How to Find an Editor

Now That You Know How to Find an Editor, What’s Next?

Once you know how to find an editor, it’s a great idea to ask for more information. Here’s a list of suggested questions to ask someone you’re thinking about hiring:

1. What is your publishing or editing experience?

Ideally, this will be clear from their website. If not, it’s always a good idea to get a sense of a book editor’s credentials and experience. This is what you’re paying for, at the end of the day.

2. Do you work in my category?

Not all editors are good at everything, and you don’t want them to be. For example, I made my career in children’s books. I am very qualified to work on other kinds of literature, including genre novels and memoir, and I really love it. I’d say 30% of my clients are writing outside the kidlit space. But most people come to me for children’s books, because that’s what I’m known for. 

If you’re unsure, it never hurts to ask. If the editor you’ve found doesn’t really work on fantasy novels, for example, believe them. They may be awesome, but if they don’t have experience relevant to your project, you may be better served elsewhere. You don’t want them “learning on the job” with your manuscript.

3. Do you provide an introductory call or sample?

Some editors will provide an introductory call or manuscript sample, some won’t. Decide if this is something you need, or if you are open to proceeding without. For example, I only do introductory calls and sample edits for potential Full Manuscript Edit clients. It’s my most comprehensive service, so I want clients to feel very confident that my feedback aligns with their needs when they’re figuring out how to find an editor. But a sample edit on a picture book? I don’t do them because then I’m editing 25-50% of a manuscript for free, as the project might only be a few pages long. My Picture Book Edit clients rely on my reputation, testimonials, and client references. Every editor is different in this regard.

4. Can you connect me to a reference?

Hiring a good book editor often means learning about their services—from their clients. Referrals and recommendations can be so helpful when you’re feeling lost on the road of how to find an editor. An editor who is proud of their work should have no problem connecting you to references, or past clients who can share their experiences. I do this all the time. If an editor won’t give you contact information for at least one past client, it could mean one of two things: their past clients are angry, or they haven’t worked with anyone!

5. Do you work via phone or in writing?

When you’re hiring a freelance book editor, know thyself. Do you want to speak to them on the phone? Or do you want feedback in writing? While I do offer phone services, most of my work is written. Writing is how I think best, and besides, I want my clients to have a written record of their notes to refer to as they revise. So my editing is done completely in writing unless I’ve made a custom arrangement with a client. If you absolutely require phone support, look for an editor who will hop on the horn. But it’s all about how you work best and what you need.

6. What is the scope of your service? What is your turnaround?

Your editor should have no problem defining what’s included—and what isn’t—with every editorial service. All of my written edits include query letter feedback, for example, and I’m very clear about that. Almost none of my services include a phone call. A good book editor should be very clear about the scope of each service, so there are no surprises or disappointments. They will also have no problem giving you a specific sense of turnaround timing. I bust my booty off to meet or exceed deadlines, and communicate very clear timeframe expectations to each client. If an editor isn’t responding to early inquiries, their communication is otherwise dodgy, or they are vague about their services, this might signal ominous things to come. You’re putting a lot of work into how to find an editor. Listen to the red flags you stumble across.

7. How do you handle revisions?

Is a review of revised material included in the scope of service? Some editors will look at revisions as part of the original edit. Some will not. I charge for revision reads as an additional service, since not all of my clients request them. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting so you can set your expectations. If you know you want more than one edit on your pages, make sure you know how to find an editor who does that.

8. How do you handle questions and follow-up?

I believe that all editors should offer to clarify their notes and answer questions after an edit is returned. How is your editor going to handle it when any comments or questions spring up? Is there a phone call? Do they provide email back-and-forth? Ask the editor you’re thinking of hiring how they prefer to do follow-up.

9. Do you have an agreement?

A reputable book editor should have a written agreement that outlines the scope of work, defines their contribution, discusses privacy, rights, and gets into other legal territory. (Never sign rights over to any editor or literary agent, by the way. If they’re asking for rights to your work—run! This is a very common publishing scam.) My editorial agreement is thirteen pages long. Why? Because I take my work, and your creative product, very seriously.

10. Do you provide any guidance on next steps, submission, or publication?

Some editors are happy to discuss the edit after they return it, but that’s it. Others go the extra mile and provide guidance for next steps. If your goal is to revise your manuscript and eventually submit it to literary agents or for publication, will the editor provide any kind of advice or guidance? Since I’ve worked as a literary agent, I know I’m in a unique position to offer insider information. I always consult on next steps, submission questions, and other writing career issues at no additional charge.