How To Choose An Editor

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Often as the first step in the editorial process, it's best to work with developmental editors who help with overall structure, pace, point of view, plot, and character development. Once you’re confident that there won’t be a significant amount of structural changes, you should consider working with a line editor to refine line by line, using word choice to draw readers closer to the POV lens, energize the dialogue, and deepen the narrative. While the first two are optional, working with a copyeditor for consistency, readability, grammar and punctuation is strongly recommended. Don’t hire someone to proofread until the very last step as they focus on correcting indisputable typos or formatting errors before publishing and printing. 

As a first step, it helps to know your budget and timeframe and make sure it’s in line with the going rates for freelance editors. You’ll find a wide range out there but it’s a good idea to check if your potential editor’s fees seem reasonable by comparing to the rates suggested by the Editorial Freelancers Association.  

Remember that you get what you pay for, so take care not to just go with the lowest rate available. Also, if you want access to promotional offers and discounts, consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter.

Start by asking for a sample edit of your work for three important reasons. First, a sample edit allows you to evaluate the quality of their editing style. Second, a sample edit allows the editor to provide you with an accurate estimate of cost and timeframe for the project. Third, a sample edit will expose any compatibility issues so you can quickly discover if you are both able to communicate well and work together. Ask some pointed questions (examples can be found in our recent blog post on this topic) and check references.

Look back through your notes and decide which editor has the most pros vs. cons. What is most important to you? Experience? Timing? Cost? Consider their professionalism in how they spoke to you and what feels right for your project. Did the editor ask questions about your work and your preferences? Will they respect your voice? Will they only make suggestions to enhance readability and only make changes that are indisputable errors in grammar, syntax, or usage? Do they communicate well and use a helpful rather than condescending tone? Will they stay in touch often and keep you updated on their progress? I like to add these subjective questions to my criteria list and use math to support my gut instinct. If you’d like me to share my “How to Choose an Editor” scoring spreadsheet, leave your email here.