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How to Find an Editor for Your Book: A Guide for Authors
You have taken your manuscript as far as you can on your own. You’ve written, revised, and self-edited, and now you are ready for the single most important step in turning your book into a professional product: hiring an editor. The decision of how to find an editor is a crucial one. A great editor is more than just a proofreader; they are your first professional reader, your trusted collaborator, and your expert guide to elevating your manuscript to a publishable standard.
But the world of freelance editing can seem vast and opaque. How do you find a qualified professional you can trust with your story? This guide will walk you through the best places to look for an editor and the key questions you should ask before you hire one.
Key Takeaways & Summary
A Crucial, Non-Negotiable Step: Hiring a professional editor is an essential investment for any author who is serious about publishing a high-quality book.
Look for Genre Specialization: The best editor for your book is one who has experience and a deep understanding of your specific genre.
Use Reputable Marketplaces and Organizations: The safest and most reliable way to find a vetted, professional editor is through established freelance marketplaces and professional editorial organizations.
Always Get a Sample Edit: Before you commit to a full manuscript edit, you should always request a paid sample edit to ensure the editor is a good fit for you and your work.
Where to Find a Professional Freelance Editor
1. Professional Editorial Organizations
This is the gold standard for finding vetted, experienced professionals.
The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): The EFA Member Directory is a searchable database of hundreds of professional, freelance editors. You can filter by genre, type of editing, and other specialties. This is one of the most respected resources in the US publishing industry.
2. Curated Freelance Marketplaces for Publishing
These are websites that specifically cater to the publishing industry and have a curated roster of professionals.
Reedsy: The Reedsy Marketplace is a popular and highly respected platform where you can browse the profiles of vetted, experienced editors, read their reviews, and request quotes.
3. Reputable Author Services Companies
Working with an established company can provide an extra layer of project management and quality control. At Bridge Publisher, our book editing services are performed by a team of experienced, professional editors who specialize in a variety of genres.
What to Look for in a Potential Editor
Genre Specialization: This is crucial. An editor who specializes in literary fiction may not be the best fit for your epic fantasy novel. Look for an editor who explicitly states that they work in your genre.
A Professional Website and Portfolio: A professional editor will have a clear, professional website that details their services, their experience, and their portfolio.
Clear Testimonials: Look for testimonials from other authors who have worked with them.
Knowledge of the Industry: A great editor understands the current market and can provide feedback that is not just about craft, but also about making your book more commercially viable.
The Hiring Process: Key Questions and the Sample Edit
1. The “Get a Quote” Phase
Once you have a shortlist of potential editors, you will reach out to them for a quote. Be prepared to provide them with your manuscript’s genre, its total word count, and a brief synopsis.
2. The Sample Edit (The “Audition”)
This is the most important step in the hiring process.
What it is: Before you sign a contract for the full manuscript, you will pay the editor to perform a sample edit of the first 5-10 pages of your novel.
Why it’s essential: This allows you to see their editing style and the quality of their feedback firsthand. It is a “test drive” that ensures you have good chemistry and that their approach is what you’re looking for.
3. The Contract
A professional editor will always provide a clear, professional contract that outlines the scope of the work, the timeline, and the total cost.
Short FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to hire an editor?
A: A professional edit is a significant but essential investment. The cost is usually calculated on a per-word basis. For a comprehensive copy edit of an 80,000-word novel, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,600 to $4,000, depending on the editor’s experience.
Q: When should I hire an editor?
A: You should hire an editor after you have completed your own self-editing and have taken the manuscript as far as you possibly can on your own. It should be a complete, polished draft.
Q: What is the difference between all the types of editing?
A: Our guide to novel editing breaks down the different stages, from big-picture developmental editing to final-pass proofreading.
