Finding The Right Editor

There are so many freelance editors out there and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one will be the best fit for you, especially if you’re a debut author or you’ve never hired a professional editor before. Here are some tips on how to find the right editor.

The first step in finding the right editor is to be confident your manuscript is ready to submit to one. Make sure you’ve fixed every error you can possibly find on your own. Consider keeping a log of any questions you have regarding conventions or structure and provide this log to your editor later down the track.

The next step is to know what to expect by researching industry standards and pricing averages. Doing a quick google may not cut it – you’ll have to find multiple editors and compare and contrast the services they offer, the experience they have, and what prices they charge.

Also research the different types of editing and consider which one/s you think your work would benefit from the most. Your editor can often help you make this decision, but it will be good to be familiar with the different types of editing beforehand.

While no two editors will edit exactly the same, we are all well-versed in the conventions of the written word, so odds are any vital errors will be corrected no matter what editor you choose. The main thing that will vary from editor to editor are suggestions made based on personal preference. It is important to choose an editor who is familiar with the genre of your manuscript and can therefore comment on genre-specific tropes and themes.

It is also important to choose an editor within your budget. Prices range from editor to editor and from service to service, so make sure you conduct adequate research, and don’t just pick the first editor you come across. If an editor charges more, it doesn’t always mean their edit will be better than an editor who charges less. Many factors can influence an editor’s personal pricing, and it seldom has anything to do with their skill level.

Check an editor’s qualifications and past editing experience. Editors will often display client reviews on their website, which can give you an idea of how efficient their service is. If this information isn’t readily available, it doesn’t hurt to ask a potential editor about their experience and qualifications. Choosing an editor with relevant qualifications and satisfied previous clients adds an air of reliability and peace of mind to the entire editing experience.

Always get your work sample edited! Most editors will offer free sample edits ranging from around 500 to 2500 words. You can usually submit an excerpt from any stage in your novel, so consider submitting one you know needs editorial corrections. There is no harm in submitting sample edits to a number of different editors. We offer sample edits so we can familiarize ourselves with your genre and writing style, but most importantly, so you can evaluate our editing style and decide if it is right for you.

Once you’ve found an editor you think may be the right fit, always be honest with them about your needs and expectations. Tell them from the get-go if you think a certain aspect of your manuscript needs extra attention, or if there are any specific errors you want your editor to be on the lookout for. Once the editing process starts, don’t hesitate to ask questions, and once your editorial feedback is returned, ask for clarification when needed.

Most importantly, in your quest to find the right editor for your work, remember to be kind and respectful! If you decide not to hire an editor based on their sample edit, that is totally fine, just be positive when communicating this. If you don’t agree with a correction or suggestion an editor has made, ask them to explain their decision.