support, contracted and invoiced directly and securely through FreshBooks. INQUIRE NOW, as guaranteed access is limited.

Turnaround options

Document timelines vary based on length, complexity, and workload, but most engagements follow:

• ACE Tier Priority Retainer: typically 2-3 business days
• BASE Tier Standard Retainer: : typically 3-5 business days
• Rush Overnight Delivery: Expedited turnaround (1 business day) available upon request, may incur a rush fee and/or expedition fee, and is subject to Proofreader availability.
• Peak Season Support: Additional fee for extended access during accelerated audit cycles

Faster timelines are priced higher and subject to current project queue.

What affects your quote

Your project estimate is influenced by:

• Document type
• Turnaround time
• Document length and complexity
• Degree of formatting cleanup required
• Level of service needed. (whether the work is proofreading only or deeper editorial cleanup)
• Numbering and cross-reference issues
• Required style-guide alignment or style guide development, if needed
• GAAP/PCAOB terminology work
• Mathematical accuracy and tie-outs
• Workpaper conventions for formatting and organization

Service distinctions

All proofreading is done by the eyes and ears of a licensed CPA and Certified Master Proofreader.

All documents are handled securely and confidentially throughout the editorial process.

Pricing varies based on the level of service provided:

Proofreading:

Grammar, clarity, consistency, formatting cleanup, cross-reference checks, and light terminology alignment.

Editorial Review / Quality Control:

Deeper structural fixes, significant formatting corrections, terminology review, template alignment, and multi-layer checks for accuracy and consistency.

Consulting:

Style-guide creation, template development, workflow/process improvement, or quality control audits.

We are happy to provide a personalized estimate after reviewing your materials.

Not sure where your firm fits?

Schedule a free discovery call to discuss your needs and

receive a no-obligation estimate.