So, you’ve decided it’s time to hire an editor. What are the next steps? You wonder. How do you decide which editor to contact?
You’d think that the most important deciding factor would be to get someone who really knows his or her stuff, and that is important. But the reality is that almost all professional editors are great at the technical aspects of editing — grammar, spelling, punctuation — otherwise, they wouldn’t be professionals for very long. Word-of-mouth advertising works both ways. The talk about town can make, and break, careers.
So, what do you look for?
After technical skill, what you really want to experience from your editor is someone who cares about your intentions for your written work(s) and collaborates with you to meet those goals. Sometimes your intentions may be unrealistic or only partially realized, and your caring editor will go about helping you to redirect them in ways to satisfy both your dreams and your audience’s expectations.
Some writers are afraid, sometimes to the point of paranoia, that editors will change things so much that what remains won’t sound like these authors intended. This happens rarely, yet it can happen, in degrees, when an editor cares more about her own style preferences than she does about the author’s intentions. Intentions shape the tone of a piece, too, and unless your editor cares about what you want, the tone of your manuscript could change in ways you never imagined.
Get yourself an editor who is diplomatic, and not only will your fears disappear, but also, you’ll find you’ve got a partner sensitive to your creative pulse. That makes the revision process a whole lot more exciting and productive.
But how?
Sound out local services.
Look into local professionals who advertise in the yellow pages. This is a viable option in most major and some smaller cities. You may be able to make an appointment via phone, email, or even at an office, for a conversational consultation.
Seek recommendations from peers who write, or from local writers groups.
Ask your writing buddies which editors they’ve worked with professionally, if any, and what they thought of the process. What did they get from their experiences?
Research editors’ websites on the Internet.
What if you don’t have access to local services, or you don’t know any other writers? Many professional, freelance editors have their own sites on the Web. You can find standard rates, background information, and a variety of types of editing services offered. Perhaps the info of most use to you is a selection of testimonials from other writers who have worked with the particular editor you’re reviewing. Happy, satisfied clients are one of your best indicators when choosing someone to succeed with.
Clearly, the next step is to choose someone who is both professional and comes well-recommended by others. At this point, there’s one more step to help you feel more secure in your choice.
Contact your prospective editor and ask if he or she will give you a sample edit or a short consultation to determine whether the two of you are compatible to work together. Most editors will agree to one or the other, especially if you are a new client. Sample edits usually cost $10-20 (or are occasionally free), and are applied towards the project if you contract for the job. Short consults may be free, or deductible, as well. Query your prospective editor about this at time of contact.
Also pay attention to how any prospective editor communicates with you. You should expect clear communication, a friendly attitude, and a candid approach to collaboration. A sample edit or consult should give you both a fair idea of what it will be like to work on the project under consideration together. Don’t expect your editor to play to your ego, and try to remain professional, too, when replying to the editor’s commentary. Writing and editing are both important parts of the creative process, and an honest interaction between you and your editor will result in a rewarding relationship for you both. You will know you’re working with the right editor when your conversations show that she, or he, keeps your intentions in mind. If it’s not apparent, ask questions. If he seems to not care, you may terminate your project at any point where you have paid up for services rendered to date, and look for a more compatible editor.
Remember, here’s how to find a great editor:
Look for a professional.
Get good recommendations and/or read testimonials.
Inquire about and contract for a sample edit or consultation.
Communicate.