Finding the right editor for your book can be intimidating. With so many editors at different levels of skill and price points, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you on your publishing journey, here are some tips to keep in mind as you hunt for the right editor.

Decide What Kind of Editor You Need

The first step is figuring out what types of editing your manuscript needs. The amount of editing a book needs can vary, but even best-selling authors need a helping hand before they go to print. Here are the four main types of editing you need to know about when searching for an editor:

  • Developmental Editing—sometimes called substantive, structural, or literary editing. This examines your manuscript on a big-picture level. A fiction editor will assess a manuscript’s story structure, characterization, plot, and so on. A nonfiction editor will provide you feedback on information sequencing, strategies to win your audience, and ways to clarify your argument. Developmental editing should be done before any other type of editing when possible. It’s the most likely to create major changes.
  • Line Editing helps refine the writing on the page itself. This means the editor suggests changes to help tighten up style, voice, and flow. The main goal here is to enhance readability. Line editing can also help the author see the strengths and weaknesses of their writing—an invaluable piece of insight!
  • Copyediting addresses errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style. It’s late-stage editing that cleans up typos and issues the author missed during their writing process. More than that, though, a solid copyedit will make the text consistent with a style guide (usually the Chicago Manual of Style).
  • Proofreading is a final editing pass that’s sometimes confused with copyediting. While copyediting addresses issues missed by the author during drafts, proofreading addresses any errors the editors missed. In traditional publishing, proofreading comes after a manuscript has been formatted. In addition to typos, a proofreader will point out formatting issues to address before going to print (or e-book).

Look for an Editor with Experience in Your Genre or Target Audience

Now that you’ve decided what type(s) of editing you need, the real work can begin: finding the right editor for your specific manuscript! One thing that can make or break the editing experience is whether your editor understands the genre you’re writing in—or the people who will eventually read it.

Look for editors whose experience aligns with your goals. For example, if you’ve written a young adult (YA) fantasy novel, you’ll probably get the most value out of working with an editor experienced in the YA or fantasy genres. The same can be said for any genre, including those in nonfiction and memoir. An editor who is already familiar with your genre and target audience will be able to give you a service that’s more tailored to your needs. 

Many editors and agencies list areas of expertise, but if you’re unsure of their specialty, send them an email and ask. This also helps you gauge the editor’s attitude and compatibility with you and your manuscript.

Understand Your Timeframe

We live in an age of instant gratification. Sometimes it feels like the best option is determined by the shortest wait time. Generally, it’s best to avoid this attitude with regard to editing. Providing quality edits and feedback takes time, which means a little patience can get you the best experience.

The tighter your editing timeline, the fewer options you’ll have to choose from. Many quality editors book up weeks or months in advance. Patience is key to getting quality work. As attractive as a forty-eight-hour turnaround may be, you have to consider whether an editor is able to give your manuscript the attention it deserves with such a short timeline. 

If you simply cannot wait, you may find that your options result in lower-quality edits or a drastically higher cost. 

Speaking of cost . . .

Consider Your Budget

With so many people offering editing, it’s tempting to pinch pennies and go with the lowest-cost option. But there’s some truth to the saying, “You get what you pay for.” Getting an editor on the cheap comes with hidden risks. Anyone selling their skills below market value is often inexperienced or overworked. A burned-out editor will likely produce a less-than-stellar edit of your manuscript. 

Of course, some editors do a decent job at a cut-rate price, but it’s worth considering whether “decent” is good enough after the time and effort you’ve put into your book. Editing is an investment in both the book itself and your writing career. The right editor can show you your writing in a whole new light and give you a deeper understanding of your strengths and offer suggestions for improvement. In other words—the impact of a skilled editor goes far beyond the pages they touch!

A great way to start planning your budget is to familiarize yourself with the Editorial Freelance Association’s suggested rates. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you weed out those charging above- or below-normal rates.

Ask for a Sample Edit

This is maybe the second-most-important tip to heed, after figuring out which type of editing you need. Asking an editor for a sample edit can help you see if their style matches yours. A sample edit tells you an editor’s focus and whether they’re the right fit for your book. 

Getting a sample edit is also a great way to make sure you’re getting the best value. Although many editors will do short samples for free, some will charge a fee for longer excerpts. 

If an editor won’t provide sample edits, that’s your cue to move on to someone else entirely.

Prepare for Critique!

As much as we want to hear our manuscript is flawless, that’s not what an editor is for. An editor will give notes on how your book can be improved further. It’s their job! Editing can be a tough process, but it’s an essential part of growing as an author. This is another reason it’s important to look for an editor you’re compatible with. How an editor gives suggestions can affect your perspective on your book.

An editor who sugarcoats feedback isn’t as valuable as one who provides suggestions with honesty, nuance, and compassion. Avoid editors who will only tell you what you want to hear. It may feel good at first, but your book may suffer for it!

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