Finding the Right Editor for You

There are a lot of editors out there. Truly fantastic editors with more experience than I have, and more degrees and certifications to boot. Why should you pick me over one of those wonder wizards? Well, I'm cheaper for one. But there's something bigger, and it's not something that those more experienced and laureled editors will always talk about.

Not every editor is right for every client. I might not be the right fit for you, and that's okay.

Like you, I am a writer. And I've worked with freelance editors. And I've had amazing experiences that made me feel like I could do anything. Then I've had the experiences that made me set aside my writing for a time until I could come to terms with the feedback I'd received. I don't want any author to come away from reading an edit letter like I felt that time. That editor was great at their job, and I know that they are the right fit for certain clients. They just weren't the right fit for me.

So, how do you avoid getting an absolute soul-crushing gut punch from the feedback you get from an editor? Find the editor that gets your project, the genre, and what you're trying to achieve. So, what should you look for?

First off, do they understand the genre and the expectations readers will have? Do they understand what sets a grimdark novel apart from high fantasy, or what readers expect from a romantasy as opposed to a fantasy with a romance subplot? I can tell you this, if I were asked to edit a thriller, I would not be the best pick. I'll read one now and then, but I don't understand the genre inside and out. I enjoy a good romance, and I'm still not the best pick to edit a straight-up romance novel. Now, Fantasy I understand. I've been reading it since I first delved into chapter books way back with "Sir Small and the Dragonfly," and I've studied how to write fantasy novels.

The next thing you're going to want is a sample of the editor's work. Preferably on your own work. It is a lot of money to hire an editor, and you should get your money's worth. This is why I will give you a sample edit of the first 250 words of your novel when you request a quote. If I don't feel that it's enough to really show you what an edit from me will look like, I will request more pages so that you can get a good idea of what you're getting from me.

Last, you need to know what you're going to get for the type of edit you're requesting. A developmental or line edit costs more per word, but you get more feedback. In my case, I try to ask questions in my margin notes. If there is a lot of passive voice creeping through, I may offer suggestions on how to reword, and what to look for. On a line edit, I would flag cases of passive voice so that you can rewrite to make it active. I will offer books to read, or online courses that I feel would benefit you. I will reference podcasts or online learning resources. My goal as an editor is to not only show you how to polish your manuscript but to help you become a better writer. This is something editors have done for me in the past, and something I feel should be part of the process.

I want my clients to take my suggestions, edits, and comments, and use what helps them to create the best version of their novel that they can. I make myself available after the edit is done to discuss the feedback, and to brainstorm, or to encourage you through the query trenches. When all is done, you're going to have me in your corner cheering you and your manuscript on until you reach whatever your goal is for it.

If I sound like someone who you want to work with, please request a quote from the Editorial Services page on my website. I would love to hear from you. If I don't sound like a good fit, then I wish you the best of luck on your writing journey, and I hope you find the editing partner that is right for you!