There are loads of websites out there that give you advice on picking an editor, and if you are reading this maybe you are still just trying to narrow down specifics. Maybe you have a deadline, or you really want a personal touch. Maybe you are looking for an affordable editor that also will do a quality job. A website like the Editorial Freelance Association is a bit daunting for some. There are great editors there, including my friend and associate Kristen Hamilton, but still something is keeping you from clicking the submit button. Maybe there are some things that others aren’t addressing in their blogs.
Here are my top 5 tips on how to find Your Editor.
#1. Check out their website:
If they don’t have one . . . ummmm that’s weird. If your editor is a professional they should have a website.
#2. Check out their qualifications:
The United States doesn’t have a requirement for editors to have a certain educational/certification path; however, they should have some things on their resume that say, “I am serious about my work.” Check out what organizations they belong to, or if they have acquired certifications from EFA or ACES. Make sure that they have a college degree.
A great friend and best-selling author recently posted on his Facebook page that he had someone hit him up for an editor and wondered who out there was interested. There were some interesting characters that came out of the woodwork. The best was, “I would love to be an editor, this sounds like so much fun. Give him/her my number.” NO! You don’t want that person to be your editor. Your next-door neighbor that is an English teacher and loves reading is NOT an editor.
#3. What is their experience:
Do they have titles to their name? Do they specialize in the genre that you are writing in? What are authors saying about them? What are their reviews?
Now, a few words about this. Freelance editors have a pain in their side. We aren’t gods. We wish we were; we wish what we said goes. But for most freelance editors that publish for independent authors, we don’t get to have the final say. Some authors take our suggestions and toss them out the window. Please bear in mind, if their book looks the way it does, it’s not ALWAYS the editor’s fault. However, the editor should still have great reviews. I personally have edited books that I thought were disgusting and the author didn’t take all my suggestions, but it is still one of his best sellers. The great thing is that the author still loves me and uses me for his other books.
#4. What are their rates:
Now this is one of those things that really depends on the author’s budget isn’t it? Some might say that if your editor is charging you $8,000 than they must be a quality editor. Well, maybe. Or, maybe they just are highly sought after and have to charge that much to weed out the work. Or, maybe they are just obtuse. Who really knows. Some editors are really affordable, and it could be simply because they want the work.
Establish what type of editor you need. If you don’t know, check out the types of editors that are available. Once you have determined what service you need, you should be able to contact an editor and get a price sheet. If they are an experienced editor, they have a really good idea just based on your word count what they will charge. Have a sample of your work available, so that they know what they are dealing with, and get an estimate.
#5. Interview the editor:
This is the MOST IMPORTANT STEP! You wouldn’t get married without meeting the bride/groom, would you? We don’t live in the middle ages for Pete’s sake. If it’s possible, sit down and have a cup of coffee with the perspective editor.
Often, an editor is more than just someone making corrections to your manuscript. They can be part coach or part therapist. Wouldn’t it be helpful to know what their bedside manner is?
Ask them what their interests are. What work have they done? What hobbies do they have? Why is this important? Because, an editor that does more than read is a well-rounded human. You may be writing a book where the main character is a body-building fitness fanatic. Wouldn’t it be great if you had an editor that has experience with a personal trainer or maybe they worked in a gym in their earlier years? Hopefully you get the point.
Is this a person that you can listen to, or are they going to offend you every time they open their mouth? Could they tell you that there is a piece of spinach wedged between your teeth and you wouldn’t be embarrassed at all? If so, it might be a good fit. Seriously, the only way you will be able to determine that is by speaking with that person.
If you have some suggestions on what you think would be important in your search that should have made my top five, let me know in the comments below.
I sure hope that this gives you some more insight when shopping for an editor, and I wish you happy hunting. If you are interested in seeing if I am your editor, you are welcome to contact me. Check out my website at EditsByStacey.com or find me on Facebook.
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