How to Find an Editor for Your Novel
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.
If you’ve been in the fiction writing game for any length of time, you may have already realized that writing a book is only half the battle. The other half is getting your work polished and ready for publication or self-publishing, depending on your goals. You might already know that editorial services play a key role in both pursuits. But how do you find an editor for hire? And what do they do, exactly? In this article, I’ll give you a detailed overview of how to find an editor for hire, what editorial services can do for you, and the benefits of requesting feedback from a professional editor as you start to take your writing endeavors more seriously.
Step 1: Determine Your Editing Needs
Before you strike out to find an editor, you should determine what type of editorial services you need. There are different types of editing stages like developmental editing, copyediting, or proofreading. Developmental editing is the most creative and comes in the earliest, when your story is still taking shape. Copyediting and proofreading attack the line-level writing and often happen later in the process, once the storytelling itself is ironed out. Be aware of the kind of editing that your manuscript requires according to your manuscript’s development stage, and search for an editor who specializes in that area. While some editors provide comprehensive editing services, others tailor their offerings more specifically. Editors also tend to specialize in various genres and target audiences, so make sure you find an editor who aligns with your work.
Step 2: Do Your Research Before You Find an Editor
Now that you know the kind of editing you need, it's time to start searching for an editor for hire. There are various ways to find an editor; you can check online databases, ask for recommendations from fellow writers, or attend writing conferences where editors tend to give presentations. Websites like Reedsy have directories of editors who offer editing services to authors seeking publishing guidance for their manuscripts.
Step 3: Check the Editor's Portfolio
Before hiring an editor, check their portfolio to determine whether they might be the right fit for your writing needs. Many editors offer free sample edits, which can give insight into their style and the level of feedback you can expect. You should also look for client testimonials and reviews to see social proof of their services. This can give you confidence as you find an editor. Unfortunately, there are a lot of charlatans out there who will take your money and deliver little of value.
As a writer, you should be aware of scams that promise heaven and earth at a surprisingly low cost. It's common to see self-proclaimed editors on social media guaranteeing literary agent representation and publishing deals. Such editors tend to fall in one of two categories: the incompetent who will provide low-quality work, or the outright fraudsters who will take your money and disappear without a trace. You want to find an editor who will be worth your investment of time, money, and emotion. Check out Writer Beware to make sure you’re signing with a reputable provider.
Step 4: Alternatives to Hiring a Professional Editor
If you’re not yet ready to hire a professional editor, there are other ways to get writing feedback. You can start with critique groups or beta readers. Many writing workshops, conferences, writing groups, and retreats also offer manuscript critiques. By joining an online writing community, you can receive feedback and connect with other writers who can help you grow on your path toward publication. You might want to find an editor later in the process, after getting as much as you can from free or low-cost feedback.
Figuring out how to find an editor can be challenging, especially for new writers who don’t know the ins and outs of the publishing industry. And especially as online “author services” advertisements grow and proliferate all over your feed. However, if you are serious about your writing career, investing in professional editorial services can improve your chances of success. Now you know the steps to finding an editor, the benefits of hiring one, some advice on avoiding scams, and alternative options to consider. As you continue to perfect your writing craft, remember that rigorous feedback is an integral part of the journey. Challenge yourself when you find an editor today.
Ready to expand your writing and publishing knowledge? Covering a wide range of topics for all stages of the writing process, my books will help you navigate the publishing world and refine your craft. The publishing landscape is constantly evolving, and I’m always looking for new and innovative resources to help writers succeed.