How Much Does It Cost To Start A Writing & Editing Business? (In 2024)

Pat Walls

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Updated: January 18th, 2023

Start A Writing & Editing Business

Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.

The cost of opening a a writing & editing business can vary based on several factors. However for a a writing & editing business you can expect to spend $62 to $24,937 with an average cost of $13,137.

The minimum startup costs for a writing & editing business: $62
The maximum startup costs for a writing & editing business: $24,937
The average startup costs for a writing & editing business: $13,137

Here's a detailed list of a writing & editing business startup costs:

Learn more about starting a writing & editing business:

Where to start?

-> Pros and cons of a writing & editing business

Need inspiration?

-> Other writing & editing business success stories
-> Examples of established writing & editing business
-> Marketing ideas for a writing & editing business

Other resources

-> Writing & editing business tips

Equipment & Supply Expenses

Starting a writing & editing business may require purchasing some equipment, whether that's for producing the product or packaging the goods, or equipment needed in the back office.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Cleaning Supplies ➜	Optional	$63	$200

Business Formation Fees

There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Set up business: LLC & Corporations	Required	$50	$500
Small Business Insurance	Recommended	$500	$2,000
Permit and License Fees	Optional	$50	$700
Lawyer Fees	Optional	$0	$1,500

Software Expenses

Your writing & editing business needs software to run efficiently!

Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Accounting & Invoicing Software	Recommended	$0	$50
Email marketing tool	Recommended	$0	$100
Internal Communication Tool	Recommended	$0	$20
Design Programs & Software	Optional	$0	$50
Payroll Software	Optional	$0	$200
Social Media Management Tools	Optional	$0	$50
IT Support ➜	Optional	$150	$2,000

Office Space Expenses

It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your writing & editing business grows.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Rent ➜	Optional	$0	$5,750
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜	Optional	$0	$1,150
WiFi & Internet ➜	Optional	$0	$100

Employee & Freelancer Expenses

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜	Optional	$150	$250
Employee Hiring Expenses	Optional	$1	$2
Employee Rewards ➜	Optional	$0	$100

Website Costs

Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Domain Name ➜	Required	$12	$200
Website Hosting Costs ➜	Required	$0	$300
Website Builder ➜	Recommended	$10	$500
Business Email Hosting Service ➜	Recommended	$1	$15
Website & Live Chat Tool	Recommended	$0	$200
Web Designer ➜	Optional	$200	$6,000

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Customer Research & Surveys	Optional	$0	$300
Networking Membership Fees	Optional	$0	$250
Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing	Optional	$0	$300
Affiliate Marketing Commission & Fees	Optional	$0	$250
Influencer Marketing	Optional	$0	$750
Press	Optional	$0	$500
Google Ads	Optional	$0	$300
Facebook & Instagram Ads	Optional	$0	$350

Part of

Starting A Writing & Editing Business: Everything You Need To Know

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