My basic hourly rate as at January 2026 is AUD$80.
Please note that I am not currently registered for GST.
For most jobs, a 50% deposit will be required before any work commences, with the balance payable upon completion. There may be the occasional task where payment in full is required prior to commencement, so please refer below to the specific service required for further information.
Use the links here to jump to the service you’re looking for, or feel free to just scroll down the page:
- Dead Rel Hunting Starter package
- Dead Rel Hunting in general
- Transcription services
- Manuscript development and writing
- Copy editing
- Proofreading
- Manuscript and document formatting for publication
- Ebook creation
- Self-publishing assistance
1. Dead Rel Hunting Starter package
My Dead Rel Hunting Starter package is $880, ex-GST.
This fee covers:
- a maximum of 3 hours for admin, onboarding and communication (questions, updates, etc.), and
- a minimum of 8 hours for research.
If you haven’t yet had a DNA test, then a 50% deposit will be required while we wait for the test results to come back.
If you have had a DNA test, then payment in full is required before I commence work.
2. Dead Rel Hunting in general
For family tree research, I take bookings for a minimum of 3 hours at a time, payable in full in advance at my basic hourly rate.
You may book for more than 3 hours, or re-book me for 3 hours or more after reviewing the first 3 hours’ work.
3. Transcription services
My transcription rate is $4 per audio minute and allows for up to 2 speakers with no strong accents and no background noise.
The work will also be timed and if the total time taken at my basic hourly rate is less than 90% of the rate per audio minute, then you will only be charged for the actual time taken. (E.g. if the audio runs for 30 minutes, then the fee would be 30 minutes x $4 = $120. But if I can complete the work in, say, 1.25 hours, and my current hourly rate is $80, then you’d only be charged $100 as that’s only 83.33% of the $120 calculated via the rate per audio minute method. Got a headache yet? 😀 )
Turnaround time will depend on my availability. Unlike other transcription services, I only transcribe recordings for publishing/story purposes, not legal or otherwise.
4. Manuscript development and writing
My writing assistance is billed at my basic hourly rate, with a minimum of:
- 2 hours paid in advance for children’s books
- 4 hours paid in advance for family history and family stories.
Once the work has commenced and I can ascertain how much more work might be required, then additional hours can be negotiated.
5. Copy editing
My copy-editing rate generally works out to around $0.07 per word (roughly 1,142 words per hour) and covers two (2) read-throughs (the second one being after your feedback on the first read-through).
The work will also be timed and if the total time taken times my basic hourly rate is less than 90% of the rate per word, then you will only be charged for the actual time taken. E.g. if the document is 2,284 words long, then the quote would be for $160. If I completed the job in 1.5 hours, that would be $120 at my current hourly rate, so you’d only end up paying $120.
Please note that I will ask to view the document prior to quoting. If the quote is accepted, I will require a 50% deposit prior to commencement, with the balance payable on completion.
6. Proofreading
My proofreading rate generally works out to around $0.03 (or 3 cents) per word, and covers two (2) read-throughs.
The work will also be timed and if the total time taken times my basic hourly rate is less than 90% of the rate per word, then you will only be charged for the actual time taken.
Please note that I will ask to view the document prior to quoting. If the quote is accepted, I will require a 50% deposit prior to commencement, with the balance payable on completion.
7. Manuscript and document formatting for publication
Quotes for manuscript and document formatting are done on a case-by-case basis, due to the different requirements of each book and author.
All manuscripts are ‘nuked’ of prior formatting, and then I begin with a fresh file and apply Word’s Styles to ensure stability of the finished product. Formatting of items such as chapter headings in excess of 35, sub-headings, italics, tables, image insertions, image captions, etc., will add to the formatting cost.
Please note that I will ask to review the document prior to quoting. If the quote is accepted, I will require a 50% deposit prior to commencement, with the balance payable on completion.
8. Ebook creation
The starting price for most ebooks will generally be based on 5 hours at my basic hourly rate, payable in full in advance. Work will be timed and if it comes in at 4.5 hours or less, I’ll refund the difference between the invoice and the quote.
This will allow for two samples to be sent to you – the first for feedback and the second with any revisions taken up as a result of that feedback.
Pricing will be affected by whether or not I have formatted the print version for you and so can use that, or whether I have to start from scratch. It will also be affected by things such as sub-headings, image insertions, tables, etc.
However, while the above is a starter guideline, an accurate quote can only be provided once I see the manuscript.
9. Self-publishing assistance
My self-publishing assistance starts at 3 hours at my basic hourly rate, payable in full in advance, with additional hours negotiated if required.
Get the ball rolling!
If you’re ready to consider working with me, then please reach out via the form on my Contact page here. Don’t forget to let me know the information I’ll need as per the service required so that we can get the conversation started!