8 Things You Should Know About Hiring an Editor
There are a lot of things to consider when hiring an editor, so here are eight tips to help you make a decision.
1. Make sure you know what type of editing you’re looking for and that the editor you choose provides it. Check out my post about the different types of editors here.
2. Look for a professional website or listing on LinkedIn. Not everyone has a website, but in my opinion, they should have some sort of online presence to prove their worth and investment in the industry.
3. Look for professional credentials (e.g., certification, academic degree, several years’ experience at a publishing house).
4. Make sure they have experience editing your genre. If you have a children’s book that needs editing, find someone who edits children’s books—don’t go with someone who normally edits suspense. That’s not a good match . . . and it’s likely they are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of children’s books.
5. Check reviews/testimonials. If they have testimonials on their website, these can be a good source of information about the editor’s strongest points. Read these!
6. Ask for a quote. If an editor is outside your budget, it won’t matter if they have the absolute best portfolio or if you two mesh well together, as editors are not likely to negotiate price. If an editor asks for your entire manuscript, don’t worry; this is standard so they can accurately price your project.
7. Ask for a sample edit. Some editors do them for free, but not all. This helps to ensure your personalities will work well together, that they have the skills they claim to have, and that they understand your needs when it comes to keeping your unique voice. For example, some editors might leave a comment with CMOS references, while others might explain the correction in full without the use of citations. Some might use terms like “dangling modifier,” and others may give suggestions for recasts. There’s a place for each of these editors; you just have to find the one that fits best with your individual needs as a writer!
8. Don’t wait until the moment you need your manuscript edited! Inquire and start researching at least a few weeks beforehand. Some editors are booked months in advance.
Good luck finding the right editor for your project!