Lochlainn Harte

As podcast editors, one of the first questions we encounter is, “What are your rates?” It’s a fair question, but the answer is rarely straightforward. Unlike a standardized service with a fixed physical product (think servicing a car), podcast editing is a nuanced process where the final cost is heavily influenced by the specific needs of each project.

This complexity often leads to confusion and potentially mismatched expectations. That’s why I’ve been thinking about this through the lens of Atul Gawande’s “The Checklist Manifesto.” Gawande’s work brilliantly illustrates how seemingly simple checklists can dramatically improve outcomes and prevent errors in high-stakes fields like surgery and aviation.

Just like a pre-flight checklist ensures a safe journey, a clear understanding of your podcast editing needs acts as a vital checklist for achieving a high-quality final product and a fair, transparent pricing agreement.

The Fundamental Fork: Value-Based vs. Service-Based Hiring

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s crucial to consider why you’re hiring an editor in the first place. This often boils down to one of two approaches:

• Value-Based Hiring: Are you seeking more than just someone to trim silences? Are you looking for an editor who brings expertise, creative input, strategic thinking, and a genuine partnership to elevate your podcast? A value-based rate reflects this higher skillset and the guaranteed outcomes that come with it: superior quality, insightful constructive feedback, proactive idea generation, and potentially identifying opportunities you hadn’t even considered. Investing in this level of expertise means paying a premium, but it often yields a significantly higher return in terms of podcast quality and audience engagement.
• Service-Based Hiring: Alternatively, are you primarily looking for a task to be completed? In this scenario, you’ll likely be seeking a service-based rate. While this can be more budget-conscious, be prepared to thoroughly outline your exact needs. Remember, without a clear understanding of the project’s intricacies, any initial flat rate might be misleading and could lead to additional fees as unforeseen complexities arise.

Your Essential Podcast Editing Rate Checklist

To help you navigate this process and ensure you receive accurate quotes (and editors can provide them!), consider the following comprehensive checklist:

Understanding the Scope & Technical Aspects:

• Source Audio Quality: How clean is your raw audio? Does it require significant noise reduction, echo removal, or other cleanup?
• Episode Length & Structure: What is the average length of your episodes, and how many guests are typically involved?
• Audio Elements: Do you require an audio-imaged intro/outro, the seamless integration of ad breaks, or sound effects to enhance the listening experience?
• Episode Volume: Are you looking for a one-off edit, a full season, or ongoing weekly support? Understanding the volume can often influence pricing.
• Promotional Material: Will you need supplementary content like audiograms, social media clips, or a trailer to promote your episodes?
• File Preparation: Will you be providing pre-edited files, or are you supplying raw audio with or without a transcript?
• Editing Style: What level of editing are you seeking? Do you prefer “surgical” precision, removing every “umm,” “ahh,” and repetition, or a more natural, lightly edited feel? (In my opinion, “natural” often means shortcuts are being taken).
• Music & Sound Design: Do you require background music? Will you provide licensed tracks, need access to a stock music library, or are you interested in original music composition? Do you need professional audio mixing and mastering to achieve optimal sound quality?
• DAW Compatibility: What Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or audio editor are you currently using? Ensuring compatibility with your editor’s software can prevent workflow hiccups and potential file conversion issues.

Collaboration & Post-Production Logistics:

• Revisions: How many rounds of revisions do you anticipate needing before you’re completely satisfied with the final product? What is your policy or willingness to pay for additional revisions beyond the initial agreement?
• Turnaround Time: What is your expected timeframe for receiving the edited episode? Faster turnaround times often come with a higher cost due to the increased intensity and potential disruption to the editor’s schedule.
• File Formats: In what final audio formats do you need the delivered files (e.g., MP3, WAV)? Are there specific bitrates or other technical specifications?
• Client Communication & Responsiveness: What is your preferred method of communication (email, Slack, project management tools)? Prompt and clear communication is crucial for a smooth workflow.
• Asset Management/Delivery: How will you deliver the raw audio and any other necessary assets (music, sound effects) to the editor? Clear labeling and organization of files are essential for efficiency.
• Content Complexity & Sensitivity: Does your podcast content deal with highly technical, sensitive, or controversial topics that might require additional attention to detail or fact-checking?
• Copyright & Licensing: Who is responsible for ensuring that all audio assets used in the podcast are properly licensed for commercial use? Will you provide proof of licenses for any music or sound effects you supply?
• Long-Term Relationship: Are you looking for a one-off project, or do you envision an ongoing partnership? Consistent, long-term clients may be eligible for different rate structures.
• Archiving & Storage: What are your expectations for the long-term storage and archiving of project files after completion?
• Scope Creep Management: How will you handle requests or changes to the project scope after the initial agreement? A clear process for addressing scope creep is vital to prevent misunderstandings and unexpected costs.
• Pre-Production Briefing/Style Guide: Can you provide a detailed brief, episode show notes, or a style guide outlining specific editing preferences, branding guidelines, or any particular elements you want to highlight?

Conclusion: Informed Decisions Lead to Better Podcasts

Just as Gawande’s checklists empower medical professionals and pilots to navigate complex procedures effectively, a thoughtful approach to understanding your podcast editing needs will empower you to make informed decisions about pricing and ultimately lead to a higher-quality podcast.

Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions and provide comprehensive information when requesting quotes. By embracing this “checklist” mentality, both podcasters and editors can foster transparency, establish clear expectations, and build successful, long-lasting collaborations.

What other crucial factors do you consider when discussing or determining podcast editing rates? Share your thoughts in the comments below!