If you've ever worked with an editor, you'll know that we ask questions – lots of questions. That's because we need to make sure we're a good fit and that we meet your project's needs.
But we can't do that if you haven't thought deeply about your writing or publishing goals (and trust me, you don't want to answer these questions on the fly).
So if you want to speed up the editing process and get the most out of your editor–author partnership, here are some questions you should ask yourself before hiring a book editor:
1. What kind of edit do you need?
Most writers say they want a proofread, but what they really need is a copyedit. If you don’t know the difference, do a bit of research (see Copyediting vs. proofreading: What's the difference?). This can help you understand what different types of editing involve so you can choose the right service.
If you’re still unsure, consider getting a manuscript appraisal. Not only will it give you an objective assessment of your book, but it will also help you work out what the next step should be.
2. Have you had editorial input from another book editor?
If your book has already been through a developmental edit or even a preliminary line edit, it may be in pretty good shape, which means the copyeditor won't need to do as much work. What's more, they won't have to talk you through Track Changes and explain how the editing process works.
But if the book is an early draft and you're inexperienced, it may require more intervention and support. This means a higher fee and a longer timeline for delivery (sorry, newbies). To avoid this, self-edit as much as you can or join a writer's group to get early feedback you can implement.
3. Are you self-publishing?
Think about your publishing objectives before hiring an editing professional. Are you planning to send the manuscript to a publisher or agent? If so, a copyedit of your proposal and manuscript will help you make a good first impression.
If you're self-publishing, use both a copyeditor and a proofreader to make sure there are no errors before publication. Readers can be harsh (read: brutal) with self-published books, so a professional book editor will ensure your book looks just as good as your commercially published counterparts.
4. What’s your budget?
Most writers don’t realise how much editors charge (I once saw an ad offering $50 to edit a 30,000-word book). To avoid price shock, check out the rates on editing association websites to get ballpark figures. If you’ve got limited funds, consider a low-cost service, like a sample edit. This will identify common problems and help you self-edit until you have enough funds to invest in a professional edit.
5. Who is your book for?
Knowing your audience will help you find the right editor for your book. If you’re writing a self-help guide, choose someone familiar with the genre. Having said that, some editors are generalists and can adapt to almost any subject matter. If you write fiction, though, stick to fiction editors. Fiction and non-fiction are very different beasts!
6. Do you have a deadline?
Editors tend to get booked weeks or months in advance, so plan ahead if you want to hire an editor. If you have a deadline for a manuscript prize, don't leave it to the week before. Your preferred editor may not be available (or willing) at such short notice.
To get the most out of the editing process, give your editor plenty of time (for a rough idea of how long a copyedit usually takes, see my FAQs). Discuss realistic timelines based on the length and editing level required – and trust your editor. Remember, they've done this before. Your success is their success.
7. Are you ready to kill your darlings?
Editing is a collaborative process, so be prepared to answer questions, cut chapters, rework intros or add more content. This is normal – and always negotiable. So go into the process with an open mind. After all, our goal is to make your book the best version it can be.
Summing up: What to do before you hire a book editor
If you've finished your book and you're looking for an editor, don't hire the first person who responds to your ad on Upwork. Take some time to think about the questions above so you can explain what you need, work out a realistic budget and make a great first impression. Trust me, it'll make the editing process faster, smoother and relatively stress-free.
Got a non-fiction book that needs some TLC? Send me a message (covering the questions above is a good start) or request a sample edit to see if we're a good fit.
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