If you have never worked with an editor before, the first step – hiring an editor – can feel overwhelming. After all, choosing the right person for you and building an excellent, ideally long-lasting relationship with them is not always easy.
So here are some tips on hiring an editor – the best one for you – and ensure your collaboration goes smoothly:
- Before hiring an editor, decide what is most important to you. Speed? Quality of editing? Quality of service? Price? Hire accordingly.
- Check if your editor is a member of a professional organisation (such as EFA, CIEP, or Editors Canada). What kind of qualifications and certifications do they have?
- Read their testimonials, if available. Make sure to read between the lines too.
- Spend some time familiarising yourself with the editor’s website and social media. Do your needs, personality, work, and communication style match? Remember that not every editor is the right editor for you and you are not the right client for every editor. Reassess your fit after you have contacted the editor and heard back from them.
- Check your editor’s website. Some of your questions might already have been answered there.
- Come to a clear agreement about the terms and conditions for the editing, ideally signing a contract with your editor. The contract serves to protect both you, the client, and the editor. If there is no contract, considering looking for another editor.
- Treat your editor respectfully and expect to be treated the same way.
- Allot as much time as possible for the editing. Good work needs time!
- Send your manuscript on the date and time agreed. If there are any delays, let your editor know as soon as possible.
- If an editor is not available to work with you, ask for a referral.
Want more advice on how to choose an editor? The Editorial Freelancers Association has a free guide available.
You can also read more about my services and me to see if we might be a good fit. Or just reach out.