How to find a book editor (and choose the right one)
You’ve written a book! But how do you find a book editor—and choose the right one?
Let’s back up… You. Wrote. A. Book. Woohoo! After hours upon hours of concocting characters, planning plot twists, and devising dialogue, you have a complete manuscript. It’s time to celebrate! Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth book, it’s still worthy of a happy dance. (I’ll wait while you take a moment to perform said dance.)
OK, now that we’re back from our mini-party, I’ll share some ideas to help you find the right book editor. Here you’ll find some considerations about topics such as:
Scope of services
Genre expertise
Editing style
Editing costs
Editing education
Schedule and availability
Professional rapport
References and testimonials
Read on for questions to ask yourself and any potential editors.
Where to find a book editor
Freelance book editors abound, with no shortage of options. If you’re not sure where to start, consider finding a book editor through highly trusted sources. These could include:
Referrals from writing buddies: Finding an editor is a bit like finding a doctor. You ask around for recommendations from friends because you want someone you can trust. (You wouldn’t show just anyone your plot hole.) But keep in mind that these recommendations might be limited to a certain geography or genre, or the editor may be booked up. So you might want to expand your search.
Professional editing directories: Groups such as the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and ACES: The Society for Editing have directories to help writers find editorial professionals. Editors in these groups pay dues and often attend educational events and conferences to stay current in their craft. Their profiles might link to their individual websites, where you can learn more about their editing services. Try searching for keywords like “fiction editor” or “fantasy editor” to narrow down the results.
Once you’ve found a potential editor or three, consider these questions.
Does this book editor provide the service I need?
There are different levels of editing an author may seek out. Some editors provide multiple types of editing while others prefer to specialize in a single style (check their website). Even if you start working with one editor but need a different type of editing later, your first editor might give you high-quality recommendations.
The most common types of book editing are:
Developmental editing: Usually done first, a developmental edit helps authors strengthen big-picture storytelling aspects like plot, characterization, conflict, tense, etc.
Line editing: A line edit helps authors revise their sentences for greater style, flow, and clarity.
Copyediting: A copyeditor assesses the technical aspects of a text (what most people think of when they hear “editing”) such as grammar, punctuation, capitalization, formatting, etc.
Proofreading: After copyediting, a proofreader is the last line of defense to check for any errors that may have made it to the final file.
You can find more information about types of editing on the EFA’s member skills page.
Ask yourself:
What type of editing feedback do I need for this stage in my manuscript?
Will I need other editing services later on?
Ask the editor:
What types of editing do you offer?
At what stage in the manuscript do you usually edit?
What specific deliverables will you provide me with?
Does the editor specialize in my genre?
Not all book editors specialize in a particular genre, but some do. There can be benefits to working with either kind.
An editor who specializes in your genre can help you deepen your genre knowledge and improve your craft. For example, a fantasy editor can help you strike the delicate balance of worldbuilding to create a rich setting without overwhelming the reader. A romance editor will diagnose where you might be missing a beat that is keeping readers from experiencing a satisfying happily ever after. As a developmental editor who specializes in fantasy and romance, I like to dig into genre-specific needs.
On the other hand, editors who don’t specialize work with a variety of genres, including yours. This means they bring a broader perspective and can offer advice that works across many different types of stories.
Ask yourself:
What type of feedback does my book need? Am I concerned about a genre-specific element?
As a writer, do I want to work on a genre-specific aspect of my storytelling craft?
Ask the editor:
Do you specialize in this genre?
How do you provide genre-specific feedback in your edits?
What is their editing style?
Every editor brings something unique to their edits: their brain. In lieu of an editing hive mind, each editor has honed their singular style. This translates to the finished product you receive. You simply won’t get the same edit from two different editors.
The best way to get a feel for an editor’s style is to ask for a sample edit. Some editors do this for free while others may require a fee. I always start with a free sample edit because it gives writers a taste for my type of feedback. Do you want someone with a commenting style that gets straight to the point or do you prefer more gentle notes? Do you value thorough explanations or quick insights?
