Introduction

Since the advent of online self-publishing concepts such as KDP, that have erased the geographical boundaries of publishing, the market for book service providers has spread like wildfire. Editors, cover designers, marketing specialists, illustrators can now scale the metaphorical mountains and swim the symbolic oceans to reach writers all over the world. 

The very many options, solicitations, and cold messaging, and DMing, and the multitude of advice out there, aimed at easing your life after you’re done writing your story sometimes have the opposite effect: leaving you harrowed and not greedily spoilt for choice.    

Yet, writers find editors that are a perfect fit for them and their novel every day. So, how do they achieve that elusive symbiosis? 

It can be a tiresome process for some, but not as elusive as the internet makes it out to be.

{Wondering about editing costs? Check out our post on Book Editing Charges in India}

Let’s begin with the basics. 

The first task if for you to figure out your budget. How much are you willing to spend on an editor you really, really like? Assume you will find one you love, because with the plethora of choices available, you surely will. If you look in the right places and ask the correct questions.

Once you have a broad figure in mind, think about whether you want a local editor who you can probably meet in person or are you open to editors outside your geographical proximity including other countries. 

It is a known fact that editors from India, such as myself, charge lower than our US or British or Australian counterparts, mainly because of a lower cost of living. Experience and qualification wise, we are just as skilled at what we do. 

As such, geographical proximity becomes an important consideration when seen together with your budgetary restrictions. 

{If you are looking for the right editor for your manuscript, check out our post on 56 Book Editors in India – Fiction & Non-Fiction}

A good move at this point is to pick “how” and “where” you want to begin your search. 

• A go to option for many authors is a plain and simple quick Google search. 
• Then there are professional associations like the Editorial Freelancers Association, ACES, the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), Indian Copyeditors Forum (ICF), and many regional and local organizations. 
• You have your freelance websites such as UpWork, Reedsy, Freelancer, etc., that are crawling with editors, and some of them are brilliant at their craft.
• You’ll find qualified editors on author/writer groups on your socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok… Here you can ask other authors writing in your genre for recommendations. Whether or not you are looking for an editor, these groups are wonderful online forums to find your community. 

Whichever combination of “how” and “where” you decide to pick, you have to make sure you are hiring someone who knows what they are doing, who is legit, professional, and the right fit for you and your book.

How can you do that?

By asking the right questions at the right time. 

These questions will equip you with the necessary information to make an informed decision and find the perfect editor to polish your manuscript to perfection. Remember, every editor is different, has a unique skillset, so take the time to find the right match for you and your work, ensuring a successful and enjoyable editing process.

{Learn more about Using Analogies: Metaphors and Similies in Indian Writing}

Set the stage

What Types of Editing Do You Offer?

Different stages of manuscript development require different types of editing: developmental, substantive, line editing, copyediting, or proofreading. Every editor specialises in or more types of editing. But before you ask the editor, make sure you are aware of your editing requirements. If you are not quite sure yet, you can get your manuscript evaluated or assessed by a professional for a much lower charge than full-fledged editing. If that’s not financially viable, you can take advice from beta readers and critique partners in your genre. 

What is Your Editing Philosophy?

Understanding an editor’s approach to your writing is critical to ensuring a good fit. Some editors may focus on maintaining the author’s voice, while others might be more directive. Some might be blunt, others will sugarcoat. But make sure whichever editor you pick is patient. Pick the strategy that works best for you. If you really like this editor, you can also tell them your expected approach, as many experienced editors are able to skilfully mould their communication style according to your needs.   

What is Your Experience with My Genre?

A really important question. An editor experienced in your genre will have a better understanding of its conventions, market trends, reader expectations, and overall experience. In fact, ask the editor what is their favorite genre to read as well.

{Need one-on-one guidance with your manuscript? Here’s a list of Top writing coaches and writing mentors}

Can You Provide References or Testimonials?

Satisfied clients can provide insight into an editor’s strengths, reliability, and the quality of their work, and also their communication style, their general behavior, are they calm and patient or are they argumentative and dominating? Do they listen or only talk? Are they able to understand your needs and act on them? 

Do You Offer a Sample Edit?

A sample edit can provide a clear idea of the editor’s style and whether it resonates with your vision. But do not make your choice only from the sample edit as any editor you hire will always come back to the sample you shared with an improved perspective once they have read the whole story. 

View a sample not just to see whether the editor caught all the mistakes, but also how they communicated those mistakes, how they provided suggestions, did they also recognize the areas that work well or only areas that need work?

What is Your Turnaround Time?

Knowing the timeframe for completion can help manage expectations and plan your publishing schedule.

{We have an informative post on Different Writing Styles with Examples that you may want to check out.}

What Are Your Rates and Payment Terms?

