5 Things to Consider When Looking for an Editor

There are plenty of good editors out there, but you might be thinking “how can I find one that’s also a good fit?”

Once you’ve determined that your draft is ready for an editor (and this is an important step!), these are some questions to think about as you narrow down your list.

1. Do they have experience and/or training? A lot of people claim they can edit a manuscript—and they might be good at catching typos—but only trained editors and those with experience will know what to look for beyond the typos when reading through your story.
2. Do they work in your niche? An editor who is familiar with your genre will be able to give you the best feedback. For instance, an editor who works in the fantasy genre will understand the tropes, character expectations, and audience better than one who works in the memoir genre—and vice versa.
3. Do they fit your budget? You can do a search for standard copyediting, line editing, and developmental editing rates to get a sense of how much you will need to spend on an editor (the EFA posts average rates for different types of editing). Once you’ve determined your budget, look for editors that match it. If you can’t afford editing right now, there are a great number of self-editing resources out there.
4. Will they give you a sample edit? A sample edit is not just for you; it is also for the editor. It’s the best way to test the water to see if you and a certain editor are a good match. Editing is more than just a review of your writing—it’s about the relationship you have with your editor. Do you communicate well together? Do you have compatable personalities? Do you like the editor’s style?
5. Are they sincere? This is basically the same as asking “is this person legit?” Do some digging online. Check out all of their social media accounts. Are they interacting with other editors and authors in a way that’s believable and honest? Do they have a legitimate website? Will they give you references when asked?

Good luck putting together that list! To find out if I’m a good fit, submit an interest form for a free sample edit!