Sample edits also weed out any would-be scammers. Be sure to request a sample edit on your manuscript, not just a previous sample edit they’ve done in the past.
Ask the editor:
Do you offer a sample edit? Is it free or paid?
How would you describe your editing style?
I know I work best with X type of feedback. Does that match your commenting style?
Ask yourself:
Does their editing and commenting style match what I want out of the edit?
Are they a good complement to me as a writer (they get my voice, their strengths cover my weaknesses)?
How much does a book edit cost?
Money matters. So it’s important to agree on a price that works for both your budget and the editor’s business. Many editors will offer you options to make paying easier, from various package prices to payment plans.
Beware of prices that seem too good (and low) to be true. A skilled editor will charge enough to earn a living wage. This means they’ll give your book the time and attention it deserves. If you want to get an idea for typical editing rates, check out the EFA’s median rates chart.
You can see my rates for each of my services here.
Ask yourself:
Would the value I get (consider deliverables and sample edit) match the cost?
Does the payment structure work for me?
Ask the editor:
If the overall price is too high for your budget: My budget is X. Is there another level of service that we could still work together while staying in my budget?
If the proposed payment structure is difficult: Are you open to a different type of payment plan, such as… ?
What editing education have they completed?
A good editor stays engaged in developing their craft, just like you do as a writer. Editing education varies, and well-trained editors can be self-taught or formally schooled. The most important thing is that they continue to learn and stay current.
Ask the editor:
What was the most beneficial editing education you’ve completed?
What recent course or book have you found most helpful to continue your editing education?
What is their schedule and availability?
Freelance book editors are business owners who set their own schedules—and we love it! Some editors prefer to work on just one book at a time, while others like to alternate between projects. An editor’s schedule may book up in advance, or you might catch a well-timed opening. Sometimes, it’s worth waiting for the right editor. Other times you may be racing against the clock. To avoid potential rush fees and ensure your preferred editor is available, start inquiring early on so you know their timelines.
Ask yourself:
Does their schedule and timeline work with mine?
Is my timeline rigid (to meet a hard deadline) or flexible?
Ask the editor:
If you have a hard deadline: Is there any way to meet this timeframe? Are there rush fees?
Would I enjoy working with this editor?
Having your book edited should be (at least a little) fun! It’s possible to find an editor that you click with. Building rapport with an editor can really enhance your writing career. After all, it’s creative work, and you get to decide who you add to your creative circle. Look for a book editor that makes you feel like you’re getting on Ms. Frizzle’s magic school bus—educational, inspiring, maybe a bit terrifying but ultimately insightful—and not the struggle bus.
Ask yourself:
What is their tone (via their website, emails, calls, etc.)?
Based on our interactions so far, would they be a positive addition to my creative circle?
Do they demonstrate the values and qualities I’m looking for in an editing partner?
Is this someone I would enjoy working with?
What do other writers say about this book editor?
There are a lot of great editors out there—and talented writers who have positive things to say about them. So how do you choose? Check out testimonials on an editor’s website to get an idea of what it’s like to work with them. Of course, editors are going to showcase positive reviews. So look for specific examples of how that editor provided value to the author. You can also request references to speak directly with past clients.
Ask the editor:
Do you have any testimonials about your services?
I want to work on X; have you worked with an author on a similar issue? Can you tell me about it?
Would you be willing to put me in contact with references?
Ask yourself:
Do any of these testimonials or references describe something specific that I’m looking for?
What if I decide not to work with this editor?
If you reach out to an editor but don’t choose to work with them, that’s OK! Even if they’ve done a sample edit for you, you don’t owe them anything. But please let them know you’ve decided to go with someone else so they get closure—it’s the polite thing to do.
If an editor asks why you didn’t choose them, they’ll appreciate your honest feedback if you’re comfortable sharing it. Was price an issue? Did you find someone who was a better fit or had a certain specialization? Sharing this information can help editors best serve authors.
Start with a free discovery call and sample edit
I’m passionate about helping writers make an informed choice and find an editor that is the right fit. Are you interested in getting a free sample edit and learning more about what it’s like to work with me? Let’s do it! Send me a message to start the conversation.
