Understanding Podcast Editing Costs: How Much Does It Really Take to Hire an Editor?

If you're considering enlisting professional help for your podcast, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is, "What is the cost of having a professional team work on my podcast?" In this post, we'll explore the landscape of podcast editing services, from budget options to premium solutions, and shed light on where Blue Sky Podcasting stands in this dynamic market.

At Blue Sky Podcasting, we offer a comprehensive, turnkey podcasting solution. Approximately half of our clients rely on us for various aspects of their podcasting journey, including recording, editing, mixing, marketing collateral creation, and distribution. The other half engage us for specific podcast-related tasks.

Within the podcast editing industry, you'll find a diverse range of service providers. Companies like PrestigiousPodcaster.com offer complete podcasting packages, including securing VIP guests, with prices starting around $10,000 and positioning themselves on the higher end of the cost spectrum. For those seeking edit-only services, options like NextDayPodcast.com start at a more budget-friendly $79 per episode. Freelancers on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork offer specialized services at varying price points.

Blue Sky Podcasting occupies a boutique-style niche within this industry. While we provide personalized service and direct contact with our team, we don't compete as the most cost-effective option. To give you a better idea of pricing, here's a breakdown of our rates:

  1. Quick Edit: Starting at $150 per episode, this rate includes professional audio engineering services, such as mixing (EQ, compression, noise reduction), writing fades, and addressing up to 3-5 specific cut points with time codes.

  2. Full Edit: Priced from approximately $350 per episode, our full editing service encompasses comprehensive audio engineering, including mixing, fades, meticulous editing to enhance audio quality, and removing unwanted elements like filler words and mistakes.

  3. Full Production: For rates beginning at $600 per episode, our full production service extends beyond editing to include virtual recording assistance, access to our studio, or even mobile recording setups at your location.

Additionally, we offer extra deliverables, such as shareable show snippets, valuable transcripts for compliance and SEO enhancement, and distribution assistance.

These rates reflect the investment required to have someone edit your podcast professionally, but they also highlight the value-added services we provide. If you have any questions or seek further guidance on the costs and options, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'd be delighted to assist you in navigating the podcast editing landscape.

Casey Combest