You’ve ruthlessly torn through your work in progress, and at last, there is no more work to be done. At least, there’s no more you can do on your own. It’s time to hire an editor.
I have been on both sides of the hiring-an-editor process as a freelancer (I story coach now!) and as a writer. I was lucky enough to work with a couple wonderful editors the first time I sent my novel out to be edited, and their professionalism informed not only the way I screen new editors, but also the way I communicate with my clients. Now, I’m sharing these four questions with you in the hopes that your dream editor is only one email away!
Question #1: What kind of editor are you?
When I say “kind of editor,” I’m talking about which stage of editing they specialize in. Don’t know what you need? We have a blog post for that!
What kind of editor you’re in talks with is probably something you should know before you contact them in the first place, but on the off chance you’re unsure, you should absolutely double-check what their specialty is. A proofreader has not necessarily cultivated the same skills as a developmental editor.
Question #2: What software do you use to edit?
The standard software for the industry, of course, is Microsoft Word. But Google Docs and other alternative word processors are becoming increasingly popular. If you do not use the same word processor, there is a chance you (or your editor!) will run into formatting problems while sending your manuscript back and forth.
You needn’t be afraid of editors using different software than you, and that certainly shouldn’t stop you from hiring the editor if they are a great fit for your work. But it is something to be aware of, so if you do encounter some issues, you won’t be blindsided and panic. Good news: as long as you’re both exporting to .DOCX, you’ll be fine.
(Free tip for my fellow Google Docs die-hards: no, you can’t print with comments in the margins, but you can export it as an .HTML file, open it up in your browser, and print from there—it will have all the comments on the last few pages, with their locations notated with letters in brackets in the manuscript.)
Question #3: Have you edited books like mine before?
Beyond specializing in a particular stage of the book-writing process, editors usually also have a few subgenres that they love to edit above all others. The dream editor for your YA thriller about a secret society tearing itself apart will have previously edited YA thrillers and will find the flavor you’ve added to the social dynamics between characters delicious. If they edited a comparative title like They Wish They Were Us, even better!
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t take a chance on an editor who is newer to your genre. If they seem genuinely excited about your story (and especially if they’ve read in the genre, just not edited it before), then trust what your gut is telling you.
Question #4: What can I expect after I get my edits back?
Every editor’s offerings are as unique as your story. Most editors will present an edit letter with a summary of your story’s strengths and weaknesses. Some may offer a thirty-minute phone or Zoom call to talk you through any questions or concerns you have about your manuscript. If you’re really lucky, they might offer a discount on a second round of edits!
Regardless, you’ll want to ask to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for—an author may list that a follow-up call is included with your editing package in your invoice, but if you’re not the type to pay close attention to invoices and it didn’t come up in your emails, then you may not realize you have that perk!
If you do find yourself staring at these edits with no idea what to do with the information in front of you and no follow-up call to be had, here are seven steps to take after you get your edits back.
