Shopping Cart.
No products in the cart.
Finding the best fit: Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring an Editor
Hiring an independent editor is an important step in your story’s journey to publication. An editor can be a powerful ally and a motivating mentor, but not all editors are created equal. Asking the right questions before collaborating with an editing professional is vital for finding the best fit for you and your story’s needs. Here are questions to consider:
- How long have you been working in the book publishing industry and/or editing professionally? When it comes to the type and depth of editing you need, make sure the editor has an established history of relevant experience that reflects their ability to deliver quality work.
- What type of projects do you have experience with as an editor? Make sure the editor has experience working with the types of projects you’ve written, and they have confident familiarity with the industry you create in and its style guide requirements. It also doesn’t hurt to ask for case studies or examples of previous work they’ve completed (if this is legally available).
- Can you provide a short sample edit of my writing? Review the sample to asses the editor’s attention to detail, personality, and unique feedback style.
- What is your communication style with writers during edits? Ensure that the editor’s communication style fits with yours. Do they provide coaching sessions, post-edit support, or consistent email updates? What kind of language do they use to speak with you? Some editors are matter-of-fact and all about business, which works for some writers! Others are like empathetic friends who gently highlight issues in between cheering you on. It all comes down to the kind of communication YOU need.
- What is your communication style with writers during edits? Ensure that the editor’s communication style fits with yours. Do they provide coaching sessions, post-edit support, or consistent email updates? What kind of language do they use to speak with you? Some editors are matter-of-fact and all about business, which works for some writers! Others are like empathetic friends who gently highlight issues in between cheering you on. It all comes down to the kind of communication YOU need.
- What is your editing philosophy and approach? Look for an editor whose process, industry perspective, values, and creative philosophy aligns with yours.
- What is your editing philosophy and approach? Look for an editor whose process, industry perspective, values, and creative philosophy aligns with yours.
- May I review your qualifications, including your résumé? Review their CV or work history for proof of continuous editing work. Don’t be shy about verifying certifications, education, and any other relevant qualifications.Â
- May I reach out to previous or current clients? Get objective insight about what it’s really like working with the editor by speaking directly with their current and former clients.
- May I reach out to previous or current clients? Get objective insight about what it’s really like working with the editor by speaking directly with their current and former clients.
- What is your fee structure? Get information about rates, payment options, and invoice procedures. Also: make sure you get an estimate in writing, alongside an explanation of what is included in the cost.
- What is your fee structure? Get information about rates, payment options, and invoice procedures. Also: make sure you get an estimate in writing, alongside an explanation of what is included in the cost.
- What is the turnaround time for this project? An editor should offer reasonable turnaround times, which may vary depending on a variety of factors: the length of your project, the depth of edits needed, deadlines, etc. Regardless of these factors, a reputable editor will give you an estimated turnaround time once they know the word count and type of edit booked.
- What is the turnaround time for this project? An editor should offer reasonable turnaround times, which may vary depending on a variety of factors: the length of your project, the depth of edits needed, deadlines, etc. Regardless of these factors, a reputable editor will give you an estimated turnaround time once they know the word count and type of edit booked.
By asking the right questions before collaborating with an editor, you can get a feel for their ethics, editing style, creative philosophy, and relevant experience. This will ensure the editor is the best fit to facilitate your growth as a storyteller, meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations.
Let me know if you have any questions about hiring editors or if you need help with an upcoming writing project. Learn more about how my editing services are evolving in 2024 here.
Â
