How to Find an Editor

In the post Different Types of Edits, we discussed the types of edits you need to know. Here at Talonted Tales Editing, I do developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting but not proofreading. Other editors may offer all of them and some may only offer one.

The post Software vs. Human Editor showed why relying solely on software and skipping the human editor may not be the best idea.

So, you have an idea of what kind of editing you need, and you know you need an editor. Now, maybe you’re wondering how you find an editor. Well, somehow you found me, so you’re off to a great start! But let’s expand on that.

There are sites like Reedsy or Fiverr that allow someone to search for editors (and other types of professionals) or put out a request and accept bids. Some of these sites do some level of verification and some do not. What does this mean? At least in the US, there is no organization that certifies someone is a trained editor, and because of this, anyone can claim to be one. Some people may claim to be an editor but just take the money and run (I’m not saying this is the norm, just that it can happen) while others may take your manuscript and put it in the same software you could have used and not actually edit your story.

That doesn’t mean everyone on these sites is like this, I’m just saying anyone can call themselves an editor. There are also great and mediocre editors and people just starting out or with years of experience. These freelancing sites are one option.

There are also editor organizations that allow outside parties to search in their directory to see editor members. These editors typically have a short write-up of their services and experience along with their private website address. A few I’m a member of are ACES, Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), and the LGBTQ+ Editors Association (which does not currently have a directory). Others I’ve heard good things of are the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE), International Association of Professional Writers and Editors, and Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP, in UK). There are many more, and most of them offer a directory or job board.

You can also use a search engine to look for editors. Similarly, there are social media groups where writers and editors may mingle, and many editors there would be happy to talk to you.

The best way to find an editor is by referral from another author that has actually used the editor and can confirm the work. Word of mouth is always a great way to find any service professional!

But. Oh yes, a but. But finding an editor is only half the battle, so to speak. Editing is not simply following rules in a style guide. Each editor will edit a little differently. While we (trained editors) know the guidelines and when a noun should and shouldn’t be capitalized, other things are more subjective. In addition, some editors only work on certain genres.

A writer’s best option is to find a few different editors they may like to

work. Some editors will offer to do a sample edit right away, which I’ll discuss in a moment. Many do a discovery call where you and they can discuss what you’re looking for to see if your ideas align. After all, it may turn out you need someone with a knowledge of seventeenth century German history. Or perhaps you’d prefer someone with a science background. Or maybe the editor just doesn’t have availability for six months, and you have a deadline. You can talk with as many editors as you like to see if any feel like a good fit.

For line and copy editing, most editors offer a sample edit, and these are often free. This is just what it sounds like. They take a small piece of your story and edit it so you can see how they work and if their way of reading and understanding the story matches with yours. It’s best to give the editors you’re considering the same chunk of text so you can offer a solid comparison.

A developmental edit (DE) is a little different since many of those big picture items a DE looks for cannot be caught in small pieces of text. Check out the post Developmental Editing for a better understanding of what this entails. Sometimes, the editor will offer to review a large sample piece to point out a few key items while others offer examples of past projects they’ve worked on and have been given permission to share.

It's important to remember an editor should be a partner in elevating your story. They should offer constructive criticism, make suggestions, and explain their reasoning all while keeping your intent and voice. In the end, it’s you the author who decides on which suggestions to take. Find someone who seems to work with you and share your vision. While I understand cost may be a factor, making your decision solely on price or whomever you find first may not be the best fit for you.

            Once you’ve decided who you’d like to work with and they agree to take on your project, they will typically create a contract. This is to protect both parties as well as verify project details. Contracts contain things like start and due dates, payments, type of edits and what this consists of, number of rounds, termination allowances for both sides, and anything else you may agree on. Look it over, discuss anything necessary, sign it, send it back. Congratulations! You have an editor!