How to Find Your Ideal Editor

You know the when if you read last week’s post, but what about the who?

Look around you (figuratively). Do you have an author friend/s? Yes? Awesome! Ask them who they worked with, how it went, and if they would choose that editor or service again. If they would, reach out to that editor and ask for a sample edit. If they wouldn’t, as long as the reasons are valid, maybe go out on your own and do some searching. The bookstagram community is a great place to start. Or if you have a favorite indie author, figure out how to get in contact with them and ask. Most authors want to share about their positive choices and their missteps to help future authors not make the same mistakes.

Never commit to an editor/service without first receiving a sample edit. If they don’t want to give you a sample, find someone else. RUN! Or nicely tell them you’re going to look elsewhere.

If I could shout this from the mountain top I would: ALWAYS GET A SAMPLE!

You can ask for a sample from me by filling out my contact form or messaging me on my Instagram.

Samples are FREE. While some editors may charge for a sample, the majority I know, don’t. If you’re excited about the editor and want to pay for the sample, that is absolutely something you can do. But there are great editors out there who don’t charge for a sample. Make sure to let the editor know what type of service you’re wanting a sample for when you reach out. Different editors offer different services, so double check that they offer the service you’re wanting. To get an idea of services, you can find mine here.

Great things to add when you send that initial message or email are: Your timeline, what type of edit/s you would like, a short synopsis of your book, and what style guide you would like used. (I work with the Chicago Manual of Style, CMOS, myself.) Then you can ask how you should send your sample and how many words it should be, what the cost is, and what their contract is like, along with any other questions you might have. These could include wanting to know about payment plans or package editing deals.

The editor will hopefully get back to you in a reasonable amount of time with answers to all of your questions. Generally, they will also let you know how long it will be before your sample is returned to you. 

When you send a sample make sure to choose a section that is in the middle of your work. The first few chapters are generally the most read and edited pages you have. It is important for the editor to know what the lesser edited sections look like. This will help both parties in deciding if this is the right project and/or the right editor for the job.

Make sure you don’t only ask one editor for a sample edit. Ask three to four. You’re about to hand over something you’ve worked on for a considerable amount of time. You are well within your right to make sure you trust the person you are sending your manuscript to. Editors are used to giving samples and hearing that you are in contact with multiple editors. It’s okay. We are doing just fine. And honestly, I get the biggest smile on my face when an author responds that they are waiting to hear from other editors. I’m reminded of Kathleen Kelly from You’ve Got Mail. She is talking to Birdie and says that if Fox Books doesn’t have what the reader wants, they will come to her shop. Birdie responds by saying, “…and visa versa.” But the point stands. If I am not the ideal editor for you, I will be for someone else. And your ideal editor is still out there.

But how to choose once you get those samples back?

Whose comments do you like best? Does one editor insist on an oxford comma, but you hate oxford commas? While that might not be a reason to choose someone else, it is something to bring up and talk about. Do you like the feedback one editor gave more than the other—that is a great sign. Did one editor miss half the commas and punctuation that two other editors found? Maybe not the right fit then. How do you feel when you are corresponding with the editor? Do you like what they are saying about your work? Are they being combative? Are they telling you that you MUST do something? If a comment gives you alarm bells, either ask for clarity, or use that as proof that maybe one of the other editors is a better fit.

Good questions to ask yourself:

• Does the editor match the tone I want for my book?

• Did they explain their comments?

• Were their comments constructive and kind?

• Do you feel motivated or defeated after reading their notes?

• Do they offer a contract?

What it really all comes down to is this: Does the editor respect what you want out of your book? And are they willing to work with you to get it there? You want to feel at peace with your decision. If you don’t feel at peace, maybe you need to get a few more samples.

Did you find your dream editor, but the price doesn’t work for you?

Reach out and ask about a payment plan. We want to work with you, and the right editor will help to figure out how to make it work. It might mean holding off on editing while you save a bit. Or it could mean that the editor is okay with crafting a plan to get paid over a longer period of time. Whatever you decide, make sure YOU are comfortable with it.

You’ve made your choice, now what?

Let your editor know you’ve chosen them! Before you send over any information or payment, SIGN A CONTRACT. You want to protect your work. Key things that I have in my contract: Author name (along with their pen name), title of the book, service being performed, price, payment plan, start and end date, a clause about not pirating, and a clause about not using generative AI, along with a refund policy. Both parties will sign, and I encourage you to keep a copy on hand as well.

From there, the rest is between you and your editor. They will let you know when and how to get your manuscript to them.

Other questions you can and probably should ask (especially if this is your first time):

What is your turn-around time for the complete edit?

Do you have testimonials? You can find mine here!

Have you worked on ____ genre before?

What are your certifications? You can find mine here!

How will I pay you? (I invoice through Clover, which works internationally.)

Do you offer payment plans?

Are you okay with open door/spice? (if applicable)

Remember to trust yourself during this process. You’ve gotten yourself this far. Trust your gut when it comes to making your choice. The right editor will never make you doubt your writing or story.

Ready for a sample edit? Head to my contact form, and let’s get started! Feel free to ask any questions there as well. Next week, we will look at how to deal with an editor crisis.