How to Choose an Editor
You’ve finished your book, congratulations! You have probably spent time reading and rereading your own work. Making changes and adjusting scenes along the way. Then you think, now what?
Now it’s time to find an editor. Someone who will help be a second set of eyes on your story. Someone to help you ensure your story is ready for your readers. An editor can do many things for you and your work. See my blog Understanding the Different Types of Editing for more information.
But there are so many editors out there, how do you know who is right for you?
First, take some time to consider your core values and what you want for your manuscript. Do you value punctuality and honesty? Do you want an editor who is very creative and will bring their skills to help you make changes to your story? Do you need an editor who will value diversity and bring their background to help enhance your work? Consider all of your values and explore some editor’s websites. You want to find an editor that you will enjoy working with, someone you feel you can trust. Maybe you will even find some personal information that helps you feel connected to a specific editor.
Take some time to also consider your budget, be up front about this if it is important to you. Don’t be surprised if editors want to take a look at a sample of your work. The sample will help the editor determine their quote; how much time they will need for your project, and what level of editing they would suggest; as well as their price.
Make sure you feel comfortable with the process. If there isn’t enough information outlined on their website, send them an email. Your project is important to you, you have probably spent hours upon hours preparing your manuscript and this may be the first time you are sharing with someone outside of your circle. Many editors offer a consultation before or after taking a look at your sample to better get to know you, your story, and your hopes and expectations during your work together. Take advantage of these meetings and ask all the questions you can think of to help you make the right decision for your story.
In the end, you want to be comfortable with the editor you are working with. If it doesn’t feel right, then that editor might not be the one for you. Your story is important, your story matters. Find the editor who also believes in your story.