Finding an Editor

How to Find an Editor

  1. Do your research.

I had to ask around and watch a lot of YouTube videos on finding an editor and the different kinds of editors before I could even begin to think about choosing one for myself. Consider where you are in your writing process and consider what type of editing is right for you in this moment.

  1. Choose your medium.

Are you going to ask around to find your editor? Use a middleman? Try the Almighty Google? (All hail.) Whatever you choose, remember that each has its benefits and drawbacks. Consider the ease of selecting someone right for you and your work, the price, and the protection you will have as an author once you hand over your work to someone with a deadline. (I've heard stories.)

  1. Choose your editor.

Remember to choose someone that is right for you. They should be interested in your kind of writing and have experience reading and editing it. You also want someone who is known to be responsible, professional, and fair with you and not just tell you what you want to hear.

  1. Stay on the same page with clear expectations and understanding.

Make sure you understand what you are getting into before you sign that contract and make sure your editor knows what you are expecting so that they can give you an appropriate quote. There is nothing more frustrating for a client or and independent contractor than finding out later the details of the contract don't reflect the desired outcomes. Be clear an what you want and understand what the editor is willing to provide, how and when it will delivered, and for how much.

  1. Trust.

It can be scary passing your work off to a stranger, especially if you expecting it to come back with negative notes. Just remember that you are paying for expertise and honesty. If you were careful in your selection process, you should have found someone who knows what your doing and only wants to help make your work better.

Plus, if you absolutely hate their comments and strongly disagree with their suggestions, guess what. You don't have to listen to them. Editors are experts in the craft and while I advise you to listen to most of what they say, you can still have a few artistic differences. If they try to change something really important to you, that's okay. You can double-check with them and move on.

Published July 15, 2021