How to Find an Editor
for My Book
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.
Once your draft is finished, some time has passed, and you've done all the self-editing that you can manage, you might find yourself wondering “how to find an editor for my book”. There are countless editors online. If your to-do list reads how to find an editor for my book, then you'll have to put in some work, but I’m here to demystify the process.
How to Find an Editor For my Book: Ask Questions!
Prior to hiring a book editor, it's wise to ask some questions. Here are a few ideas:
1. What qualifications does the editor have that make them a good fit for my book?
Make sure to do your research on how to find an editor for my book, checking in advance that their qualifications and experience match what you need.
2. Are they able to effectively edit a book like mine?
Before you go all in on getting writing notes from someone, check if your chosen editor is familiar with your particular genre or type of writing before making any commitments. Otherwise, they may be learning as they edit your manuscript. If you’re searching for how to find an editor for my book, you’ll want to make sure you are also looking for someone who can give you the kind of relevant advice that you need.
3. Will I be able to get some kind of preview before I decide to work with them?
Some editors provide sample edits or onboarding phone conversations in order to establish whether they’re a suitable fit for the project. Depending on the editor, this might only be available for those opting for their most comprehensive service. For a picture book edit, it’s more common to take into consideration the editor’s experience, reviews and client references—although there’s no harm in asking if the option is available.
4. Can the editor provide me with a referral?
This is a common question for writers asking “how to find an editor for my book.” A competent editor should not have any trouble connecting you with past customers who can vouch for their services. I'm always willing to provide this kind of information. If an editor refuses to give contact information for at least one prior customer, there are only two explanations: they either did a bad job or they don't have any past clients.
5. Does the editor like to communicate by phone or in writing?
Before hiring a freelance book editor, think about how you prefer to communicate. Do you want the option to speak with your potential editor over the phone? Or do you just want feedback given exclusively in writing? Maybe both? How to find an editor for my book involves also finding an editor who aligns with my communication style.
I am comfortable offering phone services but most of my work takes place through writing. This works better for me as it allows for more clarity and makes sure that my clients have written records of all our conversations which can help them when doing revision or self-editing. When searching for an editor, look out for someone who offers phone support if this is a must-have for you.
6. What services are included? How long will it take them to finish?
You should receive a thorough explanation from your editor of which tasks are part of their services—and which aren't. For example, my written editing includes advice about the query letter. Few of my services feature phone calls. A professional book editor should be able to lay out exactly what is and isn't covered in each package, so there won't be any surprises or frustrations once the job is done. They should also provide an expected turnaround date. If they’re not responding strategically or being evasive when discussing their services, this could mean trouble down the line.
7. Does revision reading come with it?
Remember that some editors may include a review of revised material as part of their offering, while others will impose an extra fee for revision reads. It's significant to comprehend precisely what you're paying for to establish accurate expectations when you’re wondering how to find an editor for my book.
8. What do you do when additional questions come up?
It's a good idea to get an understanding of how the editor deals with any queries that arise once the edit has been finished. Ask the editor what their process is for handling follow-up questions. This will guarantee that both the editor and the client are on the same page and have set clear expectations for working together.
9. Do you use any type of agreement?
Your potential book editor should provide a legally binding document which outlines their scope of work, your arrangement details, and all confidential or legal points in writing. (Don't sign away any rights to your work—if somebody requests ownership over it, this is definitely a publishing scam and should be avoided.)
10. Will advice be offered on what comes next?
Some editors are happy to discuss the submission process or self-publishing strategy, while others are not. If you plan to revise your draft and try to get it published, will the editor offer guidance as far as what should come next? As a former literary agent, I can use my experience in the field to provide assistance without charging any additional fees. I'm always open to consulting on future steps, submission needs, and other essential career tips for authors. Is this an important factor to consider when looking for an editor for my book? That's something only you can answer.
How to Find an Editor for Your Book: You Found One!
Drop me a line if you need help with book editing services! Now that you know what questions to ask and have some ideas about finding an editor, you don’t need to worry about how to find one. If this article has been helpful, feel free to contact me so we can talk more about your project.
For those eagle-eyed readers who are wondering just what kind of editor would write an article with the clunky phrasing of “how to write an editor for my book” over and over on her website, I applaud you for noticing that this reads awkwardly. Please note that I picked this keyword phrase on purpose, as part of my SEO (search engine optimization) strategy. If you’re curious about writer marketing techniques, check out Good Story Marketing.
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.