How to Hire an Editor for
Your Creative Writing
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Deciding to hire an editor for your writing is an important step in the process of taking yourself seriously as a professional creator. It can be a daunting task to find the right story editor for the job, but it is worth the effort. There are several qualifications to look for when deciding to hire an editor, including educational credentials, work experience, and a strong understanding of story, grammar, and language. Additionally, you should look for someone who understands your writing style and can help you refine your work to create the best possible manuscript. Are you ready to hire an editor? Read on to find out.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Editor?
The cost to hire an editor varies depending on the type of editing needed. There are different types of editing out there, and it’s important to understand the differences involved. Copy editing and proofreading typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per standard-length manuscript, while developmental editing can range from $4,000 to $10,000. Some editors charge an hourly rate, while others work on a per-word or per-page basis.
When deciding to hire an editor, it is important to find someone who is a good fit for you and your manuscript. Personal referrals are a great way to hire an editor who has the right communication style and personality that you’re looking for. If you get a recommendation from a friend, not only are you listening to a trusted source, but the editor has some social proof. Before you hire an editor, you can also look at their website and social media presence to get a better sense of who they are. Additionally, make sure to ask questions about their expectations and practices before agreeing to any work. (Here’s a list of questions to ask when you hire an editor.)
Finally, it is important to remember that finding the right editor can take time. Unfortunately, I often hear from clients who have previously worked with an editor and weren’t satisfied. Sometimes, this can be an issue of a writer not yet being ready for writing notes. More often, though, this is an issue of there being a lot of bad actors and publishing scams out there. Experienced editors tend to have a full roster of clients and referrals, so it is best to start your search several months before you want to submit a project. With the right editor, you can take your writing to the next level and create a book that you are proud of.
How to Hire an Editor
Choosing to hire an editor for your manuscript is a great way to take your work to the next level. With the right editor, you can ensure that your book is polished and ready for publication. But how do you find an editor for your book?
The first step is to ask your network for referrals. Ask around in writing workshops and critique groups, and use the power of social media to find out who other writers and authors have used. Referrals can help you identify editors with communication styles and personalities likely to click with yours.
You can also look for freelance editors on freelancing sites, or try to find individual company websites. But remember, anyone can hang a shingle out and claim to be an editor, whether they have credentials or relevant work experience or not.
When looking to hire an editor, consider their experience, communication style, and references from satisfied clients. You should also make sure they understand what you and your book need, and are able to fulfill those specific needs. Don’t hire an editor unless you feel that they can do the work. A lot of people will talk a big game but underdeliver. Request a sample edit if at all possible.
When you decide to hire an editor, finding the right professional can feel like a daunting task, but with the right resources and research, you can find the perfect fit for your manuscript.
Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.
Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.