A clear understanding of costs and payment terms is crucial to avoid any financial misunderstandings later on. Some editors do provide payment plans, so you wouldn’t be remiss if you ask them.

Do You Have a Contract and a Confidentiality Agreement?

A clear contract outlines the scope of work, deadlines, and other essential terms of the relationship. It keeps the relationship transparent especially in the current climate where you might never meet your editor in person, it can foster trust. A confidentiality agreement will ensure your work remains confidential and will protect your manuscript.

That said, individuals going into professional editing would rather lose a limb than spoil their relationship with an author or their carefully built reputation through disclosure. 

The fence

Can You Explain Your Editing Process?

Understanding the steps an editor takes from the first sample edit till the final edits are done and dusted can provide clarity to you and make you feel more confident in their person and services.

Do you provide a style sheet?

Besides developmental/structural editing or a manuscript evaluation/assessment, every other type of editing, including line editing, copyediting, proofreading, requires the editor to maintain consistency in punctuation, spelling, grammar, stylistic choices such as use of em-dashes and hyphens, single quotes or double quotes, ellipses with or without a space, etc. An editorial style sheet is a must for this purpose. 

In my experience, most writers have their own style sheet, especially if they are working on a series, but if you don’t your editor should.

How Will You Help Maintain My Voice Throughout the Edits?

It’s crucial the editor can enhance your manuscript while preserving your unique voice. Ask your editor “how” and build that trust.

How Do You Handle Revisions?

Are they charging for one pass or does their quote include a revision? Is there scope for back and forth or will the editor be done once they send the manuscript back to you after the edits. Clarifying the process for revisions will help ensure a smooth working relationship. 

How Do You Communicate Feedback?

Whether it’s through track changes, comments, an editorial report/analysis, or video calls, knowing the communication methods can prepare you for the feedback process.

{We have an article on 17 types of Creative Writing that may help you get started on your writing journey.}

How Do You Handle Disagreements on Edits?

As you go deeper into the revision process, it is bound to happen that you might not agree with all of your editor’s suggestions. But does the editor give you space to air your doubts and disagreements? It’s important to know how an editor addresses disputes, ensuring a constructive dialogue.

Are You Familiar with Current Market Trends in My Genre?

An editor with a finger on the pulse of market trends can provide many valuable insights. For instance, “cheating” is considered a no-no in the romance fiction genre. An editor who is aware of market trends will make sure you know what might alienate a huge section of your readers or attract a whole bunch.

Seal the envelope

What Editing Software Do You Use?

Familiarity with the editing software can facilitate a smoother feedback process.

What Do You Need from Me to Start Editing?

Most editors will begin the onboarding process with a toolkit that will let you know what materials and information are required from your end to help prepare for the editing process. But it isn’t a deal breaker if the editor doesn’t provide a toolkit. In some cases, just the manuscript will suffice and will not require the editor to ask for any other materials. To ease your mind, if you want to share information with the editor, like a lot of my clients do with me throughout the process as and when they remember something, you can definitely do so!

Are You Comfortable with My Level of Involvement?

Some authors prefer a hands-on approach, while others may be more hands-off. Ensuring your editor is comfortable with your level of involvement is key.

{Looking for some tips on writing feature articles? This blog post will shed some light on it.}

Do You Offer Any Post-Editing Support?

Some editors welcome communication long after the project is complete. This build value and trust and of course a potential for you to work with them again. But no editor will turn you away if you approach them for support. Knowing the level of support available after the editing is completed can be beneficial.

Of course, if the support involves a lot of time and expertise, they may propose a more formal arrangement involving financials. For instance, you need an additional review of your manuscript. The editor will happily provide the support. But this will be a chargeable assistance. 

What is Your Availability for Future Projects?

If you envision a long-term collaboration, especially if you are working on a series or have found an editor that is a perfect for you, knowing their availability is important such that both of you can plan for any future work together.

Note: Arming yourself with these questions is akin to having an “ethical” tourist guide in a city you know zilch about. They’ll help you find an editor who’s not just proficient with a red pen, but is also someone you can enjoy a proverbial cup of tea with as you navigate the path to publishing together.

Aanchal Jain – Fiction Editor and Writer

Transitioning from legal jargons to lyrical narratives, Aanchal traded case files for manuscripts, now professing, “I read and write for a living.” As the chief narrative architect at Read Write Relate Editorials, Aanchal offers a sanctuary for stories in the making, providing developmental editing, line editing, and manuscript evaluation services. With a meticulous eye, she sculpts narratives while imparting the craft’s tips and tricks to writers, helping them find their voice. She has worked with publishers such as SAGE Publishing, Half Baked Beans, and freelances for Penguin Random House, India. 

Amidst words and nature, she enjoys her morning and afternoon tea, plays the ukulele, and looks forward to sunny days filled with furry companionship. She is currently working on her first contemporary fiction novel.

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