Freelance editors - what are your rates?

[SproodleDoodle]

I have been a freelance book editor (non-fiction, mainly kids' reference books, but adult stuff too) since 2010, so I have lots of experience.
I've been charging £30/hour for the last couple of years (copyediting, a bit more if text is in need of a heavy edit).
Am I underselling myself? I haven't worked in a publishing office for ages so it's so hard to know what others are charging.

I don't know but I would be really interested in how you get into this sector if you want to share!

@Birdsaremyfriends I started off as an editorial assistant for a publishing company (as a young English Lit graduate), and worked my way up to senior editor.
I think publishing companies generally look for in-house experience but there are probably other ways in if you're determined.

Anyone??

CIEP's recommended rates are now a bit higher than that (about £34/hr I think) but it will vary depending on your client base whether that's realistic. Most publishers, as you know, run on very tight budgets and that's reflected in salaries and freelance rates.

Thanks @TheGirlOnTheLanding
This is the eternal dilemma - quite often a potential new client will ask me my rate and I'm wary of asking for more because I know publishers expect freelancers to help them make their unrealistic budgets work.

I'm not actually a member of CIEP, does it bring benefits? (If you are).

I was a member of CIEP for about four years, and yes, it was helpful, especially when I was starting out. Hard to say whether you would find it so, without knowing more about where you are in your career.

The main benefits, in descending order:

• being listed in their directory, which you can only get once you reach "professional" status (achieved by accruing experience and training). I got most of my freelance work through there. Mainly indie authors self-publishing on Kindle, but at least one publisher. If you already have a solid client base, it wouldn't be so useful

• being able to list my "professional" accreditation on my website, to show potential clients I wasn't a chancer or cowgirl

• sense of community and support - you can ask other editors on the forum for support, and I made some friends

• the conference is good fun and a chance to get away from your desk

• other courses and resources, useful if you're thinking of adding another string to your bow

• discount on the Cult Pens website which I took full advantage of!

Thanks @zaxxon Very useful info. How do they judge your experience for professional status?
I have been a freelancer for years and have in-house experience before that, so would imagine I've already reached that level...

Yes, probably... although I seem to recall there has to be some element of training / certification / CPD. It's a complicated points system, you'd have to look it up. If it's not on their website I expect they'd send it to you. They're always after new members!